Realizing a Life-long Dream Options

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This week the excavators started on something I have worked for over many years, a stand alone shop to work on my project cars. First it took many years and three changes of neighbors before I could buy the extra ½ acre I needed (our township determines the allowable size for out-buildings based on your property acreage). Then it took much of a year to get 21 signatures from surrounding land owners to get a building restriction on the land removed. After that Covid hit and material prices went through the roof, convincing me to hold off for a while. Finally, later this year I decided to go for it, as prices improved somewhat and realizing that next year could actually be worse. I was very lucky to find an enthusiastic contractor who could line up all the subs, so I pulled the trigger.

It’s going to be a three bay 39’x40’ shop, with a 12’ ceiling in the center to allow for a hoist in one stall, a nice sized shop area, 200@ electrical service, fully insulated, with water and heat. I am going to have to do a lot of my own finishing to hold the (already blown) budget down, but if the things that are on backorder (overhead doors, service doors, windows, roofing) arrive in time (6-8 weeks depending on what it is), I could be turning wrenches in December.

More to come as construction progresses.

[pfreiburger]

Regarding the other details, I have good reports on TSR floor coatings so I will probably go with that next year after I build the checking account back up. I do have attic storage planned. The 1st 20’ of the building has 12’6” ceilings, but the next 20’ has 10’ ceilings with the trusses structured for storage. I have been using metal office cabinets (they are perfect for a shop) in my current garage/shop over the years and will move them over. I have a hoist tagged at Midwest equipment and the brochure is attached, it’s the 9,000 lb. Big Block model. https://liftsuperstore.com/wp-content/uploa...re-122820-1.pdf

I have used a Canarm exhaust fan in my current garage/shop and really liked it so I ordered another for the new shop. As long as I was plumbing for a utility sink, I am having a toilet roughed in for later installation (budget again). If the budget allows I will have the ceiling drywalled and insulated (drywall is currently MUCH cheaper than most other options) and finish the sidewalls myself. An electrician will do the service entrance, panel and lighting and I will do everything else.

I would have really liked to go radiant heat, but I had to cut the budget where possible. I will be installing a ceiling suspended LP heater myself. Water was a must and is turning out to be a major expense. The picture below is of a contractor digging a trench for the water line. What is usually a simple, narrow bucket excavation (or even less extensive boring job) turned into 2-3 days of a much-bigger deal, breaking up ledge rock that was too close to the surface to go over, and too deep to bore under. The bill for that is going to hurt.

GN – Wow, that is one beautiful shop. Mine will match the house but will not be anywhere near as good looking as yours.

Jett – That looks to be the size of a football field, very awesome! Planning on a big collection, eh?

Mlindner – Yes, we will have to start a WI 914 chapter! I have been collecting parts for my 6 conversion for the last year, with the suspension all rounded up and brake parts being collected now; various other bits have been sourced as I come across them. While collecting parts I plan on just enjoying the car as is. In the meantime we should compare notes.

Shortages notwithstanding, hoping to be in sometime in December. Progress reports to follow.