Shop Size

M

mitch_04

Learnin'
Planning for my future shop, although it could be up to 5 years before it's built. Just curious what size, in feet, everyones shop is and how many cars you can have in while still having room to work, or what size you wish you would have built. I hear the rumor is that no one ever builds big enough...
 
that last statement couldnt be more true. whatever you think you need.....double it, or more
 
Build the biggest shop you can afford and then start saving for an addition lol. You can never have a big enough shop.

Kelly
 
I went from 80x90 down to 32x42 and 12 foot ceiling. Any less than 12 and you will be short for a lift. I can get 5 cars in my shop but it is tight with all my tools and equipment. The problem with a shop is the more room you have the more junk you end up with. And for me that equals 20 projects that I will never have the time to finish.
 
I was considering 50x50, with a small hang out area with just enough room for a pool table, couch, bathroom, and utility room. Would also like in-floor heat, seems to be decently reasonably efficient and great to work on. In my head I'm thinking enough room for 2 vehicles split into frame/body and one assembled vehicle.
 
In the end, you could build a 200x200 and you won't have any room in a year...LOL.

But seriously...plan on the actual working space you need, then double it. I would go ahead and grade out the land around for future expansion also. Keep that in mind when you layout the shop also.
 
i built a 40x70 and was out of room in 3mos and had to put on an 1100sq ft lean-to/car port on the side to get the stuff that was in my way inside the shop out so i would have enough working room.
 
I agree.. i would love to add on over here, but I can't really because of how the property is laid out.. Only option for me is at my house.
 
not a shop but a brand new garage I worked on a few weeks ago. homeowners had a garage built just to store their pontoon boat. they did all the calculations on size themselves( I think the only time they used a hammer was to hang a picture).
garage was too small. pontoon stuck out the front. I had to add 3' onto the back of the garage.
got a 40 by 40 pole barn im bu8lding an addition on next spring. it was pretty big until the owner start putting all his stuff in it. he needs more room.
make it as big as room allows. or at least make it possible to add on later.
 
I would ideally like a heated space, and a non-heated space, to save on the heat bill. Someday when I am rich and famous I would even like to air condition the joint, which really adds to the monthly bills. Footage equals energy costs, something that some of us might have to keep in mind, especially if the space will be used on a daily basis.
 
I'm considering building it in a way that encourages additions, but that would make my in floor heat a little tougher.
 
mitch_04;32345 said:
I'm considering building it in a way that encourages additions, but that would make my in floor heat a little tougher.
Click to expand...

Not at all. Just plan on the expansion with a manifold with extra ports. I did hydronic heat in my shop when I built it 5 years ago and it's awesome. You will not regret it.
 
Sounds great. I was thinking of having to upgrade the size of the water heater, not that it couldn't be done but you'd have to buy a larger heater up front...correct?
 
What you use to heat the water is kinda largely dependent on what you want to use for a fuel source. I have propane as natural gas was not an option and electric was far too expensive in my area. I use a Rinnai on-demand water heater (if memory serves it's 190,000 btu) which works flawlessly. My shop is just under 1600 sq. ft. and stays quite comfortable all winter. You can also use a electric on-demand type, though the power draw is substantial. A regular household hot water heater will never keep up with the demand. You can also use a regular boiler though that is somewhat overkill as the water only needs to be heated to 120* or so.
 
I heat a 1300 square foot shop with wood boiler and in floor heat, and when I don't want to burn wood a basic 40 gallon LP hot water tank does just fine. Wish the shop was twice the size even if half was for cold storage. How many cars do you plan to work on at one time?
 
I would like to be able to have 2 bodies, 2 chassis, and one assembled car. Roughing out on paper, I'm thinking a 2500 square foot building with 450 square foot of that being lounge/office/bathroom area. I'd like to have a place for my wife and kid(s) to be when I'm working late, so we are still together.
 
Thanks, now I just need the money! I'm debating between building it myself or having it hired out. I have no problems with doing the construction, but the in-floor heat is something I don't have much experience with. I do have a friend in HVAC though...
 
I have floor heat in my shop. Did it myself with a couple of friends helping just before they poured the floor. It is wonderful. I heat about 1200 sq feet with 12 foot ceiling. First thing that happens is your feet get nice and toasty. Bought the Kit from a place up North that I found on the internet. You won't be sorry.
 
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