Just finished my new shop which is the first phase (and most important) in our construction of a new property. The house will follow this summer. I have been working on the land (4 acres of woods, mostly maple) for about a year and a half clearing trees, putting in our driveway, building up the shop pad. The dirt work has been a fun project, but that’s another story.
I decided to go with a post and frame building for the shop. Morton constructed the building which is 30×64 with 12 foot ceilings. There are two 12 wide 10 high overhead doors on one gable end and two service doors under a 8′ wide by 32′ long porch along one side. The building was finished in late October 2005 and then I had to rush to get the radiant tubing in and pour the concrete before winter hit here in Minnesota. I was lucky enough to get it all poured by the first week in November. This was only my second attempt at pouring concrete and this one was about 2,800 cy which I did in two pours. The job turned out pretty good (it sweeps well at least).
From there I spent the winter doing interior framing. I decided to split the shop into two sections the front section with the overhead doors is 24 deep x30′ wide and houses general storage, wood storage, the DC and air compressor. I finished the back 30×40 as finished shop space. I have radiant heat installed beneath the entire floor which is separated into two zone.
I insulated the shop using 8′ wide 6″ insulation bats and the ceiling has 12 inches of blown in cellulose. I installed a 200 amp service for electrical and tried to put outlet just about everywhere I could imagine needing one. The shop was finished with sheet rock on the walls and ceiling. I painted it flat white which I now regret and wish I would have used eggshell or semi-gloss for durability. The fluorescent lighting I got out of a demo job so that was a big savings and really helps light up the place. I also used a french cleat at a 8 foot height around the shop to allow flexibility when hanging things.
I just got some of my equipment in and the DC piping up and ready . For the most part the shop is ready to go. I have a exhaust fan that still needs to be installed and then frame a 10×10 finishing room in the corner.
Here are some of the photos.
Aaron
Replies
Really nice shop. Is it for a hobby shop or commercial? Looks like you put a lot of sweat equity in it.
Thanks it is a hobby shop I do a few projects a year for customers. After I have the house built I hope to take on more. I am general contracting the house which will also involve a lot of sweat equity so hopefully the shop will help out greatly.
Aaron
Edited 3/23/2006 12:42 pm ET by aaronb
You have a really nice shop. The eggshell paint would be the way to go. Very wipeable and scuff resistant. The " Devoe " brand " Wondertone " is exceptional quality if it's available where you are. If not, Duron Paint is great also. They both have a low shine, sheen signature. If you haven't sealed your concrete floor yet, I've seen masonry stain with a clear coat add alot of character to a floor. It's getting real popular around here now. I've seen alot of it in a multi-color look. Like a marbleized appearance.
Great Shop !
Thanks, my one regreat is that i didn't epoxy the floor, but i had to draw the line somewhere and i suppose it could be done in the future with a little more effort.
If you put a sealer on the concrete you'll need to etch it before you can epoxy. If you want it to adhere properly. A mild acid wash will do the job nicely. When I did mine, It was hand scrubbed and mopped. Then let to dry overnight. Then I used a high quality 2 part epoxy and put down two coats, a day apart, on the smooth unsealed concrete. It has held up great. Nothing popping loose or chipping. It's been down for over two years. The silver-ish grey color that I chose helps light up the shop.
WOW! Very cool
I'm Jealous, jealous, jealous!!
All I can say is WOW!!
One question I gotta ask: What in the sam hill are you building in there that requires such big doors?? Maybe thinking about adding another piece or two of "small" equipment?
Beautiful. Enjoy.
Edited 3/26/2006 9:12 pm ET by woodensplinter
I added the double doors to be 8 wide and 9 high. I have a bobcat that i wanted to be able to haul in lumber and sheet goods. Didn't like overhead doors and i built these fairly cheap.
Aaron
Now, that's a great looking shop. You put in a ton of "Loving Work" into it!!
I'm wondering what a shop building of your size cost? What are the regional costs for housing in your area?
Thanks,
Bill
Thanks Bill,
The shop was about $28K for the structure. The finish materials were about another $15 with the concrete electrical drywall and everything else. I came in a bit above budget. The finishing may have been a bit more than $15K, but i tried to stop counting!!
Regional home costs in the area are about $160-$200 per sq ft and anything custom is generally above $200 per sq ft. I will general mine and am hoping to be around $115/ sq ft with a lot of custom work. I am subing the house through drywall with contractors and then will do all of the finish work. I am doing my own ICF foundation and may do some of the electrical also, but no framing, siding or roofing for me!
Aaron
Great job! If you are coming out of a small (garage) shop you are going to love this.
MIke
Thanks did the first project this weekend and the additional space is wonderful. Much easier working with large pieces and not tripping over myself.
Aaron
Aaron, what are you using for dust collection?
Bob
http://forums.taunton.com/fw-workshop/messages?msg=145.1
Bob,
Here is what i have done with my DC. It is a Penn State 2-1/2 HP
Aaron
That's not a shop, it's a dream. Fantastic!!!
Hi Aaron,
You suck! (just kidding) :) Wow . I want your floor.
Enjoy, Paul
That's one heck of a nice shop for a guy that creates tooth picks, Ha Ha Ha
Just kidding,
Good luck in the nice shop,With as nice as the shop is, your going to have to be sure and post some pics on what types of projects that's being created in it.
I belive you to be a freaking perfectionist,LOL
Sincerely,
Jim at Clark Customs
Thanks all,
I am in the process now of doing all of the woodworking for our new house, cabinets, front door, trim and I am using up all of the space available.
Aaron
Absolutely beautiful!!! I would love this shop for sure. One question, I noted you did not opt for any skylights for natural lighting. Any reason the sun does shine in Minnesota , right???
s
WOW!!!! What can I say? Guess I'll just go down to my shop and fall on my sword! LOL
Ray
Aw.. come on Aaron, that isn't your shop at all.. is it? It sure looks like the terminal at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport! You've just camouflaged the run-way outside to post pictures... huh!
And a 'bob-cat' to haul lumber up too and inside. My.. my.. my. Ya can just kiss my southern as* which is most definitely envious of that fine industrial complex you have built there. ha.. ha..
Excellent.. excellent.. excellent.. I just can't think of nothing else to say the pictures don't describe in a thousand better suited words. Enjoy!
Regards...
Sarge.. john thompson
Aaron, I see your profile says Mpls, MN. Are you really in Mpls or the burbs. I grew up in New Hope and moved to SW Mpls out of school (now live in Columbia, MD) ... your shop wouldn't fit on the postage stamp size lots in Mpls.
- Brad
West about 30 miles.
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