12' vs 14' ceiling

[BlueEyeDevil]

If you are worried about the height for a lift, what about a boxed ceiling to allow room, combine that with a large dormer on that side of the building.

 

[haugy]

What height doors are those?

Tom

One 12', and the other is 10'. A 12x12 and a 10x16. I'm very happy I went with the big doors. My current boat (not in the pic) fits with about a foot of spare room on the left, and I can put my jeep on my trailer and fit it in the door on the right. Not having to ever worry about height has been very nice .

 

[akdiesel]

You also remarked on the RV usage. If you can get one in you may not have the room to work underneath or change tires.
Resale may be a concern. Some argue that they don't care about that but chances are you will not live there you whole life and appealing to the public could be a driving factor.

 

[tomshep]

This is a final post to help anyone that does a search.

For my use, which is basic automotive hobby work, I am glad I went with the 12' ceiling. The building is already pretty large behind the house and adding another 2' would be that much more height behind my home.

Inside, 12' is plenty of height. It almost seems too high but it will be just right once I get a lift.

I do appreciate the advice and opinions everyone gave.

Tom

 

[dlenkewich]

$1,000 is nothing on the scope of an entire build. I'd go 14' just to make the space feel more open once all your **** is in there!

This and I think more space for a vehicle on a lift the better. Like e-tek said, what if you want to hoist up a pick-up? Pay all that money on a lift and have to croutch under would irritating to say the least.

Personally, it would be an easy choice for me. $1000 for an extra 2ft of headroom? If it's allowed, Do it.

 

[dirttracker18]

This is a final post to help anyone that does a search.

For my use, which is basic automotive hobby work, I am glad I went with the 12' ceiling. The building is already pretty large behind the house and adding another 2' would be that much more height behind my home.

Inside, 12' is plenty of height. It almost seems too high but it will be just right once I get a lift.

I do appreciate the advice and opinions everyone gave.

Tom

To add to this as it was not noted before. if you go with 12' walls and scissor trusses you can put in the 12 foot door and only have 12 foot walls.

How do I know? I did it! Good functionality, save two feet of wall height and still got my traditional 12' door in place

 

[Aberdale]

Here's another reason to go 14'. Resale value. Although you say you won't need the extra 2' of headroom for your purposes, it may be a make or break deal for a potential buyer. 12' with a 10' door won't work for RVs, nor is it optimum for raising pickups or vans on a lift. That extra $1000 spent for a higher ceiling would be easy to get back if and when you sell the property.

The reason I bring this up is because I'm looking at properties now. I would like to buy a home with a shop rather than building one from scratch. I have dismissed several properties already because the current or prior owner built a shop too small for my needs. Am I in the minority? I don't know, all I know is I need 14' ceilings and am willing to pay extra for it.

 

[FarmWrench]

I have had the same conversation with a guy that works with my wife. Your at MOST 40 years from that shop being under new managment, don't sadle your estate with something as useless as a "Carrage House". If you have a DOT door, 14x14 or what ever can have licence plates and drive down the road will fit. If you son starts an excavation biz, his dump truck would fit in the door. Big motor home, It would fit. If you want to save some cash use a hydro swing style door and you get 100% headroom from the opening. (They make great shade to!) The ONLY times I would say have a lower overhead hight is 1.Law says NO (but ask four times and jump on the first yes. 2. Your site has access via under 12' bridges only. (happens in Buffalo) If it looks TOO tall, plant a bush or add waiscot or save your $ and add to the side wall for an office or extra bay. You run out of overhead if you start with a low eve.
If you think too high looks dumb, our fire company has a building we jacked up and added three courses of block to the foundation because a 10' door was enough for only so long. Finally covered a few of the lower ones with mulch but it still looks really wrong.