I thought I'd post about this since I've looked forward to having one most of my adult life. One would have thought it would have been easier when I was younger, but it wasn't.
I started planning this over the winter. I did lots of research and even had Dustin send me information about his with pictures.
Finally I got it up over the July 4th holiday. Well I didn't actually do it myself, I hired a professional.
Wait, you thought I was talking about *that*?! No! I'm talking about my new shop.
Below are the progress pics of what has been thus far. I'd like to send a BIG thanks to Dustin for all his help. I've asked him a ton of questions, via phone, e-mail, text, and in person and he offered all the info from his experience. Nothing like getting advice from the "been there, done that" guy.
First up was the slab construction. The size is 40’x40’. I used 3,000 PSI concrete with 6”X6” WWF. Per the county code, the perimeter footing is 12"x12" with the slab portion at a minimum of 4" thick. I also used #4 rebar in the perimeter footing for extra strength. For the control joints I used metal strips called that my concrete guy called “keyway". They allow the concrete to crack where you want, but leave the floor's surface more smooth since the cracks are smaller.
This 12" thick section with a #4 rebar grid is the area where my new 2-post lift will stand. I know the manufacturer's specs say 4" minimum, but I'm not really a fan of 'minimum'. This was another of Dustin's recommendations BTW.
After the slab was completed, I ran into a few issues with the county building inspector. That and other factors delayed the project about 4 weeks total, but I got it worked out and the contractor finally got started late Monday afternoon.
Three guys with no kind of crane or scaffolding did it all. They worked fast. It only took them a total of about 26 hours. I was happy with their work in the end as well.
Again the overall size is 40'x40'. I have three roll-up doors on the front. The two on the sides are 9'x9'. The one in the center is 12'x12' for taller items, again another good suggestion by Dustin.
So without further suspense, here are the pics of my erection!
True to my word I put my MIL's name on her new home away from home, a bat house! It's now hanging on the rear wall of the building. Yes, I sent her the picture, and no she wasn't happy about it. That is what I call a win-win!
There is still a ton of work to do, starting with the electrical. I'm having an electrician run the main feed from the house to the building and I'll be doing everything inside myself. Once the electrical is installed, the 2-post lift will be next...woohoo!
Why do all my projects seem to end up right smack-dab in the middle of summer!?
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
