In addition to a nice collection of tools, a great workshop space is something that every mechanic should have. A good workshop is necessary to get the job done properly and to get it done day after day throughout the year. While plenty of types of buildings can technically be used for a workshop, building one properly from the start will give you a far better experience.
In this article, we will look at some of the basics of building a great workshop. Of course, the biggest piece of that puzzle is the building itself, and for that, you’ll want to work with American Carports, Inc. Get started right away by heading over to our Build & Price tool to experiment with design options and request a quote. Our team would love to work with you on this exciting project!
Start with Sufficient Space
If you start from scratch, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is how big the workshop will be. For most people, the answer to how big the building should be is: as large as possible given your current constraints.
Simply put, it’s easy to outgrow a workshop, so you want to make yours bigger than you think it needs to be. The two constraints that will put a cap on how large this new structure can be are your budget for the project and the land you have available to build on. Start with the latter of those two points and figure out how much of a footprint your workshop can take up, remembering to keep local codes and building restrictions in mind. Then, knowing how much room you have to work with, you can compare building options to your budget to settle on a plan that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank.
Consider Access
One of the most important aspects of creating a useful workshop for a mechanic doesn’t actually have much to do with the building itself. Instead, it is about the access to that building, as the very nature of a mechanic’s shop means vehicles will be coming and going regularly. If you don’t have convenient access to the building, it will never quite meet your expectations. This is an important part to think about not only in terms of the design of the building but also when it comes to location selection. Should you happen to have multiple sites on your property that would work for the shop, consider going with the one that makes it easiest to get vehicles in and out.
Think About Doors and Windows
Of course, any mechanic’s shop will need at least one roll-up door to bring vehicles in and out. The big garage doors are a good starting point, but you probably don’t want to stop there. Adding an additional access door is a nice touch that will let you come and go easily without having to open the big doors every time – that’s an important feature, particularly during cold times of the year. Beyond an access door, consider including a window or two in the design, as the additional natural light can make the space more enjoyable to use.
One Other Idea to Consider
As long as you have enough space to bring in vehicles and a spot to park a large tool chest and some other supplies, you should be ready to get to work. However, you can take this project to another level by thinking about one additional touch that will make things run smoothly. That would be a separate small room within the workshop that could be used for an office. All businesses have plenty of paperwork and administrative tasks, so having a contained space to do that where it doesn’t spill over into the workshop is a big bonus. This type of design will allow you to stay organized and should make the whole experience of operating a mechanic’s workshop day after day more enjoyable.
Build a Workshop for a Mechanic Today
Every mechanic deserves to have a space that allows them to perform at their highest level. With a new workshop that has been designed and built precisely to your specifications, the sky’s the limit for what you’ll be able to accomplish. American Carports, Inc. would be proud to be a part of this project, so please feel free to contact us at your convenience to learn more.