Help plan 30x40 shop

[haulinbass08]

Well, it appears that I might be able to pull the trigger on my big shop later this year. I am planning on a 30x40 with 14’ sidewalks. Probably will have a full length lean to on one side for my camper.
I am really wanting to put in a two post lift for working on my vehicles. I am trying to visualize all of this and would like some help in planning the layout of this.
The back wall will most likely have a loft for storage but other than that I am open to ideas. I want to be able to park a vehicle or boat inside so the lift will have to be off to one side. What ideas do you have?


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[rok_hunter]

I've got the same size going in, expecting to start the build in 2-3 weeks. One thing I'd throw out is I've read the two-post lifts require a significantly higher PSI concrete, and a few inches thicker. A friend of mine recently bought a four-post drive on (he put it in his two-car garage) and I was really impressed with it.

I'm also planning to insulate with spray foam and install a mini-split ductless AC unit for temperature control.

I'm honestly running into a lot more trouble than I thought trying to figure out how I want to arrange my lighting and electrical, so start working that plan now too!

 

[MSPoirier]

Can't wait to see what you come up with. My garage build is a 30x46x12 with a two post lift if you want to check it out https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=448701


My Garage/Shop Build Thread

Not really sure how to link so hope that helps. Usually it's a 4000psi concrete required and I poured 12" rebar cage slab around the lift (overkill) and 6" everywhere else. To me piece of mind is worth the price with 11k trucks on there.

- Sam

New England Region

 

[CraigStu]

Having retired from working as a line tech for the last 25 yrs I strongly prefer 2 post asymmetrical lifts. The extra spec on the concrete is miniscule compared to the overall price of your garage. Electrical; If you can figure out where you need 240V then just put 120V outlets every 6 feet at 48 inches off the floor so the are above any tool boxes/benches and below any cabinets. Do you know where power will come into the shop? That could help save a little on 240V if they can be closer to the breaker box so less wire needed. BTW, figure out how many circuits you will need and then get a box w/ 50% more spaces for add-ons later. For lighting I used these.
https://www.nuvolightinglights.com/product/nuvo-lighting-brentwood-flush-mount-65-1082.html
They are inexpensive and very bright. Put them on 2-3 switches so you don't need to light the whole shop all the time.
Look around for downloadable design programs. It doesn't need to be fancy or even garage specific. You can use kitchen base cabinets to mimic tool boxes and other types of box furniture like a bedroom chest to mimic other equipment. Usually each individual piece can be modified for size and painted in color so not hard to use for a garage. I used one from HGTV to modify a standard house design and it was fantastic. Able to do the layout in floor plan style and then switch to 3d to look at it and walk around inside. I found it very enjoyable to work on the floor plan. If you can figure out where your main work bench will be, put a window there too. I really like the ability to look who is coming up my driveway or where the dog may be lying out there.

 

[My Old Tools]

Here's mine. 30x40x12, 30x20 loft, 12 foot lean to. Center hoist beam.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365026

 

[haulinbass08]

Ok, well plans have drastically changed. I am taking on the responsibility to take care of my aging parents and we decided that a shop with apartment/living quarters is the direction we need to go so we can move them here with us.
I think a 30x60x16 or thereabouts with a 30x20 or 30x25 living quarters and storage loft above is what we are going to do. Does anyone have any good plans for this?

Thankfully I have the old septic system I was already going to tie into for a shop bathroom that we can use so a major headache is taken care of.

I am thinking at this point I’m going to have a separate electric drop installed for the shop so I can make sure and have enough power for the LQ and the shop rather than sub off of the feed thru I have for my house.

Water is a well so I have no problems with that.

Would it be cheaper to frame out the inside with metal studs or go traditional wood?


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[Kevkx125]

Here's a link to my shop, no lift and 10ft walls hope it helps with your planning. I think you will find a lot of member's have the same size shop

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=411435

 

[brownbagg]

plans are easy, four wall, a roof, couple door, concrete slab, your done

 

[78SC4X4]

You're a good man. My shop is a little different sizing than yours, is a pole structure, and has no living quarters. But.............. The concept may be helpful. It's 16' except that on the loft side the front is dormered (roof is 2/12 vice 4/12) Full 8 1/2 ceiling below and lots of usable space above.