Workshop/Garage with Living Space

[keving]

I've been considering building a 40x60 storage space on my property in WV. This is where I use my tractor and implements most. Someday, the wife and I will likely move there and build a modest house for retirement. We really need the storage for the tractor, implements and future items.

I was looking at a pole building, steel building and stick built. We are now considering a 40x60 building with living quarters. We could weekend in it and eventually move in while the house is being built. Later it could even provide rental income. I am asking for your input on these buildings and any photos if you've been down the same path. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[InlineDieselFan]

We did a stick built 42x48 and lived there while the house was being built. since it was 'home' for a few months, it should have been a year but ended up being about 5 months, due to timing.

We put in a 3/4 bath with a lot of room so all of the water filtration stuff could go there, instead of the garage of the house. Also we put in a 12x16 room that was going to be the bedroom but ended up being our living room. this will soon be my reloading room once I get a chance to set it up.

Depending on how long you think you will live in the shop, would detemine how nice to make it. Debbie did not mind the shop too much but was certainly glad to be in the house. You could also just park your RV inside the shop. I would post pictures but I can't figure out how to use the camera.

When you build put in 12x14 doors they are nice.

steve

 

[MotorSeven]

Kevin,
I am doing the same thing, and am close to picking a building(see my arched steel building post above). We will live in the "apt" for at least 2 years because i am building the log home myself(hey when it's done it's PAID FOR!) My wife and i went the full gammit from a trailer to a camper to a modular to a portable shed...blahblahblah In the end i realized that i need a workshop so this accomplishes both within the "budget". Good luck!
RD

 

[Adron]

DW and I did just this. 30 x 64 Metal building, 24 x 30 living quarters. Lived here for 3 years getting ready to build the house.....Then we changed our mind and just added 913 s/f addition + 463 s/f basement with safe room and about 500 s/f of deck. We love it. Changed our old bedroom to DW's new office. I did all the general contracting and a lot of the labor. In the meantime I have built a a barn to house the tractor, boat(s), hay, a small office and storage.

Moved in the night the tornado passed within 1/4 mile of the house. After that night everything else has seemed pretty tame.

Be aware that if you use a metal exterior, and want any bank financing they will probably not touch it. Metal siding throws it into the same clasification as a "used" mobile home. Got a neighbor in exactly that fix. Stick built home, but metal (read no maintenance) siding. Wants to refinance, and can't find anyone to take the financing.