Much Hard Work Ahead

Much Hard Work Ahead · 11-07-2009, 07:48 AM

Hi everybody, I'm getting ready to start on my new shop. First things first though. We are getting mini mobile container on Tuesday to put everything from the old shop into, while the new shop is built. The old shop and the new shop share part of the same foot print so I am going to have to tear the old one down before building the new one. The new shop is going to be 25' X 30'. The old one is 20' X 20'. Here is the look I'm after.(link below) The building in these photo's is only 16' X 20' so we're going to have to change some things. This is a big ordeal so I' am going to build this new shop heavy & stout Post and beam style. Instead of mortise & tenon though, I am going to be using steel angle and lag bolts at all the connections. I'm thinking 6" x 6" post and beams 6" X 6" steel angle and 1/2" plate steel for the connections. Then I can cut shoulder joints for the kickers. Any ideas are surely welcome and I will be posting pix of the progress as we move along. We plan on being completed by mid March. We are planning on this being a shop/office/store. Mostly shop though.Please look at all of the photos. Also there is a video of one being built. If you guys see anything you would change, please let me know. I am looking foward to this undertaking and can't wait for it to be complete.

http://www.jamaicacottageshop.com/16x20vc.asp

JackLeg · 11-07-2009, 09:14 AM

Congratulations, Randy, and good luck with the project. That's a neat looking building.

scsmith42 · 11-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Randy, that's a great looking cottage!

As far as what I would change, several thoughts come to mind.

First and foremost, I would make it much larger than 25 x 30. More like 36 x 44. I don't know anybody that has stated "gee I wish that I would have built a smaller shop", but I know a lot of folks that wish afterward that they had built a larger one.

If budget is a concern (and when isn't it?!), you can complete the building in such a way as certain things can be completed over time, instead of all up front. You may also be able to work some lumber trades with electricians, plumbers, concrete contractors, etc, thus keeping your cash costs down.

Second, I would make the porch area at least 10' deep, and 12' would be better. The extra footage makes a tremendous difference in the usability of the porch.

Third, if not already in your plans, I would include some type of roll-up door on the end of the building for easy of shop access, as well as a dedicated man door for the shop. If you're planning to have an office/shop inside it, a separate door for that area would be beneficial as well. That way you're not tracking customers through the shop, nor tracking the shop dust, etc through your nice office and showroom area.

Best of success to you with the project!

Scott

JackLeg · 11-07-2009, 09:28 AM

+ 1 to everything Scott said, especially making it bigger! Mine is 30 X 40 and I wish it were bigger. One thing, if you put in an office, seal the attic area off from the shop to prevent dust migration and definitely insulate the walls of the office area for sound abatement. Good luck!!

ptt49er · 11-09-2009, 10:29 PM

Making in progress Randy? I'm sure you're ready for a bigger shop.

Mike Davis · 11-09-2009, 10:50 PM

I didn't know the old shop was 20 x 20. 25 x 30 is not a big leap and probably not worth the extra effort to rebuild.

30 x 40 would make room for a small office and showroom. Then you would still have room to make the shop a little bigger too.

If you had a nice showroom you could sell furniture bowls, pens, etc... on consignment and bring in some extra cash. I would welcome the chance to sell in a place like that and I'm sure others here would too. But, if you are locked into a small showroom you limit your opportunity to sell.

Are you sure you need 1/2 inch plate? It seems you could save some money there, 1/4 inch plate on each side and bolted through should be strong enough. But you probably need an engineer to determine the right strength. I would use half lap joints where ever it would work out to save the cost of plates and bolts.

If money is really tight you could plan and lay foundation for 30 x 40 but build 30 x 20 to begin. Build with everything laid out and ready to add the rest as soon as needed.

My little 16 x 16 is built with knock out walls on the ends and top beam ready to extend so I can add on to either end when I can afford it. It could go to 16 x 32 and then 16 x 48 if I wanted. You just have to plan your roof line the right way for expansion.

medic · 11-10-2009, 06:35 AM

I have to agree with scott I built mine with a 4ft porch (20x20) and if any way you can make it larger go for it. By the time you put all of your toys in, you will find out that space goes very fast. when it is nice out I like to work off the porch also makes clean-up easy (leaf blower)

bwat · 11-10-2009, 09:47 AM

Very nice design. I know you are anxious to get started and you should have no problem finding the proper lumber!

Someday....

The WoodButcher · 11-10-2009, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Mike Davis

I didn't know the old shop was 20 x 20. 25 x 30 is not a big leap and probably not worth the extra effort to rebuild.

30 x 40 would make room for a small office and showroom. Then you would still have room to make the shop a little bigger too.

If you had a nice showroom you could sell furniture bowls, pens, etc... on consignment and bring in some extra cash. I would welcome the chance to sell in a place like that and I'm sure others here would too. But, if you are locked into a small showroom you limit your opportunity to sell.

Are you sure you need 1/2 inch plate? It seems you could save some money there, 1/4 inch plate on each side and bolted through should be strong enough. But you probably need an engineer to determine the right strength. I would use half lap joints where ever it would work out to save the cost of plates and bolts.

If money is really tight you could plan and lay foundation for 30 x 40 but build 30 x 20 to begin. Build with everything laid out and ready to add the rest as soon as needed.

My little 16 x 16 is built with knock out walls on the ends and top beam ready to extend so I can add on to either end when I can afford it. It could go to 16 x 32 and then 16 x 48 if I wanted. You just have to plan your roof line the right way for expansion.

Yeah Mike I think your right about the 1/4" plates. I really wish I could build it 25X40 but I just don't have the space. The steel plates and lag bolts are free from work. But I do plan on using halflap joints where ever two beams come together, thus sharing the load. I just got word the mini mobile is there and my daughter is going to start moving stuff out of the old shop into it. The ball is bouncing,... here we go.