Workshop with a loft

[Cochese]

Was at Lowe's Saturday participating in their Build and Grow event like I normally do, when I went into daydream mode. The build area was right next to the sheds, which was unusual. My kids wanted to see inside, and eventually we walked into the biggest one.

'My, wouldn't this make an awesome shop' was the thought that would not escape me. It was 16x20 (or 24) with stairs in the corner that took a turn halfway up. While the rugrats were making tracks, I saw myself visualizing where things would go.

I've been thinking about it all week. It sucks, knowing that it can't happen.

[chopnhack]

Money, land or government interference?

[JSUPreston]

I've seen those as well. Money keeps me from getting one.

I would have to seal on the 2nd floor and use it for storage. You know, Christmas tree, stuff we don't have room for in the house, etc.

[Cochese]

Money, land or government interference?

All three, most likely. I'd have to do some serious terraforming to make a level spot with good drainage, and most likely it wouldn't be within code relative to neighboring properties. Money is the big one, though.

I need a new space. It's not all because of the size, but the carpenter ants are back from being dormant over the winter and I hope my workbench is dry enough where it doesn't entice them.

Having a level shop would be nice as well.

[chopnhack]

I thought as much.. I went through some trouble recently trying to get a shed setup in the backyard and I too encountered the big three.

You can check and see if your local ordinance offers any flexible developments codes. Some cities do this through a review process where you submit paperwork citing why you need a variance from the original code - in your case sounds like a side or rear setback issue.

As for drainage, sometimes just digging a simple gravity drain can do wonders for keeping you dry. A perforated flexible pipe covered in a tight gauze like material (perf. pipe with sock) slightly pitched towards the front of your yard (buried of course with the exit at the front of the house).

Money..... I hear ya!

[gsmittle]

'My, wouldn't this make an awesome shop' was the thought that would not escape me. It was 16x20 (or 24) with stairs in the corner that took a turn halfway up.

I've been thinking about it all week. It sucks, knowing that it can't happen.

This is exactly how I got my shop. It's 16x24 with a mansard roof, so I have enough room for a few tools and some storage upstairs. I had to build the stairs myself; I didn't want to pay for TuffShed to do it for me. One thing I'd suggest if you're going to pull the trigger: Put a double door on one end, and a single door near the other end. I have both doors on the same end, and the ventilation in that corner is great, not so great in the rest of the shop.

g.

[toolguy1000]

....... but the carpenter ants are back from being dormant over the winter .......

why not just get an exterminator? i found carpenter ants in one of my shop's sill and $500 later for an annual program, they were gone. since they swarm in may, amd my program goes to july, i'll have another crack at them if they reappear. even if i have to do it for 2 years, $1000 to rid myself of pests is cheaper than a new 400 sq' building.

[bmyers]

I scored big time when we bought our house. Here is my "shed". Ground floor is the shop. 2nd floor is a future kitchen / shop sink, living room bathroom bedroom man cave. Above that there is a half loft that is tall enough to stand up for my radio control type hobbies. All separate from the main house. You only live once eh?

B

[chopnhack]

You only live once eh?

B

Nice stealth gloat. You suck :-)

Is that an 80's T-bird in the picture?

[Cochese]

why not just get an exterminator? i found carpenter ants in one of my shop's sill and $500 later for an annual program, they were gone. since they swarm in may, amd my program goes to july, i'll have another crack at them if they reappear. even if i have to do it for 2 years, $1000 to rid myself of pests is cheaper than a new 400 sq' building.

The studs are damaged in areas, so I'll put some dry poison down but don't want to sink more than that into it.

[bmyers]

Nice stealth gloat. You suck :-)

Is that an 80's T-bird in the picture?

Not so stealthy huh? Seriously though go with what makes you happy. Can't take it with you.

As a matter of fact that is an '88 Turbo Coupe. You have one also?

B