I want to build either a pole barn or a steel building 30x40 with one 10x10 garage door. I like the idea of steel buildings because of the open height space so I could build a 2nd floor storage area. I'm in North West NJ and I see many recomend Amish built buildings? Also has anyone used spray foam insulation? I want to build a garage thats tight and easy to heat and cool. Opinions?
New Garage suggestions
- Thread starter skippydoo
- Start date
creativecars
Well-known member
skippy,
Steel buildings, 2nd floors, spray foam are all great ideas. Spend a couple of sleepless nights poking around here and you will see and read tons of great ideas about these items and many more. Use the search and keep an eye on new threads, you never know what will come up.
Steel buildings, 2nd floors, spray foam are all great ideas. Spend a couple of sleepless nights poking around here and you will see and read tons of great ideas about these items and many more. Use the search and keep an eye on new threads, you never know what will come up.
steel 35
Well-known member
Think about that one small door a lot because you will later if you do it. Don't ask if its from experience 
Lots of info on this site but a couple of quick suggestions:
1. Small access door so you don't have to open the big door every time.
2. When you pour the slab (if you have one) make sure you run more conduit through it than you think you'll ever need;
3. Consider putting in a bathroom and a sink;
4. Wire it like you're going to be powering New York City. Search this site for suggestions on how much power you're going to need.
5. Consider overhead space. When you build it - make sure you design your ceiling so you can store stuff overhead;
6. Check the building codes, etc. before you spend a penny;
7. If you have a large air compressor - consider having an outside storage (maybe attached) place for it.
8. Think about how you're going to light the inside before you drive the first nail.
9. Think about the quality of the door you're going to use. This will become important with use.
10. Think about how you're going to plumb it for air and where you're going to run the lines.
This is my "Top 10" for a Tuesday morning. I came up with these off the top of my head after thinking about the problems/issues I had when I built mine.
This site is great and I'd suggest a couple of nights reading (go way back in your search) and look at all the great ideas and comments folks make here.
Good luck to you.
1. Small access door so you don't have to open the big door every time.
2. When you pour the slab (if you have one) make sure you run more conduit through it than you think you'll ever need;
3. Consider putting in a bathroom and a sink;
4. Wire it like you're going to be powering New York City. Search this site for suggestions on how much power you're going to need.
5. Consider overhead space. When you build it - make sure you design your ceiling so you can store stuff overhead;
6. Check the building codes, etc. before you spend a penny;
7. If you have a large air compressor - consider having an outside storage (maybe attached) place for it.
8. Think about how you're going to light the inside before you drive the first nail.
9. Think about the quality of the door you're going to use. This will become important with use.
10. Think about how you're going to plumb it for air and where you're going to run the lines.
This is my "Top 10" for a Tuesday morning. I came up with these off the top of my head after thinking about the problems/issues I had when I built mine.
This site is great and I'd suggest a couple of nights reading (go way back in your search) and look at all the great ideas and comments folks make here.
Good luck to you.
LuckyRugger
Well-known member
Planning your final space is key, know where everything will go before you even start. This will allow you to put in any plumbing in the concrete, and position doors and windows correctly.
Invest in what is below your concrete slab, vapor barrier, 2" foam and PEX tubing. Your pocket book will appreciate it when you are heating it.
Invest in what is below your concrete slab, vapor barrier, 2" foam and PEX tubing. Your pocket book will appreciate it when you are heating it.