planing a garage/shop

[grumpyvette]

as many guys know Ive helped several guys plan out and think thru the steps they need to go thru when building a shop
most guys simply don,t realize that the local building departments,land use restrictions on floor height,drainage, electrical restriction, health laws, access and easement restrictions, soil compaction, limitations, building inspectors and your deed restrictions ,area zoning laws ,and the cost of material all have an effect on their choices.
in most areas you need to find out what you can build and whats allowed before spending time planing what you intend to build.
in most areas you can,t just decide to install a 3 or 4 car garage, on your property and it takes building permits, and foundation tests , minimum pad heights, soil density tests and other requirements before you even start,and get a land survey to make sure theres room for a garage and nothing preventing you from building one, like power line access or sewer access,height or square footage restrictions etc.!
think it thru, the shops construction costs most contractors quote are FAR LOWER than the true total cost, they frequently "low ball" estimates to get you started then mention the building permits site preparation,trash removal, all internal electric, paint, etc and inspections and a near endless list of other things costing money are not included in the cost
MOST contractors will provide the MINIMUM required by the building codes IF THAT and if you want things done correctly youll need to constantly inspect whats being done, whos doing it, and that what your being billed for is actually being done with the materials you paid for.

]theres a great deal of info in these threads
http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=116

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5

http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=98

these pictures are several years old

 

[Rich Z]

Yeah, I learned a LOT when I had my garage built. If you get a contractor to build it for you, write up a contract, and specify a "turn-key" building with all expenses inclusive in the quoted price.

I actually lucked out as I am zoned "agricultural", and am classified as a bona-fide tree farm. So I was able to bypass a whole lot of the crap that I would have otherwise had to comply with. Some of them were actually optional for me, and I did them anyway. For instance, even if there is not going to be a stick of wood in the building, whenever you lay down a concrete pad foundation, you are required to have the ground treated for termites prior to laying down the concrete.

So be prepared to be amazed and befuddled at some of the things you are required to do.

 

[grumpyvette]

I'm building a new garage and was thinking of getting a 2 post portable lift. Any pros or cons on this idea?

Looking at this one: 2 Post Lift

ok ILL ask?
whats the advantage of that lift over a more conventional lift that can be purchased for a similar price range from several sources,that can be mounted with mounting studs that anchor it more securely, your dreaming if you think youll be setting it up and tearing it down regularly, and if your thinking increased floor space, putting a car up and a second car under it actually provides more total floor space than moving the lift.
I spend almost two years talking with mechanics about what lifts to avoid, which lifts had the best features, what lifts were nice to work with, and the consensus was a 4 post makes a great storage lift and its easy to use but if your a mechanic a solidly built CERTIFIED

two post lift with clear floor space from a company that will service it and have parts is the correct route to go

http://www.directlift.com/Pro-9D-Two-Post-Lift-P53C8.aspx

http://www.ben-pearson.com/baymaster-7cf_1023_p.aspx

http://www.ben-pearson.com/model-10ad-two-post_1005_p.aspx


READ THE LINKED INFO
http://forum.grumpysperformance.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=98