Anticipate the amount of electricity you'll need to run to the shop by figuring out the amperage draws of all the tools and machines you have. Don't forget to include the amperage used by the lights, fans, TV, and stereo. Of course, all these things won't be running at once, but it is good to have enough power to have a compressor and welder running at the same time. Both Whitney and Sherman say you should have at least 100 amps available. Be sure to spread the power out over several circuits, too. Sherman recommends no more than five outlets on a single circuit, and dedicating a circuit to high-amperage devices like his window air conditioners, compressors, and welders. Leave some room in your electrical box for additional circuits you can add later as you accumulate more equipment. One last thing to consider is whether to include plumbing in your shop. In some areas, adding plumbing to a garage suddenly transforms it into a habitable space, and fees and property taxes can skyrocket.
Build It
Once you've drawn or purchased your plans, you'll need to get approval and permits from your city or township. Depending on your area, this can be the most frustrating and aggravating part of the process. Whitney and Sherman both relay horror stories of dealing with the city. Whitney says he had to wait an entire year before he could even "put a shovel in the ground." Be sure your plans comply with codes for height and proximity to property lines, and that the buildings are structurally correct, too. Oftentimes the city will require fireproof walls and specific foundation specs.
If you're doing the work yourself, know that you will have to get permits for almost anything you do, too, and be prepared to have all your work inspected for everything you pulled a permit for. Whitney had to verify the depth of his concrete pad for a city inspector by drilling a hole in it. If you're hiring a contractor, make sure they're aware of your area's procedures, as zoning regulations can vary wildly from city to city. If stuff isn't up to code or if you get caught doing work you didn't get permits for, penalties range from fines to demolition and reconstruction.
Doing the work yourself saves a lot of money, though. Whitney estimates it would have cost around $40,000 if he had hired a contractor. But because he did the whole job himself, he spent about $12,000. Similarly, Sherman financed his shop with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and did the majority of work himself. "The only thing I didn't do was pour the concrete and finish the drywall. Otherwise it was a lot of late nights with friends and family helping. When I came across something I didn't know how to do, I bought books, asked around, and learned what I needed to know."
Gene Sherman in his shop.>>>
Finish It
Once the structure is up, the creative process kicks into high gear. You get to choose all the little things that will make the place your own. What kind of lights do you want to use? What color will you paint the walls? Where will you put your toolboxes, machinery, and workbenches?
Don't dismiss this step as frivolous, either. As mentioned before, make the place as comfortable and convenient as possible; otherwise you will not enjoy working there. All the guys we talked to recommend installing lots of lights and painting the walls with a brightly colored, semigloss paint. The brighter it is in there, the easier it will be to see what you're working on, and the more comfortable your eyes will be. Finish the floor in the best epoxy you can afford. The concrete foundation may be one of the most expensive parts of the building. Keep it safe from oil, moisture, and damage from heavy parts.
By Courtesy Bottom Line Steel Buildings
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