24x32 shop build starting soon

[joe6749]

Hello all,
I am getting ready to start my 24x32 detached shop, but I need some advice from all the great people on the site. My shop will be used for wood working and to work on my project car and truck. I have an attached 2 car on the house so I will be able to keep all the mowers bikes and household stuff in there. My first question is should I insulate under my floating slab? I don't think I will keep the shop heated all winter at first but I may want to in the future. Since I will not be heating all the time at first I want to put in a forced air type heater but should I insulate under the slab? I am in Minnesota and the winters can be cold. My second question is should I put in a vaulted ceiling so I can fit a lift someday? I am planning on 9' walls and a 4/12 pitch roof. I can't go any higher the city limits the total height but I could put vaulted trusses in to get a little more inside height. Is a lift worth it for restoration - streetrodding type work? Are lifts more useful for maintance type work? I have never used one it seams like it could get in the way in a smaller shop. I plan on posting pictures as I build to give something back to the site.

Thanks,

Joe

 

[kbs2244]

Yes on the under slab insulation.

Think about gas fired radiant heat unless you have access to take out residential furnaces.

Also think about ridge beam roof construction (not ridge board.)
Assuming the ridge is going the 32 foot direction you may be pushing it without going to a steel beam or a post, (maybe a cross joist at the eves and a “king post”?)
It will give you the biggest open room.

Find the local structural steel fabricator and talk to them.
They are pretty slow these days and most have an engineer on staff that can show you your options.

Or something like this:

http://adamstruss.com/our_work.php#images/063014-R1-23-23.jpg

You can put residential style siding on them so they fit in.

 

[Bib Overalls]

A lift is always useful. We actually use a four post to lift bodies off of frames. And you can always put a car "upstairs" if you need a little extra room.

I have an Adams Truss building. I like it. But now that I am planning to finish it out I wish I had stick built.