Garden shed work shop ideas please....

[reivertom]

We have a few Amish businesses that make some really decent ready-made buildings. They are as cheap and good as I could build them, and I can by-pass the city red tape if I get one dropped off instead of building it as a permanent building. I am thinking of buying me one for a small man cave workshop in the yard. (My kids have taken over my basement and the garage if too full) So far I think a 8x16 would work in the space I have to place it. The 1910 brick streets coming into our dead end kind of restrict the width I can get in here. Do any of you guys have one around this size and if you do, what would you change or add? Thanks, Tom

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have an 8x12 on the rental property for the kids' ****. It's got a sort of double loft arrangement, so the 7 foot ceiling height remaining might be restrictive for some. If I wanted it for a workshop I think I'd make sure the eaves were about 8 foot high.

 

[reivertom]

These buildings are at least 8' in the middle, but the walls aren't and they are like a cathedral ceiling(a dinky one). I don't like the barn roof types because it looks out of place in town. They are built on 4x10 runners and the walls are on 16" centers just like a house. If you don't notice they don't have a foundation, you would think they were permanent. Some folks buy the largest ones for cabins and finish them like a house inside.

 

[CharlieM]

I have a 12x24 Amish built. I love it. Went with 12oc floor joists, 2-4ft carriage doors in the front. I did a loft myself. Also did a horizontal window in the rear wall, so I could put a workbench there so it would not interfere with the window.

 

[reivertom]

I would love one that size. I am limited in the width to the 8' versions. I as hoping someone on here had an 8' wide one made into a man cave. I'm not sure how long I ill be able to get in here yet. I hope at least 16', but I will have to do some "figurin' ". The streets here are really narrow with tight corners. They got a 10x12 next door years ago, but they hit a very rare time period when nearly all the neighbor's vehicles were gone along the one lane street. This never happens these days.

 

[CharlieM]

Where I bought mine, they also assemble them on site if you want anything wider than 14'. Maybe they can do that for you since your limited on width due to the street. My neighbor has no access to his yard from the street, and is getting a 8x12 assembled on site.

 

[reivertom]

I thought of that, but I am trying to keep from dealing with the city minions and the building ordinances.. If it is dropped off, and it is not built, I can avoid the red tape. You never know what mood they are in and might tell me I can't build it if their wife nags them or their Rice Crispies get soggy that morning. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[DC73]

If it is dropped off, and it is not built, I can avoid the red tape.

Double check. I'd be surprised if a portable building that is reassembled on site is any different from one that is dropped off. Most building inspection departments are more concerned with permanent construction and restrictions on portable/temporary buildings are generally limited to placement on the lot.

Another option - perhaps have the builders construct two halves of a building in such a way that you could bolt the two pieces back together once on site.

DC

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Latter part of THIS answer . . . . TWO halves put together on-site.

 

[Keel]

We have a 12x20 That I got because my wife wanted a green house, so it has 4 windows waiting for it and a 36x80" door, to add, it came with barn doors and two foot square windows and a sky light.. That was 5 years ago, it she doesn't do anything with it this season, it'll become a work room..

 

[theoldwizard1]

The big issue with these kinds of building is flooring. Obviously, all of the support under the floor needs to be pressure treated wood. But more important is what kind of "foundation" you are going to put under your structure.

A concrete slab is best, but also most expensive. I strongly recommend you remove all of the sod/top soil down 4-6" and at least large enough to give yourself a 1-2' perimeter around the whole building and fill it with gravel (an 8x16 would require a 12x20 area). I also recommend use block or something solid so that the floor is 8"+ off the ground. This will prevent "critter" from making a home under there.

If it is an option, have them insulate under the floor and put weatherproof sheathing underneath (looks like plywood but it is green) or OSB covered with 1/4" galvanized "hardware cloth" (so the critter won't claw through it). Warm feet are worth the cost.

 

[CJ7VFR]

Some options you may want to consider are taller walls for added shelving and storage space, and bigger/taller doors so you don't have to duck every time you go in and out of the shed, and you can get your lawn and garden equipment out easier.

If it comes with Gable vents, get the biggest ones they have on the ends and a Ridge vent all along the peak of the roof if this is not standard, to help add in venting the shed.

Add in a few extra windows for light and make sure they have screens in them so you can open and shut the windows for added venting/cooling.

Add pressure treated plywood for the floor, as well as pressure treated 2x4's for the floor framing.

Get 16 inch spacing for the framing if it's offered for a stronger built building.

Get a longer/larger ramp for the ease of getting things in and out of the shed.

Consider a Salt Box or Carriage style shed instead of the barn style. It will give you more/higher wall space. Plus it can look more like a mini version of your own house if you match the paint to your house. And it won't be so tall that it looks weird in your back yard.

My shed was built by the Amish in Lancaster PA. I was able to go up to their shop and actually sit down with the people and go over everything I wanted for my shed. This is a lot better at making sure you get exactly what you want, versus trying to convey what you want via e-mails, phone calls, and ordering options from their website.

It also gives you the chance to actually see their sheds in person, as they always have either sample sheds sitting around or other customers sheds there waiting to be delivered!

Most of all, have FUN with it!!!! They have so many options available its mind blowing!!! You can get exactly what you want, and like you said, it will probably cost you less than if you did it yourself, and you will have it a lot quicker!

Jim

 

[kbs2244]

Usually the difference between a “temporary” building and “permanent” one needing permits and such is the foundation or lack of it.
A concrete slab is considered permanent.
Timbers resting on concrete blocks is not.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Usually the difference between a “temporary” building and “permanent” one needing permits and such is the foundation or lack of it.
A concrete slab is considered permanent.
Timbers resting on concrete blocks is not.

Understood. But there are things you can do that result in a stronger, longer lasting floor.

 

[reivertom]

Thanks for all the replies. I will consider the gravel underneath so critters won't be so attracted to it. I never thought about insulating the floor either.