Replies

1. 
   Don01 | Dec 14, 2009 12:54am | #1

   Robin,
   Depends a lot on the physical separation of the spaces.

   #1. Dust contamination of your living quarters. Wood dust is toxic and a carcinogen. Right now you leave it behind in another building. How will you keep it out of your living area. Remember it is the stuff you can't see that tears up your lungs.
   #2. Noise contamination.
   #3. Head room. If you have a walk out , you are probably OK here.

   Don

2. 
   roc | Dec 14, 2009 01:05am | #2

   I am in a similar space. A carriage type of house with shop space under living quarters. There is no outside door into the shop but the big garage door. I wish there was a small door.

   The reason I am posting is to say there are NO windows. Not even in the big door. Makes for a more secure shop

   BUT

   I have come to realize how important day light through windows for old eyes can be. So light can be a factor. That's all.

   Good luck with the new shop space.

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

3. 
   Tinkerer3 | Dec 14, 2009 05:26am | #3

   I can only relate to my own experience but it so different from yours that it may not help.  In any event, you will have to act according to your own decisions.  I had a basement workshop for over thirty years and couldn't wait to get a dedicated shop building.  But I went from a fifteen foot square room in the basement to a 24 x 42 foot room in the barn.  Room does make a difference.  I also have intercom and even picture transmission to the house so that can help.  Oops, the picture transmission isn't hooked up yet.  The shop is eighty feet from the house but the wife can call me for dinner on a cold day without leaving the kitchen.  If I am dirty, I can take a shower without even going into living quarters.  Now, I need to get busy and build something.