I just ordered a 25x50x14ft high metal shop building that I designed from Mueller. I've been quoting this once every three months or so to keep an eye on pricing.

I also got a decent (comparatively) quote from a reputable construction contractor to pour the slab and assemble it. It will be insulated, and I will be getting a Bendpak symmetrical 2-post lift.

Once it's done (including wiring), I'll get my lathe, mill, beer, welder, bench grinder, drill press, beer, tool chest, reloading equipment, etc. moved over from the extra bay in the garage, install some sweet LED/neon lights and it's Man Cave Time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: flesheatingvirus, June 20, 2025 10:20 PM

Congrats, you will love it!

Don't forget the beer.

And, I'd suggest spending a little more and adding lean-tos to both sides of that shop. You will not regret it.

Mine is 30X40 with 12' lean-tos on both sides. VERY happy I put them on. It's the next best thing to a bigger shop...that everyone wishes they'd have built.

Here's mine.



It's really nice to be able to park the camper, tractor, 4-wheeler/plow, etc..., under the roofs.

Add cameras to the build!

You guys suck.

Seriously, those are some NICE shops! Looking forward to a photo tour.

Call me envious!

This is one of my goals in life.

Nice, I'm jealous! Have them add the wiring & box for a big ass fan. One of those 10' - 12' footers. They really move the air.

Just so you know , I hate you .

Awesome, congrats. Had one built last year, still working on finishing up the interior... it's an ongoing project!

Concur with the lean-to's, if you have the room, you won't regret it.

A lean -to is a must . Even if it's just one for now . My son put one on the front , like a porch . It was high enough that you could back a loaded trailer under it easily and made a good place to work or park in bad weather .

Very nice! Been looking into one myself.

I had a lean to on the window side originally, but it's just not in the budget. The structure is bolt-together C-Purlin, so I can always add it later.

Here's my 40x60 with only one 12' wide lean-to, I should have built two. There is a 12' wide x 14' high rollup door on each end and a 10' wide x10' tall rollup door under the lean to

I'm sorry to inform you. We all now hate you.

I'd love just a spot to park my car. The idea of a shop is like fantasy land to me.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
I just ordered a 25x50x14ft high metal shop building that I designed from Mueller.....

I also got a decent (comparatively) quote from a reputable construction contractor to pour the slab and assemble it. It will be insulated, and I will be getting a Bendpak asymmetrical 2-post lift.....

Nice, I hope you update us as it goes up.

I'll chime in like others have that a lean two is incredibly useful. But I realize when building, at some point you just have to say "no this is it". And like you say you can always add it later. Plan to heat and AC it?

I'm just finishing my out building now, hope finish the lights and receptacles this week.

It will be insulated, so I will be putting in something for heat. I have a natural gas line to the house, so I could branch to the shop and put something mounted to the ceiling.

Since I have solar panels on the house, my electric bill rarely exceeds $20-30, even in the summer with AC cranking in the house. This make me reconsider the gas shop heaters and consider hanging at least one electrical units from the ceiling. Thoughts? I wouldn't have to make penetrations for exhaust like I would for gas units, too.

Since I'm at 6500ft in NM high desert, no cooling is necessary. I have a ridge line vent that can be opened/closed and can always add a big ass fan in the center. Plus, I can just open up both roll up doors to get a draft flowing.

I’ll start posting photos of the process, when it starts.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:
Thoughts?

I put a Modine Hot Dawg propane unit in mine. Don't remember the exact unit/size, but it keeps my 1200sqft comfortable and unfrozen. I did insulate thoroughly the walls and ceiling. Even in the coldest winters here I haven't come close to using all of my 250 tank. They're great little heaters and pretty reasonably priced.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

I put a Modine Hot Dawg propane unit in mine. Don't remember the exact unit/size, but it keeps my 1200sqft comfortable and unfrozen.

Interesting. They have a NG option, too.

https://www.modinehvac.com/pro...awg-power-vented-hd/

What size is your unit? It sounds like your shop is close to mine in size.

I honestly don't remember what size I got. Not at home right now, but I can climb up there and see when I get out there.

As I recall, QC Supply had some type of formula/recommendation for the best size for your shop and I went with the lower end of what would heat my 1200sqft. If memory serves, it was only about $800, So not bad at all.

I've not had one issue with it in almost ten years. I keep it set at roughly 45F all the time and if I'm out there doing something I'll crank it up and it never fails. Pretty easy install as well. I just made a shelf in a corner with some 2x4s and set it up there. Put a hole through the back wall to run the exhaust and good to go.