Huh. 78 looks and no comments. I am hoping for a dedicated topic that we could post an individual issue (thread) to, and then have open debate about it.
Here is a list of threads from my garage/shop build that I would start:
1. Be more thoughtful in where I placed the windows and wall A/C units. I put three windows across the back and two A/C units. Now I realize that some of this stuff is where I would like to put something up against the wall.
2. I have six inch walls with Styrofoam on the outside, so the window sills and jams are pretty deep. Great places to "set things". The sills and jams would made great places to locate cordless tool chargers, cell phone chargers, radio, and racing transponder chargers ...
IF ... I wish I had the forethought to put outlets with powered USB ports in the window jams. Thought about it AFTER the walls were all insulated and closed up. I did the electrical myself so it would have been just materials and a little more time. See picture attached.
3. I wish I would have run wires to the roof for a radio antenna.
4. I wish I would have put in some outside outlets, have 50/30/20 amp box next to the motorhome, but its pretty far back. Thought about it, had spent more than I expected and wanted to hold the cost down. Short sighted on my part.
5. Wish I would have put a hose bib on the front of the building, have one next to the motorhome, but its pretty far back. Same as #4.
6. Wish I would have done a better job of locating where the sewer connection for the motorhome is, didn't calc right. Have to move the motorhome ahead about four or five feet to dump ... but still better than driving over to Camping World!
7. I had drawn plans for 9' ceiling. Just before he ordered materials the contractor asked me if I wanted 10' ceilings. I said, "10". I already had scissor trusses over half the shop for a future lift. I think I should have gone for 9'. With the concrete curb, double plate on both bottom and top of studs ... the ceiling is awfully high. Standard pull down attic stairs are too short. Extra materials and labor on the walls both inside and outside.
8. Wish I would have put a motion sensing light in the outside top of the two door jams, would have been easy while the wall cavities were open. Would make locking and unlocking the man doors easier.
9. There is a wall between the toilet room and the rest of the shop that I could have had an almost floor to ceiling shelf area for almost free, but didn't realize it until after the plumbing was all installed. Could have worked with the plumber to keep the plumbing down low. See picture attached.
I think that's it for now! I realize that some of these are little things I can easily work with and even the big things I can live with. None of them were deal killers. Just things that would have put icing on the cake!
By having a venue (dedicated topic) to post these threads to, hopefully members would build better garages/shops down the road and learn from the mistakes or shortsightedness of those who went before them.
