24x60 workshop DIY questions.

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Backstory -

My Grandfather recently passed. One of his prized possessions was a HO scale train set.....it fills an older(1978) 14x60 trailer we gutted for that and his workshop. I'm talking $30-$50k of models and tools. The trailer needs a ton of work.


I'm considering building a 24x60 building to house it in. Basic, 1/2 bathroom with a sink in the outer area for work. Father-in-law owns a HVAC company. Dad worked construction 40 years ago and knows basic plumbing. I am a descent DIY guy, have repaired floors, roofs, built steps and decks, etc.


Is this to big an undertaking?

Biggest thing would be figuring materials and cost and will add a 2 bay garage eventually.

 

[kd3pc]

stick or pole barn construction?

For a first project it will be a lot of work and sore backs. You will need at least two solid helpers (or backhoe/etc) to safely handle big/heavy stuff.

Your local codes may require certain things, check with them about DIY.

Material and cost will be easy once plans are set, just stop by HD/Lowes and have them price it.

One of my first was a 32x80x14' horse barn...the wife and I did about 75%, some from the roof of an old chevy van her dad had, the other 25% was 2 or 3 relatives. A ton of fun, and 30 years later we still look back fondly on it.

So it is doable.

best of luck

 

[Next]

No permits here in EKY.

Wood construction

 

[matt_i]

It will take some time for sure. Longer than you want, but its a pleasing feeling to wake up and look out and say "I built that! " You are right in the ballpark to get your plans done so the bulk of it can be done over the summer. I dont know your weather very well this time of year but I'd think a slight chance to get some ground work done before the rainy spring sets in and makes that into mud-work.

 

[Falcon67]

See my build link in my sig - I did a 24x40 mostly single handed with wife's help. Another 20' would have just taken more time and materials, about $7500 more with the build out costs at that time.

 

[rburke65]

Of course you can do it! "Is this too big of an undertaking"? Too big for you? Only why you will find out is to start. Keep asking questions....good luck!

 

[39Tudor]

I'd like to see a few pictures of that layout.
A 14X60 HO layout must be an awesome sight to behold.

 

[73RR]

You can buy basic building plans online, and a 24x60 is not huge unless you get over 10' wall height, then some additional equipment is needed.
HomeDepot even sells plans and lumber packages so you really don't need to do a lot of thinking...well ok, yeah you'll need to do some thinking.....but remember, it is nothing more than a pile of sticks and nails.
With you family help it should be a good project.

I'll recommend that you sub out the slab and I'll recommend a mono pour, often referred to as a 'frost-protected-shallow-foundation'. A lot less excavation than stem walls.
Warning about concrete subs...they will only give you what the contract says you get. No contract? you can read all about crappy slabs on this forum and the nearly impossible task to fix them. If you need help, there are dozens of engineers and general contractors on this forum that can offer advice. Even then, you will still need someone to be on site to keep them on track.

 

[rsanter]

How about move the trailer and keep the train set in there.

Build a smaller building for the shop

Bob

 

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I'd like to see a few pictures of that layout.
A 14X60 HO layout must be an awesome sight to behold.

The trailer is that size, the layout is probably 40x6 in most places and 3 foot wide in others?

 

[cjcocn]

I built my 30 x 30 x 12H shop by myself.

The only help I had was an excavator that I hired to stand the (already sheathed) walls up and hold them in place while I secured them, and 3 extra bodies to help lift and install the trusses.

It is doable - just do your homework (permits, etc.), check with utility companies for buried cable, and otherwise be prepared to learn a lot while you build.

 

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Here is some pics

 

[kbs2244]

I careful restore of the trailer would be a lot less work that a building that size.
And have the advantage of a "how he left it" feel.

I do like the round house.
You do not see them often.

 

[ard]

Those pictures smell like my childhood visits to grandpas basement....