More than 90% of homeowners plan to renovate, remodel, or otherwise improve their homes at some point. Many of those homeowners plan to do much of the work themselves or even build a workshop.
If you’re one of them, you know that building a workshop is one of the best ways to simplify your home improvement schedule. It gives you a safe and secure spot to work on different projects without interrupting the rest of your family.
However, before you can start, you need to know how to build a workshop in the first place. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Table of Contents
Set a Firm Budget to Build a Workshop
Before you can start looking at different workshop designs, you need to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on the project. Remember, there’s more to building a workshop than simply acquiring the materials.
You need to gather the necessary tools, make sure you have the right permits in place, and get the spot ready for construction. Consider how much you’re willing to pay for each component of the project and stick to that number.
Ideally, you should be able to cover the full cost of the project with your savings alone. If you plan on financing even a part of the workshop’s construction, you’ll need to make sure you can afford the loan payments each month.
If your income isn’t stable or you’re not confident in your ability to make those minimum payments on time, it may be better to wait until you have more money saved up.
Identify the Right Spot
Once you have a budget established, you need to figure out where you’ll build the workshop. If you’re just making a few improvements in your garage, you’ll need to identify the best spot inside or your workshop.
However, if you’re planning on building an exterior structure, you’ll need to choose the right spot in your yard. Think about how you’re going to use the space.
If you’re hoping to use loud tools or equipment in the workshop, you’ll want to choose a spot far away from the main house. This way, your activities won’t interrupt the rest of your household when they’re indoors. However, if your tools are quiet or you need to be close to your house, choose a location that will work for your needs.
Regardless of where you plan to build the workshop, you’ll need to find a suitably large and flat spot in your yard. The flatter it is, the less time it will take to prepare the spot for the build.
If you’re not sure where to start, contact your trusted contractor and ask for their advice. They’ll be able to help you choose the best spot on your property.
Think About the Features You Need to Build a Workshop
Once you pick the perfect location, you need to turn your attention to the design of your workshop. Think about the types of things you need in the space.
For example, if you’re going to be working on cars or heavy equipment, you’ll need plenty of wall space for tools. If you’re planning on using the workshop as a private office while you work from home, you’ll need space for a desk and plenty of power outlets in place.
Think about the activities you plan on doing in the workshop and create a list of the features you know you need and the ones that would be nice to have. Then, compare those features against your budget.
Remember, you still need to be mindful of your budget and should only include the features that you can afford. You can always add more finishing touches to the workshop as you build your savings.
Choose the Right Construction Method
Before you can start working on the space, you need to figure out how you’ll handle construction. If you’re handy, you may be able to build your new workshop on your own.
However, if you’re not comfortable working in construction or don’t have extensive experience building things, you’ll want to work with a dedicated contractor. They’ll be able to help you find the right materials and make sure that everything gets built up to local codes.
If you need to choose a low-cost option but still want professional help, installing a galvanized metal building may be a better choice. When you go this route, you’ll save money on materials while still getting the expert help you need with the build itself.
Plan on Adding Insulation
If you’re like most people, you’ll want to use your workshop year-round. This means you’ll need to insulate the building against the cold of the winter months and the heat of the summer.
If you don’t insulate the building, you risk your workshop becoming too hot to work in during the summer months and bitterly cold in the winter. Even if you can stomach the extreme heat and cold, your tools and materials may not be able to.
Make a plan to insulate the building and research the types of insulation that work best for your needs. For example, fiberglass insulation is great for workshops with finished walls where you won’t risk coming into direct contact with the fiberglass. However, if you plan on leaving the walls unfinished, it’s best to use foamboard or sustainable insulation like wool or recycled denim.
Figuring Out How to Build a Workshop Takes Time
The most important thing to remember when you’re learning how to build a workshop is that it’s okay to ask for help. If you’re not comfortable with any part of the process, reach out to an experienced contractor and let them handle the construction.
This way, you’ll know that everything will get built safely and on budget.
Once you have your workshop ready to go, you’ll need to prioritize the types of projects you want to work on. Check out our latest posts for great projects you can take on to improve your property without breaking the bank.
