restoration versus new build thread

[sooperdave]

I tend to search for the older restoration/ restification type threads, especially old shops and barns- types with some kind of unique charater or element to them. What about you guys?

 

[Mark H]

I've just started a restoration/conversion project but find the new builds can be just as interesting.

 

[slip knot]

I like the character of an older restored shop/building/house. Having lived in an older home for many years I opted for a new shop and tore the old garage down. The return on investment was so much greater with new versus the money spent to rehab the old garage.

The wife and I can live in an old drafty house but my tools deserve better.

 

[rieferman]

Restoration!

 

[Weedwaka]

I say new because I love some of the newer technologies like ICF block walls that let us keep our 1600 sq foot garage to 20+ degrees in -21 for almost no $$$. Radiant floor heating is not very expensive on a new build too.

I do love the look of a restored auto shop though.

 

[KCarGuy]

It depends on many factors.
I would rather restore, because I love old, cool buildings and garages.

But, in my case...my original (smaller) garage was facing sideways, then an addition had been added to my House. So If I was to add to the garage, it wasnt too good for the layout of the property.
My best option was to clear out bushes, tear out a wood shed and build a new (larger) garage straight back to the end of the property. Then move everything out of the old, and tear it down.
The fun part (not), was busting up the old Pad, removing it, bringing in dirt and re-seed.
This opened up my backyard, for a more usable space.
New...was the only way to go here.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I like both, for different reasons.

 

[mustangmccance]

I say new. I have built three garage/shops now. my favorite was actually my first. it was a small 24 x 32 shop with a loft. stick built. I loved the look and feel of the building. but I wanted bigger when I moved and for the amount of clear floor space I wanted a 40 x 60 foot shop it was just much more feasible to build a steel building. this last one I did not build myself btw. but I like having the clear span space which is difficult to get with older construction. and I like having things built my way not trying to adapt someone Else's work to fit my needs. but I do like the character of older buildings more. the exterior of my shop is major boring but inside it is a blast.

 

[larry_g]

I say new because I love some of the newer technologies like ICF block walls that let us keep our 1600 sq foot garage to 20+ degrees in -21 for almost no $$$. Radiant floor heating is not very expensive on a new build too.

I do love the look of a restored auto shop though.

Weed says it real good for me. I would add that new should have a lot fewer compromises in the building for what the purpose YOU want to use it for. You want a wood shop, metal fab shop, machine shop, or a garage then building new allows the building the be built for a purpose.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[stormr]

I tend to prefer refurbing an old one since thats what I am doing now with my pole barn, however I'm sure if there was a way I could build a new one I probably would, for me its mainly about the expenses, since I live from paycheck to paycheck, but I'll feel pretty good about myself when I get done redoing the old barn.

 

[SPDMETL]

If you need it to do something specific, new is probably easier/cheaper

 

[ZRX61]

I like both, for different reasons.

What he said

 

[ddawg16]

I like both, for different reasons.

X2

If there is any chance something can be restored....do it....

But when you have a blank piece of land....not a lot you can do to restore what is not there....so, new build.

If you ever go to the UK, you start to have a real appreciation for old stuff....what looks like a modern house is really a 300 year old house that has been modified lord knows how many times.....I like seeing how someone has breathed new life out of something old.....kind of like old tools....

 

[willy3486]

It depends on a lot of factors. Is the building in such bad shape it would be easier/cheaper to tear down and put up new? Does the old building have a good foundation and needs just a few things done? Which would be cheaper? I have seen some nice buildings torn down while others in bad shape redone. Me? I would live to find one of the old gas stations to redo and use for my shop but I don't expect to ever be able to do that. My shop I have now is a combination of new/used. It was a new building that I built from old buildings I tore down. But the old buildings I had anywhere from 30% to 70% of the materials I had to toss away. I have at least 5 buildings that my shop was made from.It worked well for me. But I think each building needs to be decieded on case by case.

 

[jerseywild]

I like the old as long as I am not the one doing the work.

 

[Flange]

I voted for restoration although I don't have a big preference between new or resto if you had the budget.

The reason for posting resto is this. I live in the real world where I have a family, mortgage and numerous other responsibilities and whilst I am not poor by any stretch of the imagination I do have a finite budget and an existing garage that needs much work. Ideally I would love to do a new build but the cost refurbishing my existing garage will be a fraction of a new build. Whilst a refurb will mean certain compromises on size, layout etc it is my "real world" situation short of a lottery win.


P.S. the need for doing something was brought home to me today when I tried to do some work in the garage but it was a bit too cold. OK, in the UK we don't have the winter temperatures that some of the guys in the USA have but it was still -7 degrees Celsius (19 degrees Fahrenheit) in my uninsulated and unheated workshop this morning.

 

[santagary]

I restored this old hay barn (my avatar) with insulation, new electrics, concrete pads, three carport leanto's, etc. but will build new onto it preserving the look and style so my local HOA won't pitch a hissy fit, and really it's what I want aesthetically too...it will add almost 1900 sq. ft.

 

[magnusk750]

I' m extremely biased as I am a historic preservation officer for a living, (togheter with some other business) Don't need to say I prefer a restored shop, for the feel and atmosphere of it. Also, when restoring, I prefer that as much as possible of the old stuff is left. There are ways of keeping also an old building dry and and warm without tearing all the old stuff down and quality is often better. Like an old vise and a new chinese... But, the craftsmen who know are scarce. I m happy to have a very skilfull carpentor for a neighbour who does odd jobs for me when it's bigger issues than I have time to deal with myself.

 

[bobemmerich]

I voted no preference, because for different reasons I like both. I do tend to be more preferential to restoration, but there's something about new that says wow, too.(Does that make any sense?) I need more coffee!

 

[Falcon67]

I like both, for different reasons.

X3 with Jack on this. I have had the privilege of doing both. Both are rewarding technical challenges.

What would be fun would be to try and give a new building an aged internal character without going all faux on the finishes.

 

[little d]

For me, it depends on who is doing it, not what they are doing. I have always been a hands on kinda guy, and i enjoy watching someone bring back an old building or build something new with out having to call a engineer every time they pick up a hammer. Engineers have their place and i have used them for certin things in the past but, 99% of the problems most people run into can be figured out with a little reaserch, elbow grease and a dose of commen sense.

 

[Cage]

I voted new because I'm restoring a 111 year old 2 story garage right now. I just came in from the garage burned out and feeling like a *****. Sometimes I feel like I`m putting lipstick on a pig !
Every day I see more stuff that needs fixing and redoing.