My New 30x32 Shop

[BigOrangeCountry]

After careful planning and talking with NHB I pulled the trigger on a 30x32x12 building this morning. Ended up going to that size to meet my budget because the wife wanted wainscot, copala, and 1' overhangs all around. I had it framed out for (2) 10x10 overhead doors. Went with the dutch corners too. Little upset I had to downgrade to the 30x32 from the 30x40 but I have to keep the wife happy and within my budget. I ended up going through National Barn. Worked with Beverly who was very nice. I was able to talk them down a few thousand too. I am also going to do my own electrical/lighting. Now its time for permitting, and rough grading the site to ensure its relatively flat. Questions for you all...

1. Do you recommend me subbing out the concrete? I have access to the family bobcat so prep work will be easy.

2. Overhead doors, are they hard to install or should I bite the bullet and sub that out too?

3. Are post protectors worth the money?

 

[BigOrangeCountry]

Zoning Permit complete. Engineered Plans just came in. Now I just need the building permit approved with the plans and we are set to go. Plan is to rough grade the site during thanksgiving.

 

[msgross]

pics?

 

[Nimonic]

Regarding overhead doors. Depends mostly on size and weight and how much help you have. If you're going with a really heavy (insulated) door, with associated beefier springs, may want to sub it out, especially if you're doing at all by yourself. Also, how much is your time worth?

That's a pretty big slab. Lots of forms, rebar and prep work. Again, how much is your time worth? How much free time away from work do you have? For one guy to do all that, plus the pour and leveling...man, that's a lot. How many foundations have you done and do you feel good about rolling the dice on this one-shot-to-get-it-right deal?

I work a lot of hours, travel a fair amount, and have a wife and two kids. My free time is minimal. If I tried to do everything on my shop, it would never get done.

Lastly, how good is your back and can you afford to be down and out if you hurt it?

 

[coma13]