Shop expansion decision

Frank Boettcher · 2007-06-04T19:00:44+00:00

Seriously planning an expansion to my shop but left with a difficultdecision.Original shop is 16' x 24' and is attached to the back of a 20' x 20'detached carport. both are gable end roof with the shop perpendicularto the carport. Plan is to put a 20' x20' shop expansion on the otherend of the shop matching the roof line of the carport. End up withtwo 20' x 20' structures tied together by the 16' x 24' original shop,flush on one side, 4' indention on the other.However, when I built the original shop it was on a sloping section ofthe lot and the far corner finish floor elevation is only about 3"above grade. Shooting the grade for the expansion, I find if I flushthe floors, new and old, the slope will put the far end of the newshop about 4" below grade. Choices seem to be:Do it flush and grade the property to drain properly and give me anappropriate finish floor elevation above grade. However the down sideis that in order grade away from the shop I will have to cut downseveral mature trees or seriously disturb their root systems. Treesthat will offer significant shade to the shop when finished.Make the new section a step up of 6" and minimize any contouring ofthe property, leave the trees.Leaning toward number two, however, not sure If the step up will notbe a constant source of irritation. Anyone have a similar situation,that is, living with a step up between shop sections?Frank

Jun 04, 2007 21 Replies

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Frank Boettcher 19 years ago

I didn't consider this as one of the options because in the new section will be a drive in door, 9' or 10' wide. Don't want to deal with what would be necessary to incorporate that into a below grade monolithic slab. Would at least have to pour a ramp down from the curbwall.

My flooding problems with Katrina occurred with equipment that was stored in Biloxi, MS. This shop is in Tupelo, MS, so I'm not really worried about the hurricane tidal impact, just normal rains, which can be heavy and flooding.

Thanks for the input, I think I'm going with the step up and potentially raising the existing floor if the step bothers me too much. This is also probably the least cost option.

Frank

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Mike Fields 19 years ago

I would try very hard to avoid a step into the shop. I had to make that decision when I built mine and have not regretted keeping it the same level as the garage - machines, my mill etc can be rolled in and out. I would also try very hard to make sure the ceiling is at least

8-1/2 feet high (more is better) so that you can work with 8' without having to do strange things. Also, consider putting wall outlets 4-1/2 feet up from the floor so you can lean sheets of "stuff" against the walls and still get to the outlets.

mikey

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