Building for later expansion?

[gtivr4]

So it looks like I might not have as much money to build as I would like, and will need to build a smaller space than I would ideally build (which is already smaller than what I REALLY want). So the question is, how do you build a building with expandability in mind? Are there things you can do to prepare beforehand?

For example, in the area I want to build, there is a tree. It would need to be removed if I build big, but not necessarily if I build small. Is it worth taking out either way? How do I ensure that its easy to remove a wall and add on?

 

[hyisbm]

well, from all the reading I do on this site most of the guys are going to tell you to draw your ideal plan and then go bigger.

So, is it possible for you to wait until you have the funds to do it the way you want? Are you doing this yourself or hiring out? Maybe you can find ways to cut some costs by doing things yourself if you are hiring out. and I would also assume that it would probably cost a bit more to have a contractor come back out to cut open and extend the building than it would to just do it all at once. Also, what were you planning as far as time between doing the projects?

Me personally, I probably couldn't do a project that way. The first part would get done and then I would never get to the second part.

 

[OccupantRJ]

You could build as wide as you want, and half as long as you want, keeping ceiling height for a lift. Later you could drop the next section's roof level, making it easier to tie the roof together, and go as long as you want. The then inner wall could be torn out, or a door placed between the two sections.

 

[TN_GARAGE]

I'd remove the tree before building a small building. Might be very difficult to get the proper equipment in there if you ever decide to expand (I could probably fell a tree in an open field...put anything of value within a couple hundred feet and my confidence would shrink).

One other thing: trees tend to grow as they age So in a few years when you get around to expanding, that little, lonesome tree might be a big one thats now nestled right up to a building.

 

[Steevo]

Buildings attract falling trees. Just like mobile homes attract tornadoes.

Cut the tree down before building.

Almost any building can be expanded longer, wider, or any combination thereof, but it is hard to make them taller. You just want to be aware of your end-state design, in case you need to consider different truss arrangement, or plumbing/electrical accessibility for the "phase II" project to come.
It is probably best to design your ideal size and footprint, and then figure out where is the easiest place to draw a straight line through that cuts the "phase I" from the "phase II", and then design the intersecting wall(s), rooflines, etc. to be easily modified later.
Put your electrical panel as near to the point where your second phase will connect as possible. You can always build a side wall with a garage-door header already in it for a future opening between spaces, and then frame below it and sheet over it for now, then open it up later when the new room is attached.

 

[larry_g]

Buildings attract falling trees. Just like mobile homes attract tornadoes.

Cut the tree down before building.

Almost any building can be expanded longer, wider, or any combination thereof, but it is hard to make them taller. You just want to be aware of your end-state design, in case you need to consider different truss arrangement, or plumbing/electrical accessibility for the "phase II" project to come.
It is probably best to design your ideal size and footprint, and then figure out where is the easiest place to draw a straight line through that cuts the "phase I" from the "phase II", and then design the intersecting wall(s), rooflines, etc. to be easily modified later.
Put your electrical panel as near to the point where your second phase will connect as possible. You can always build a side wall with a garage-door header already in it for a future opening between spaces, and then frame below it and sheet over it for now, then open it up later when the new room is attached.

Steve says it real well. If a pole building then it perty simple to remove the siding from the end of the building and add poles girts and trusses and march on till the end of the building reattach the end wall siding. Also consider building the shell and putting off the concrete and finish work. board over all but one door opening and install other OH doors later.

Another thing to consider is access to the second build area. If your on a small lot with restricted access then I would think starting at the rear of the lot and build forwards so that the addition will be built in an easy access area.

lg
no neat sig line