re: If you were to build a new shop

There is no code enforcement where I live out here in the county. We don’t even have a building inspector. I went to the county courthouse to discuss permits and inspections for the new house. The county only requires a sewer inspection before a new tie in, which I won’t need since I am already tied into the sewer and it was already inspected. The electric company requires an inspection of the new service before they will connect it, but that’s no problem either. The bank has it’s own inspection schedule, but it only pertains to the house and construction draws.
Several years ago I built a 16 × 20 two-story workshop. The only inspection the county was interested in was done by the assessor for tax purposes. She didn’t even look at it. She was more interested in the gazebo I was building. She glanced at the shop and said “Yep, looks like 16 × 20 to me.”

I live in a cold climate too, about 50 miles due west of Pittsburgh, in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. Right now it’s a sweltering 18° outside.

I would also prefer something at grade, but I work on concrete all day long. I’m thinking that with the right excavation, block work, and perimeter drainage I could have a wood floor at or very near grade. I’ll have to think on that a bit.

You have a nice shop Paul. That DC is exactly what I was thinking. I especially like the loading dock. It makes the question of at grade or not, much less of an issue. Of course the portholes in the doors add that much needed nautical look ;) And are those skylights I see?

Ten-foot ceilings are a must have. Thanks for reminding me Lady. Recessed lighting is also a must. I don’t know how many times I’ve banged the lights in my shop.

Thorreain, I’m going to make the doors intentionally too small for a vehicle. I don’t even want to be tempted to try to pull a vehicle in there. Although, that gives me an idea for a covered carport in front of the shop. The big doors could then be open on rainy days without fear of water getting in.

I wish the snow would melt off so I can get some measurements and elevations done.