Need advice from Garage gurus....

[mstocks]

The wife and I moved into an 1867 farm house back in April. The house was doubled in size and completely rehabbed in 2001, but the exterior remained true to original. We have a little over an acre and are mulling over ideas for our garage/shop. Due to finances, we are going to have to do it in stages and I was wondering if anyone might have $$ ideas that we can expect. All, well, most of the work will be done by us/family/friends, with the exception of pouring a slab. Here are the stages I'd like to follow.

-Pole barn initially 36x24 or 48x24. Two story. Dimensions are definitely flexible
-Headroom in one bay for a lift in the future
-Ability to close in area over remaining bays for small mancave
-Electrical/Plumbing (at least a sink/toilet) we are on septic
-Slab, at some point
-Tin roof

Does this make any sense? Basically, we would like to be working our way toward a 3 or 4 bay garage, with a lift and small living space above the rest of it. Getting the initial structure/roof up is priority and we can complete the rest as funds permit.

Any suggestions, tips, insights are welcome!

 

[Daniel Dudley]

You can definitely make a pole barn look like a barn that fits in to your property. I think you want to go with 12 foot ceiling and attic trusses for your man cave.

Put it on paper, with scale cars and all. Always best to plan it out.

 

[bobemmerich]

Check with your local building department and see what they will allow. This will give you a good start.

 

[mstocks]

Any idea on cost? Only thing I'll be farming out is pouring a slab.

As for building codes/restrictions, I've been told I can do what I've been dreaming up, but I'll certainly be getting some drawings approved prior to breaking ground.

 

[383 240z]

Around here a 24x36 with 8' walls, sided and roofed, nothing else. Istalled on your prepped lot will run you about 8K Of course they will be using the cheapest shingles, and siding they can find. I'd get a few quotes for just the skeleton. The place I bought had a 36x40 already built, with a gravel floor. I had a 6" slab poured with fiber and steel mesh that cost me about $3000 all in. Keith

 

[mstocks]

I plan on doing everything myself, with help from family who are in construction, plumbing and electrical. Basically, what I'm looking for is a ballpark figure on supplies.