Hello,

I’m wanting to build an unattached garage/shop in which I can store 3 vehicles comfortably, a 24′ pontoon, 2-3 recreational toys, an auto hoist, full bathroom and still have a bit of work space to work on various projects. I’m new to all of this and want to do it right the first time so lets start with the basics and go from there. Also, I’m from ND so snow load and temperatures will be an issue with my build.

1. Size: I’m leaning towards a 40′x60′x16′ building. Does this sound sized about right for my planned uses? Idealy I’d like to have something large enough to split in half to keep half heated and the rest as cold storage.

-Doors: (2) over head doors @ 15′ tall and one 36″ walk-in door. What width over head door do you guys recommend? All of my items are road width legal but I would like sufficient clearance on either side of the vehicle

2. Materials: What is your best bang for your buck when it comes to construction materials? Do you guys prefer steel, stick or post frame? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? Can a post frame building be wired, plumbed and finished inside?

-Concrete: What thickness and PSI concrete is recommended for your average vehicle or truck and auto hoist? I also plan on heating the concrete, any info or do’s/don’t on doing this?

-Insulation: What type and R value would one recommend for the walls ceiling? I plan on keeping the shop just above freezing with the option of being able to quickly raise the temp. when I’m in there working?

-Heating: What kind of BTU output will I need to achieve efficient heating on a building this size. I’m leaning towards a propane fuel source at this point as it will be built in a rural area.

-Electrical: What size service and panel will I need for such a building?

I know this is only a start but I’m coming into this with a blind eye and am hoping to gather as much info as possible before I take the plunge and as I said I plan to do this right the first time and only once. Am I at the right place for this type of info or is their other sites I have yet to discover that also need to be looking over?

-Thanks in advance!