kind of the same boat ^^ have one kid with another on the way soon. we have a 2 stall attached and now this back garage will be minimum but likely 20x22 with 10' ceilings and will try and be strategic with my vertical storage. went out and measured the amount of dirt needed to remove and now using the post frame method with a stand alone 4" floor i think renting a dump trailer for a couple days and using our family tractor will be best for excavation as well. thankfully I know someone near by who wants the fill.
I've already made a rule I can't buy tools unless i can justify the cost and use case with pretty limited time. career, family, chores around house etc if i do something fun it sill needs to be productive so i've built out my wood shop tools and have built us plenty of furniture pieces for the house with many to come. An entertainment center, couches, bed frames with storage, shelving, desk and kitchen table all nice solid wood.. tools already paid for themselves. essentially I've opted to make a conscious decision to be careful about my toy rabbit holes lol. no welding, no more cars etc at least in this time of my life. so if managed well i think a 20x22 should suffice and not eat too much yard away from kids and dogs.
appreciate thinking "out loud" with you guys. it's starting to come together.
I've already made a rule I can't buy tools unless i can justify the cost and use case with pretty limited time. career, family, chores around house etc if i do something fun it sill needs to be productive so i've built out my wood shop tools and have built us plenty of furniture pieces for the house with many to come. An entertainment center, couches, bed frames with storage, shelving, desk and kitchen table all nice solid wood.. tools already paid for themselves. essentially I've opted to make a conscious decision to be careful about my toy rabbit holes lol. no welding, no more cars etc at least in this time of my life. so if managed well i think a 20x22 should suffice and not eat too much yard away from kids and dogs.
appreciate thinking "out loud" with you guys. it's starting to come together.

Come show me that neat trick in northern Arkansas lol!