New Shop/ Garage Idea -- Need Pointers

[mckeown22]

Hello Ya'll.
Online from Canada, I am excited to start my new Garage/ Shop.
I have wanted one since we bought our first house 4 years ago!
I used to have 4 sheds, now down to 2, and a large wood shed.

Need a spot for the toys, and trucks now!
Plan is:
28' W x 32' L with pad
2 - 10' doors, and 1 - Toy 6' Door
1 - Man Door
1 - window maybe
Board and Batton Finish
Possible small attic in shop for additional storage.

All outside lights will be wired to come on by sensor to light up whole yard for security purposes.

Matching wood peak to fit in with house.

My background is framing walls and design.
Need assistance/ feedback on pad pouring, and truss work.

Please view my plans and post any thoughts/questions/feedback.

Cant wait to start in less than 1 month! I hope!

 

[garboui]

One thing I recommend would be adding a small solar hot water setup to provide heat for the space in the winter. That way keeping everything above freezing or even comfortable work temperature isn't going to cost anything really as solar water setups are still decently efficient in the winter.

 

[Wingnut65]

Welcome to GJ, mckeown. Sounds like you have a big project on your hands. This threat is really for intro's and you will get a lot more comments of you ask these questions in the 'General Garage Discussion' section. But I'll give it a try...

Don't design it around the vehicles you currently have. Most likely, the shop will outlast the cars and something bigger may fill its spot. As for windows, its always great to have natural light. If security is an issue, pot the windows up high on the wall to keep people from looking in.

Get enough electrical in there for power and lighting. Never can have too much light or too many receptacles. Plan for a refrigerator...

Keep the ceilings as high as possible. Storage is always a premium and an attic is helpful, but not as convenient as a high shelf.

And, think about the slab. If you ever think you may want a lift, plan for it now and thicken the slab. Its cheaper to add a yard of concrete than it is to sawcut, dig and add it later.

Good luck with your project.

 

[mckeown22]

Thanks wingnut. I will be sure to start a thread there and continue the project!

 

[PhantomEB]

if storage up top, min 2x6 rafters, i think? Myself I would go 2x8.

 

[Neuswede]

My recommendation is to always start with your zoning or planning department officials to verify setback rules, zoning requirements, footer requirements, maximum building height and so on. I know very little about Canadian Building Code, but it does seem a little more stringent than we have in some parts of the USA. Ask lots of questions of the people in charge of issuing the necessary permits and make them a valuable resource for your build. For the pad, determine if a lift will ever be in your future, and what kind of lift it might be. Then plan the pour for that eventuality. Most 2 post above ground types will specify a minimum of 6 inches and a minimum of 3500 psi. If you are going to be pouring concrete, consider PEX and a radiant slab for heat...it's clean, dry and dust-free. For trusses, again find out who the preferred truss mfg. is in your area and schedule a free visit with one of their sales engineers and gain as much info as you can. If you are doing a 28' wide building, they will likely specify a maximum of a 2x10' for the bottom chord, or smaller depending on what your load will be upstairs. Heavy storage requirements will require some engineering to keep it safe, but typical live loads of 40 lbs. S.F. are the norm; additional loads will require girder trusses or larger dimensions in the truss members.

While all of this is the overall wish list, it also comes back to a reality check when you look at the finances...how much can you, or are you, willing to spend to get what you want? Regardless of who we are, we all have budget limits...some more, some less than others.

All the best to you on your project