Garage advice needed

[R26B]

Hi everyone, been quietly reading and admiring for a while now. This forum is a fantastic source of info and inspiration. I'm getting close to having a place of my own, with an actual garage, finally the end of renting is within sight. Fingers crossed the bank approves the mortgage.

The place I have in mind has a large size garage, about 2400sq ft. Construction is warehouse/farm building style, mostly steel structure, with concrete block between the steel uprights, to about 7ft. The rest is clad in corrugated steel panels.

The floor is concrete, no surprise there I guess. The previous owner had a wood burning stove to heat the place, which hopefully will stay when he moves out.

I hope to use the place to store a few cars, work on them and maybe, if funds allow, have some kind of man cave in there too.

Weather here ranges from ok to rubbish. Pretty high moisture levels, so condensation is an issue. Its never warm for long either. Maybe I should just move country!

What do I need your expert opinions on? - What should I do regarding insulation?

I'd like to be able to forget about condensation and hence rust within the garage, or at least greatly reduce it. I'd like the place to be reasonably warm, ie not freezing, as I'm tired of working outside, in the rain/snow/wind.

Any and all advice greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[Wood'nMetal]

First...don't say man cave again!

Hard to say if the wood stove will stay...many states require them to be removed at time of sale if they aren't DEQ compliant.

What options would you use to heat besides wood? Propane heater generate a lot of moisture. Maybe pellet stove or more efficient wood heat?

How about getting an estimate on spray foam insulation? That seems to be a popular choice for pole barn construction shops.

Hope you purchase sails through!

 

[R26B]

ok, I won't say it again.

The stove was made around 1830, so its a safe bet its not compliant with anything, pity though, as it looks amazing.
I'd be open to any other form of heating, provided its not expensive to run. I can get plenty firewood for little or no cash though.

The spray foam insulation sounds like a great idea, thank you. I'm guessing I'd need some vapor barrier on the ceiling from what others are doing. I suppose the key would be to get the place well sealed, and prevent heat-loss and moist air coming in again.

I hope the bank give us the money too, I'm already picturing myself living & working there so it'd be heart-breaking if it doesn't work out. We've missed out on a number of places already due to other issues, so hopefully this time will be different.

Thanks for taking the time to reply, appreciate it.

 

[38Chevy454]

since the bldg is already done, you have to work with what you have. No matter what, insulation is high priority. If you have condensation and temp swings, it will help tremendously to have insulation. Keeping the temps up and air circulating will help the condensation problems. Spray foam is great for insulation value and it keeps air infiltration down to minimum. It is also the most expensive to install.

If they make you remove the wood stove, have sellers remove it and give it to you, then reinstall it

 

[FJ 432]

Share with us your location. That might help address your specific issues. Here in Colorado we have little or no humidity.

 

[Cyberbear]

You may wish to consider infra-red heaters, either gas or electric, for at least a part of your usual working area during the colder months. Also, I agree, keep the old stove as shop art, if for no other reason. I have a 30' x 80' shop with a nice little 10' x 15' insulated and heated office for the colder months, where I have an old 1910 Round Oak stove.
In the upstairs mezzanine over my office and storage room, I've created a combo man cave and studio apartment where I can have time alone and some peace and quiet, visitors by appointment only.

 

[R26B]

Thanks for the replies guys.
@38Chevy454 - your right, insulation is high priority and spray foam is the way to go I think. Its pretty expensive, but I think I may have a go myself.... hopefully I won't end up regretting that. As for the stove, I'll make sure it doesn't go too far!

@FJ 432 - I live in Galway, in the west of Ireland. Sorry , should have mentioned that initially.

@Cyberbear - never thought of infra-red, hmmm. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll go do some research. Having the stove somewhere is too good an idea to pass up on, I'll find it a home someplace. I really like the idea of having a place for peace and quiet. Having an apartment/man cave sounds great.

@Wood'nMetal - sorry, I said it again

 

[67carl]

Post some pics of the building if/when you have them. I'd love to see it! I insulated my garage recently with fiberglass bat and it made a noticeable difference. If you can't swing the $ of foam then at least do the fiberglass. It will help.

My contractor/friend moved here from Ireland and we talk about it often. He's going back in July to visit family/friends... From some of the stories he tells me I think it would be a very fun place to visit!

Anyway, good luck!

 

[R26B]

@67carl - I'd be delighted to post pics, fingers crossed it'll work out and I get the money soon. I'll keep the fibreglass option in mind, thank you.
As for Ireland, its not too bad I guess. We are a nation of comedians, with a huge variety in accents, cultures, weather and lots more besides. For such a small island, its not bad.

If your friend is going back in July, tell him to check out 7s Day 2014. I'm organising it in conjunction with Mazda Ireland, should be a fun weekend if he likes cars, music, karting, food and drinks!
Here is the FB page, hopefully its ok to post this?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/699283890186351/