Hi everyone,
My plan is to build a 16x16 with 10' walls shed-woodworking shop in the Spring.
Depending on what you plan to do in the workshop, how many tools you plan to use, and whether you can use outdoor space that you can easily use, 16x16 is going to disappear quickly.
As an example my table saw is ~3 feet deep. Lumber (and sheet goods) commonly come in 8 foot lengths. At minimum to rip an 8 foot board you will need 8 feet for out feet, 8 feet for infeed, about 2 feet on the table saw without contacting the blade, and probably 1 or 2 feet on either end for yourself; that 8+8+2+(1 or 2)+(1 or 2) = 20 to 22 feet of interior space. You will need to add the thickness of your wall assembly (2x6 with sheathing would probably be another foot total). And that is assuming there is nothing to prevent you from using every inch of interior space. In reality tools take up a good bit of space, add it shelves, work benches, and other storage that it might become ... well you get the idea.
I've been quoted $5500 (wood floor, metal roof,not including insulation/electrical/heating) for materials and labour from a carpenter, which I'll be helping build too to learn how to frame. I was thinking about a garage, but the quote I got, while reasonable, is too much for this house as I'm not sure I'll be here in a few years.
Honestly, if that 5500 is CAD, from a US price prospective that quote doesn't seem bad. If buy a similar sq/ft shed kit at HD I'd be left with 1,200 to 1,300 USD to pay someone to build it for me and for any additional materials not included in the kit.
I want to use this as a year-round woodworking shop exclusively (maybe welding at some point but it's not a priority)
I would separate those two activities as much as reasonably possible. Saw dust burns and metal rust. Buddy of mine too up welding and it is a miracle he didn't burn his workshop down from welding, but the metal filings from grinding did result in lovely rust spots on his lumber.
I live in northern British Columbia and it's not uncommon for us to get -30 weather during the winter with 10-15cm of snow dumps common.
Sounds like you are in for a quite a few additional expenses beyond the quote to be comfortable, at least in terms of insulation and air sealing upgrades and heating system.
I'm feeling a little over my head with the order-of-operations in terms of building this,
You are on the right path, for me the largest part of a project of this scope, especially one I haven't undertaken before, in research, design, and planning.
and I should pay attention to specifically to get the most longevity out of it
The best built unit with the best longevity is going to cost a good bit of money above a basic shed drafty shed with T-111 siding.
Only you can decide if that is worth the cost, but considering you do not want to build a garage partially because you are not certain you will be where you are in a couple years.
As an aside, if your time frame is a couple years I am not sure DIY is a good option. Planning, learning, and actually building is going to take a good bit of time. In my experience at least twice as long as I think and usually more like 3 times. That is likely to add up to a good bit of the time you have left. The extra cost to have it built quicker or, as suggested, finding a temporary alternative solution might be best.
stuff like how to prep the ground beneath it, durable siding, how much overhang the roof has, insulation, what to heat it with, running electrical, etc. It will have 1 man door, 1 double-door, and many outlets - I'm thinking an outlet every 3 feet, with 4 overhead lights and dust collection.
The sky's the limit. Foundations could be anything from PT sleepers on the ground to a poured frost proof shallow foundation and there is a lot in between.
I would encourage you to consider the overhang, siding, weather barrier, and insulation as all one system. The greater the overhang the less water that will reach the siding, the better the siding the less water will get to the weather barrier, the better the weather barrier the less moisture that will find its way into the wood behind the barrier, and the less moisture that get that far the less that will have to dry to the inside. (and if it cannot dry due to insulation or wall covering it will rot).
What is the order of operations in getting this built? Is it tricky to lift a 10' wall? Please give me things to consider, thanks everyone!
From the bottom up j/k. As I said you are doing the most important thing now, which is what feels like way too much research and planning and likely multiple revisions.
First thing I would do is find out what you are allowed to do in your area. You've mentioned HVAC and electrical work. Are you allowed to do those yourself in your area? If not are you willing to risk getting caught?
Second, figure out the minimum how well you have to build it with regards to wind and snow load and local zoning and building codes (if they exist).
Third, figure out how you will use it and what you will put in it. I would take some graph paper, but you can do it in software. and place everything (band saw, table saw, drill press, planer, jointer, shelves with hand tools, work benches, lumber storage, dust collector, space for the dog, and on and on) you may every want to put in there and look at workflow. I work in a 12 x 24 space and all of my tools are on wheels. I have to swap them around constantly when dealing with larger stock.
Fourth, be honest with yourself about how much you are willing to spend and realize that if you are building it yourself the little things you won't think of will collectively add to the cost a good bit. A basic shed kit on the ground with a few earth screws to resist tipping over will be the least costly, an insulated concrete slab with good overhangs, spray foam walls, better weather barriers, heat pump for heat, and other upgrades is going to be a lot more money.(and a lot more skills for you to learn, which means more time to completion and less type till your hypothetical move is a couple years).
