My Future Home

[American Stig]

This is a rough sketch of the home/Shop I am saving to build. It is APPROX. 52'-6" long by 32'-2" wide. This was drawn by me by hand, cause I cant afford drafting software. (Looking for tips on the least expensive quality software BTW). I invite all forms of feedback, so please do comment!

I plan for it to be a steel building construction with standard 2x4 interior walls, and it will have a two-post 10,000 pound capacity lift. I haven't done the windows yet as I am just getting a feel for the dimensions and the spacing.

 

[blkhonda1991]

im not sure how well a steel building will work as an actual residence...i think they work for garages because you dont have to finish them keeping the cost lower because a lot of the cost of a house is in the finishes

 

[American Stig]

I agree, a major cost of a home is indeed the finishing. Which is why I will I only want insulation in the four exterior walls and ceiling. I am thinking of just using particle board or another lost-cost alternative to finish it all off. I will work on the front elevation tomorrow and post pics of what I have then. Please do keep the feedback coming!

 

[diesel4mee]

Google sketch up for software

Is it just me or is there a reason why there is no wall separating the garage from the living area.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Hey fat stig, married? Wife not going to like the lack of separation (bedroom from tool storage, unless its her "tools"). What are the outside walls going to be? City or country area? Any other floors (extra bedrooms for future kids, so you don't have to move)?


They built a few houses like that not to far from where I work. Steel frame, then concrete or various type of walls, with stucco on the outside. Expensive, but built more like a commercial building, built for the long term (stand up to more). One that I liked, now doesn't look as good, due to someone loosing control on the road and ending up in it, stucco patch job about the size of shed doors on the side of the garage that stands out.

I would say just plan ahead, if your building your dream shop. Check the school districts, etc. so you don't in a year, get married and have to move and lose what your building.

 

[autoist]

There's a guy here locally who built a steel building..then he bricked the outside & built his home in the front half & uses the rear portion for his garage....he used 2x6's for all his interior construction...lovely home...he's been in it for years now.

 

[toymn6366]

got a friend who inherited his dads truck shop and was going through a divorce at the time so he lived in a camper inside the shop and built a 1200 sqft apartment in on corner that is really sharp, it has the feel of a new york loft style apartment a lot of colored concert and tile

 

[American Stig]

Diesel4mee: I wanted to go for a studio apartment kinda feel, but I think something needs to be done to break up that big area.

wantedabiggergarage: LOL! Nope Im not fat, and I'm not married. Im thinking if I do settle down then I'll look for a reasonable condo or apartment someplace. As for the setting, best case scenario I choose my hometown of Lodi, CA. The reason being cost of living is relatively low as is cost of construction. However this is contingent upon finding my engineering career job close by.

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Keep 'em coming!