Decisions Decisions.

[Neal]

Ok here's my problem.I am trying to decide if I should build a small house (2 bed,1 bath)with a detached shop roughly 30x40 or should I do a larger shop with an apt.There is only my daughter and I so I do need at least 2 bedrooms.I know it should be simple but I could still use a little help.Thanks

 

[Uncle Buck]

I think you should plan for the time you might want to sell the property somewhere down the road. You could combine the two and pay less for an initial build, and for your on going utilities every month as well as your property taxes. This would dollars wise work to your benefit as long as you stay put.

On the flip side, the number of potential buyers should you ever want to sell would likely be drastically lower than if you had a separate shop and home on the same property.

 

[Neal]

The property is actually part of my mom and dads land.They have about 8 acres which is spit into 2 lots.They live on the front 2 acre lot.The back lot already has power,phone and septic.I would need to put a well down.I would also have to have the septic checked and inspected.I have been weighing the options.

 

[35mastr]

I would build the house and then build the garage separate.

I love my garage and spend many hours in there.But I dont think I would want to live in it.

Some day you will have grand childeren.Be nice to have a home that they can play in.

 

[hypnotoad]

I would definitely build the house and then the shop as you can afford it. If you like to weld, play with cars or the like, you'd be better off w/2 different structures in the event of fire. Just my .02.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

You might check your local zoning laws. If you build too small of a house you may not be allowed to build the size shop you want. On the other hand two buildings is nice depending on the type of work you do, It keeps odors and fumes out of the living space. Good luck, Mike

 

[Mike83]

I don't want to make you break your budget, but I would suggest 3 bedrooms rather than 2. We looked at so many 2 bedroom houses and they just didn't appeal to us like the 3 bed did. You'll have more space and more appeal when you sell someday. My .02.

As for the garage, I think that keeping it attached with an apt would be a good idea. It is more convenient in my mind, but depends on what you do in there.

 

[tfi racing]

Definitely two buildings,they will give you a lot more flexibility in the future if you need to sell or rent.If you want to save some money on the house,check into putting an older house onto a new foundation,sometimes they can be bought for not much more than the price of moving it.It will need some work and updating,but can be worthwhile if you find the right candidate.

 

[nbtr]

hi just my two cents worth ;
I would definetly go witha a 3 bedroom and just take one room and make a den or a computer room , at least that way if the need arises that you have to sell its alot easier to sell a 3 bedroom
And for the garage mine is detached and i like it but my brohter has his attached and he can just get up and walk in his garage rain of shine , its tough call you have to consider everyting ,noise ,smoke ,fumes .
good luck in making the right choice

 

[ddrewyor]

Depending on what you do in the garage, I would recommend separate as it would be safer.

Dave
________
MARIJUANA HEMP

 

[Bib Overalls]

The only justification for building an apartment over a shop is for temporary living while you save for and build a regular house. Once you are in the house you can use it as a rental.

True story. Friends bought some land and with big dreams they acquired a scab trailer for temporary lodging while they built their shop/apartment. They were in the trailer for five very long years. They finally got the shop built. 30' x 40' with a single large room and a small kitchen and 3/4 bath. They lived there for almost ten years with two children. The house was started but the only thing that was finished was the marriage. The point - it takes a lot of discipline to make a plan like this work.

 

[fomocoforrester]

I have a tiny "unofficial" appartment on the mezanine in my 600 ft shop, which is in an industrial area about 6 miles from where I live, and I absolutely love spending time there. In fact my dream is to have an 1100' shop with a 900' appartment and 200' deck over in, perhaps, a nicer area.

But thats just for me, your situation may be quite different when you take your daughter into account. For instance, some of the things I would need to consider are;

How old is she?
Is she likely to live with you for more than the next couple of years?
Does she have an interest in garage things?
How does she feel about living in, and having her friends over to, an appartment over a shop, as opposed to a nice little house with a lawn and plants and things, right outside the door?

 

[gunguy]

I would suggest the 3 bedroom route as well. To that I would add another bathroom or at least a powder room Beleive me, there will be many times you or your daughter will appreciate the second toilet and sink.

If finances force you to go with your 2 bedroom, 1 bath plan, give some consideration to planning for future expansion to minimize expenses when you do expand. Size your plumbing and electrical to your future needs. Run the line and wires and cap them so that when you do expand, it's a matter of opening the wall and making the connections for example.

There are many other things to consider if you go this way, but you get the idea.

Jim