happyj
Well-known member
Long time lurker, figured I'd say hi and thank the members for all the valuable info found here. I have been planning (dreaming) of a shop for as long as I can remember. We purchased 5 acres 20 years ago developed it for the girls w/horses. Now they are in college I am prepping to build that dream. I would have probably inked a build this past spring but, covid created to many variables for me. Intended to be used for wrenching on my jeep, general car maintenance and my woodworking. I would like to have 2 shops to separate those activities but can't justify the cost. Thinking currently is a pole building 40x40x16 so I can get my MH in for maintenance. I also intend to put a 2post lift although my son and I are still arguing about 2or4. When we built this place out I put in 400 amp service just so I would have 200 available for the shop as well as stubbed septic out close. I had always figured on building myself but, after hitting 60 my body is sometimes as weak as my mind so I suspect I might have it dried in and finish it myself.
Anyway thanks again for all this forum provides I truly appreciate the insights I have found here. Have a great day.
Anyway thanks again for all this forum provides I truly appreciate the insights I have found here. Have a great day.
As y'all know prices and availability went wonky and the dream stayed on paper. Interesting note here is that while materials have settled out (although higher) labor prices have risen significantly in my area. Budget Wise the cost to erect pole building is about the same as the kit cost. The most recent kit price for building is now 29k so add concrete and I sit at 70k dried in. (Cringe) I just don't want to spend that much, I would end up approaching 100k. I was unwilling to sacrifice square footage so I removed radiant heat and the bathroom from the dream and lowered the building to 14', still more than I am willing to spend. Now enters the carport style garages with install included in the price. I know, I have discarded them from the beginning since I struggled to understand how to seal for water intrusion, insulate, finish interior... and I won't pretend that I definitively know how to accomplish those now but am refining it for myself with info garnered here. Currently I can have this building installed for 30k. I can handle water intrusion using same size slab so siding goes below slab surface. Insulation, I intend to tyvek the whole building, I can then see what foam might cost or use some other insulation but doable. Finish interior, I will get 4' on center legs and either fir out to install finish on or screw directly to the legs. Other than that my next hurdle (mentally I think) is it will force me to surface mount my electrical and air but I think I can get over that. So to be so long winded I hope it makes sense. I really appreciate this forum it is such a valuable resource for me.