Well, after thinking about it for more than a decade I broke ground
this week on my new shop. I took so long because I wanted to wait
until lumber and steel prices were at their peak...arrgh.

Here's what I learned so far. I didn't spend near enough time
figuring out exactly what it would cost and of course nearly all of my
estimates are low. I wanted to go with concrete block (CMU) walls
partly because we live in a high fire hazard area. I knew it would be
expensive, but got some low estimates that re-assured me. After the
plans were drawn up and the permit issued and I got some firm bids,
the low estimates got pretty darn high. The building permit alone was
over $900. It's gotten so civilized around here that the chances of
getting away with a non-permitted structure were pretty slim.

Also totally underestimated the amount and cost of the base material
that needs to be compacted prior to the concrete pour. I'm planning
to pour a 5 inch deep floor with 5 sack mix and fiber additive. I'm
not sure of the benefit of going any more than 5 inches, but may
decide to go to six. I don't know exactly how I'll have machines
located, so I can't realistically make the floor thicker underneath
them.

Another issue is whether to use all licensed contractors. My neighbor
is a licensed contractor and he suggested that he himself would never
hire a licensed contractor since so much of the money goes to
insurance payments and very little goes toward a quality job. In his
view an unlicensed contractor will do a better job for less. The
downside of course is the risk of someone getting hurt while working
on my property. I guess I could agree with them in advance that
anyone getting hurt gets dragged out back, shot and buried :-).

Bob