Best construction method? 50x100 shop

[MikeN]

So... looking for feedback on the most cost effective and efficient building method for a 50x100 shop (leaning toward 16' tall).

Tilt wall is too pricey, so leaning toward metal building. However, insulating it properly, etc is adding up a lot.

Curious about comparing to stick building (harder to get the 50' clear spans however) and any other methods or recommendations.

Thanks!

 

[sberry]

50 is not a problem clear with wood. Up to 80 ft, then the cost starts to go up. In fact would look at 60, it falls in to the lots for little more and allows way better internal design options. Mine is steel, 80x80 and the only reason I would have went 100 was to allow for some more room along the walls.
60 is better for walking. It takes 10 extra steps in 80 footer (wide) to reach anything. I don't have OTR trucks, most things are not that long and I got plenty of parking and turning radius.
Steel allows easy design options for doors and ceiling heights.

 

[MikeN]

So you are recommended steel in your mind then?

 

[sberry]

There are so many considerations, Steel has a lot of design options, wood is good if you want to install a ceiling. You can dump cellulose above it and is easy to insulate. Steel is cheaper to insure against fire.

 

[MikeN]

Let me expand my plans.....

One side of the building, I plan on dedicating 50x25 to living space. The middle section would be a 50x50 shop/warehouse space. The other side would have a 50x25 office space. Currently plan on doing 9' ceiling on the office area, and decking the top side of the ceiling for storage space above the office accessible from the shop space.

So far I had planned on doing a metal building, with stick construction of those 2 areas inside the building.

 

[shelbyz28]

Around here, a lot of farm shops/machine sheds are that size and larger. Many are post frame construction, or a modern day pole building. One of the other things they're doing is building a "hybrid" with steel trusses and wood columns/posts. Don't know if this would suit your needs or if you have a restriction limiting this option, but to me, for that size of building, that's the cheapest $/ft2 option. I haven't done much steel building pricing though.

 

[MikeN]

Any other feedback out there?

 

[rburke65]

Have you done any comparison shopping on your own? I would think it would depend on what you wanted and for what you are using it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So... looking for feedback on the most cost effective and efficient building method for a 50x100 shop (leaning toward 16' tall).

"Cost effective" and "efficient". Tough criteria. Add in "proper insulation" in Dallas.

Cost effective over what period of time ? If you are willing to wait for a pay back of 5 to 10 years, you really should investigate building with Structured Insulated Panels (SIPs) for 6" walls and 12" roof.

The roof will require trusses and purlins, but nothing really out of the ordinary for a building that size. This won't be a flat roof, but the roof covering can be metal or shingles.

The cost of the construction will be higher than a steel building, but you will have well insulated, efficient (heating and cooling) building.

 

[MikeN]

Yea, thanks... Funny you mention SIPs, have been looking and found something pretty nice vs most SIPs - http://www.thermocore.com/compare-to-eps-panels.php

 

[theoldwizard1]

With SIPS, you have a couple of ways to could build that structure. The quickest would be throw up 16' walls with steel parallel chord scissor trusses (10-12' apart) with purlins to support the roof panels. This would be very similar to pole building, but the walls and the roof would be well insulated. Any interior area that you wanted to have a second floor, would require their own structural walls to support the second floor.

If you are firm on how you want to divide up the space, then the area with 2 floors would be built with side walls designed to support those floor joist. Less flexibility, but also less $$$

 

[jack stand]

Post/frame (pole bldg.) construction is quick & cheap but if you want a "finished" interior, IMHO, regular stick framing makes sense. Here in the cold part of the country, that roll out insulation that you typically see on pole or steel frame bldg.'s does not cut it. Might just be fine down your way. I've built one each way for myself.

 

[kbs2244]

This is, most likely, a zoning issue.

We don't know from your post how long you intend the in side the building living quarters to be there.
But, in my area. I have seen mobile homes. even "double wides," parked inside large "pole barns."
They are kind of "hidden" until the "real" house is built.
This is in a definite "up scale, and horsey,” township, but with an "understanding" local board.

I have heard of legal action being taken after 5 years.
But, as someone wise once said, “All politics is local."

 

[MikeN]

Living quarters will be pretty much permanent.... Even though I will possibly build a home on the property later, the living space would still be used.

The plan would be to build the 2 interior spaces separately (as mentioned) from the primary 50x100 building structure (other then exterior doors and windows).

Here is a link to one version of the plan (not completely current, but you get the space sizes and idea) - http://goo.gl/C8nh4q

 

[theoldwizard1]

Here is a link to one version of the plan (not completely current, but you get the space sizes and idea) - http://goo.gl/C8nh4q

Throw that at a SIP company and they will give you a quote in a short period of time.

 

[kevincook]

Put the office next to the living quarters to block the noise from the shop.

 

[diypolebarns]

It has been my experience when speaking with customers that post frame building (a pole barn) typically is the most cost effective since you are not required to have a continuous poured footer. Instead you have simply a concrete footer placed directly under the post. The foundation cost and shipping are the hidden costs not spoken about when most building kits are advertised. The foundation cost alone can be pretty substantial for your building.

I know this comes from a pole barn guy, but I here this question over and over. I hope this helps.

For pricing, try our free online Instant Quote tool at http://www.diypolebarns.com/quote/

 

[MikeN]

Yes.... I have foundation pricing between $28-35K. Definitely adds up!

 

[theoldwizard1]

It has been my experience when speaking with customers that post frame building (a pole barn) typically is the most cost effective since you are not required to have a continuous poured footer.

Yep. Very cost effective to build. Not necessarily easy to insulate and with poor insulation, very expensive to heat and cool.