Help me think outside the box

[microcarl]

I would have to think about the upstairs for a while.


But for the main area of the building, I'd be having visions of a nice work area - maybe some electrical, insulate, sheetrock, heating, air conditioning, etc...


Then I envision a nice area for reloading ammo, expansion of my electronics lab, more machining tools like a lathe, Bridgport mill, band saw, welder, acceteline tourches and the like.

[Belle]

Have you looked at any tiny houses online? You could probably make it into a small apartment and make some money off it. The upstairs could either be a loft (just for sleeping) or storage.

[Remember_The_Alamo]

I can see the headlines now.


"Police Find Herb Garden & Terrorist


On a tip from the local electric company a warrant was issued for 1234 Some Road. After police burst into the house using flashbangs and tear gas to help subdue the occupants, an herb garden was found. Police originally suspected a marjuana farm due to the increased electrical use at the property...

Instead police found a terrorist cell. At the property a large arsenal consisting of 2 rifles, 2 pistols, 500 rounds of ammunition and a 6 month supply of food was found. No one suspected Mr. & Mrs Joe Smith, the picture of the perfect American citizen, who in reality were not. Data recovered from seized computers links the two to the website 'The Tree of Liberty', a site well known for being frequented by 'patriotic' Americans, who believe the government of the US is bloated, and should be reduced in size... "

Just saying be careful so as not to call any unwanted attention to yourself.

[DIM TIM]

Kind of sounds like my dad's BIG garage. that particular one is a three car garage, with the same sort of upstairs portion to it.

A good shop to do various projects is the best idea, and just use the upstairs for material storage like he does. Having running water to clean up without having to go to the house to do it is great. The only thing that could be any better than this is to have toilet facilities as well.

If you had that, then all you would need would be a futon sofa, and a microwave oven. Then if for some reason the house became uninhabitable, you would have at least the bare essentials in the garage. A wood or coal stove for heat in the winter, I've seen deer cabins with less.
I've never been to one, but have heard of some who have combined a small apartment into their shops to save money on buying or building a seperate home. So having all the comforts of one in a garage or shop would be great if the house had a fire or some other devistating misfortune. Forget having an apartment to rent for extra income. Can't always trust that you will find someone to be trustworthy and honest.

All that aside....just having a shop with both is fantastic.

[Mama Ten Bears]

I can see the headlines now.


"Police Find Herb Garden & Terrorist


On a tip from the local electric company a warrant was issued for 1234 Some Road. After police burst into the house using flashbangs and tear gas to help subdue the occupants, an herb garden was found. Police originally suspected a marjuana farm due to the increased electrical use at the property...

Instead police found a terrorist cell. At the property a large arsenal consisting of 2 rifles, 2 pistols, 500 rounds of ammunition and a 6 month supply of food was found. No one suspected Mr. & Mrs Joe Smith, the picture of the perfect American citizen, who in reality were not. Data recovered from seized computers links the two to the website 'The Tree of Liberty', a site well known for being frequented by 'patriotic' Americans, who believe the government of the US is bloated, and should be reduced in size... "

Just saying be careful so as not to call any unwanted attention to yourself.

[Mama Ten Bears]

Thanks all. I guess I'm dreaming too big.

Seems a waste. But, I'm short enough that I could put a little desk right in the middle and use it for a scrapbooking room. Hubby can't even go in, he's too tall.

[dylanM]

Not dreaming to big , you just need to research your zoning codes & check regulations on building permits as to remodeling , & what materials your space is constructed from.

Decide exactly what you want to use the space for. Can it do double duty, weight wise.

[kenorri]

I had the same idea about my garage a few years ago. Turns out the area in the rafters is only usable for light storage unless specifically designed for load-bearing. I put a fold-away ladder stairs in the far end and put down plywood for the floor. I keep a lot of junk up there but nothing really heavy like pots for plants or water preps. To upgrade I would have to insulate the roof and walls to keep the water lines from freezing. Get a good electrical panel and bump up the amps to handle the load of lights, pumps and heaters. Jack columns along the main supports in the center for the increased weight of real flooring above and shelves and furniture. Do be careful with grow-lights, the SP have a helicopter that looks for the thermal signature of an indoor greenhouse and the EC will note the increased usage of electricity and send out an investigator. The extra room is a blessing especially for storing things for later use should it all go down. I love a good project.