I'm a little self-conscious about posting build updates after seeing the caliber of Angus1956's build in this section, but oh well, here it goes.

I've been wanting a workshop for awhile now. I was counting on the cash winnings from the Wise County Hog Contest to fund that, but that prospect isn't looking too good....

....Therefore, we are doing a 'budget-build'. The goal is to have a completely finished shop for under $5k. I've been collecting/buying salvage materials and obsessively perusing FB marketplace and CL.

It's going to be a 24x20 workshop with a covered porch and carport-style awning for firewood and miscellaneous junk. Pier and beam foundation to avoid extra dirt work and concrete costs. It's definitely not going to win any beauty contests, but I'm aiming for a functional with a "vintage" look (positive spin).

Piers are going in this evening. I'll try and give updates. The goals is to have it done before it gets too hot. Sheet metal roofs in the summer aren't fun.

Current stock of materials. Other than some studs, it should be enough to get me dried-in:



Taking advantage of the soft ground and putting the Massey Ferguson to work.

Great...Please keep us updated. Your budget build is more in-line with what most folks are able to do.

This will be cool, good luck to ya.

I just got a quote for a bolt up metal building… I’m very jealous of your price point!

Well, that's the goal. TDB whether it's a realistic one or not!

Well, we still lack a few piers, but it was a beautiful evening to be outside.

It’s been slow-going around here. Fitting in construction after work and on the weekends as best I can. Piers/beams are set. A little out of order, but the flooring is going in before the walls are framed up. I could go into my reasoning, but I don’t feel like typing it out.

In case someone is unaware, if you’re willing to work a little, there’s no reason to pay for 2x4 studs. If you’re near a metropolitan area that is. I gathered almost enough to frame up the whole thing in about an hour, just driving around these huge developments going in up here. Just find the job trailer and make sure it’s ok with the builder.

Here’s the current state of things:

Right now, it’s looking like I’ll get the thing done and ready for use for around $4000-$4500. It’ll be ~850 sq ft.

Coming along nicely make sure you push those trees and brush out behind the building incase of fire.
Make sure your man doors open outwards and add an awing if possible for rain water control. My old shop the doors opened inwards and until I added an awing I had water issues.
Keep posting picks.

Not big enough. Even if you double it, sooner or later it will be too small. I have a mobile home, aka white trash trailer house, on my property South of Bowie.

I started out with a 30 ft long construction office trailer. Built long shelves and tables for both sides. They’re full. Corn, fish food, etc in this thing including stuff(junk) that I might need. Extra gas and diesel.

Next was a tractor shade and 3 extra areas for “stuff”. About 10 by 24 ft. Has tractor, a huge industrial air compressor, multiple metal tables and the “stuff”. One stand up tool box.

Bought 4 wheelers so got a shipping container. A big set of shelves at the back has sprayers, etc. then 2 big stand up tool boxes. Good lumber and plywood stored along the sides.

BTW, this is just for my rural property. I’m not short on tools and “stuff” at my home in Hurst.

Yeah it's never big enough. Unfortunately more space, means more money, and I'm about tapped out!

I didn’t do all that stuff at once. It’s taken 38 years to collect that much crap.

BTW, I have a backyard Morgan Building to use as a workshop and storage at my home in Hurst. Most of my home tools are in the garage.

I have some cedar posts/beams to add to the porch, but I’m about ready for trusses. All the walls are framed up. This has been A LOT of work, but I’m happy with what I have so far. I’ve met lots of great people and many have been very generous in cutting me deals or even giving away materials. Spent 10 hours on Thursday salvaging about 700 square feet of 100+ year old shiplap from a remodel job on the Sanger square, which will cover most of my siding and give the shop a ‘vintage’ look… to say the least..

Progress pic:

Looking good.

I think you're doing a hell of a job with what you're working with. I think it will be great!

Cool project!

Here's to the steep modification

Looks great, sir.

Step

I’d say it’s temporary, but that would probably be a lie

I'm just incredibly impressed. Wish I had a piece of ground to put a shop on.

Trusses are up

Also, further up I recommended looting jobsites for trash bracing. Still a good idea, but be aware that the receptionist at the model home might call the police on you….even after you get permission from the builder. …How do I know this???