What Would You Do???

[tmiller]

To describe my current shop setup, the word poor does not do it justice. I have half an older pole barn that i use to work on tractors and my and my friends trucks. Dirt floors and the other half of the barn is a chicken coop and there always getting out and into the area i work in and doing their business on my stuff not to mention smell! I am in college and have saved enough money to build something i just dont know what i want to build. I will be out of college in 3 years but in the mean time I would like a nice set up to continue to run my tractor repair business. I have entertained two options... another barn or a carport with the sides, im just wondering everyones opinions on each, i was leaning toward the larger carport cause i could always take it with me when i move out however not sure how durable or well insulated one would be. Would love to hear from people cause right now not sure what route i want to go.

Thank you
taylor

 

[KEH]

No personal experience with the carport type, just observations. A long time small engine repairman near me lost job at a dealership, decided to set up shop in his yard. Got a metal carport type building, estimate 20 x 30 feet, floored part of it and enclosed it for office and small machine work, works on mowers, etc in the dirt floored part. Has fans and portable heater. Usually but not recently staying cool is more important than heating.

Taking it with you when you go is a good option.

Check into local laws with out giving your name. My county is insane about collecting taxes on every outbuilding and I was told by the building dealer that I needed permits and inspection, but it was not a problem because the building is classified as a temperory building. The idea of having government inspectors on my property turns me off.

In your climate I would want metal sides, doors, and insulation, but I'm not the one to advise about how to do that.

KEH

 

[nolimits76]

Kick the chickens out!

Seriously, you can build them a chicken-sized mansion and you will be money ahead. Maybe take a few of the dollars you save and upgrade the existing pole barn where needed. And then invest the rest until you are out of college and ready to buy your own place.

Chicken coop plans (haha, look at the web address -- chickencops.com, lol):
http://chickencops.com/

 

[Lippyp]

I was going to say the same, surely you'd get better value for you cash in improving the space you have. Move the birds out into a new compound, buy a ready made shed and convert it to a coop or build a mini pole barn type structure. You'll be out the cost of the shed/coop, some fencing poles and wire. Then you can have the whole of the barn to improve. If you can't move em out then just improve the division between you and them to keep them out and the smell in.

 

[D rock]

Check Craigslist...people get rid of storage buildings all the time. You can pick them up on the cheap. Modify it how you need to...then you and the chickens will be happier...

 

[prd2hnt]

Is that an 8N as your avatar? I have a couple of them along with a 961. Easy to work on. Inexpensive.

Brian

 

[TractorJeff]

My chickens are separated by a wall and door.
Only loss is the storage space.
If I did it over I would build a Chicken Mansion like the one shown.
My neighbor did that using an old Dog Run for the fencing.
When my chickens are gone, I'll take the space back for Storage.
In your case follows these guys advice!
When you Graduate, you don't know where you will be going.
My case I moved 600 miles to better myself.

 

[YohannesH]

Petroleum engineer with a tractor repair business!

Great to see an engineer with a hands-on attitude nowadays...

 

[xtremek]

Hey Taylor, got pics of your current set up? It really depends on the condition of your current set up.