Build Your Own Wood Shop For Less

Being a full time woodworker or just a part-timer, you always need more space to work. A modern in-its-place work area is a woodworkers dream. With a little planning and help from neighbors and friends your own woodworking shop isn't that far away. And to be realistic it will take money and a lot of "sweat equity on your part, but you will save by doing it yourself, even if you don't have all the skills required.

Site Planning and Preparation

1. Decide how many square feet you need. Then be realistic and decide on a the proper size to insure that you have enough space to footprint your building.
2. Check your local building codes. This is mandatory. Mess up here and "trouble" follows.
3. Drive around and look at other buildings similar to what you want. This will give you an idea of the completed building size and improvements you could make.
4. Take the time to think and talk about it with others. Small inputs can make a big difference.

Go Back to School

1. Take the time to research various building techniques. The internet is great place to start. You will develop a wealth of knowledge. Take that knowledge and apply it and you will be surprised just how much you did know.
2. Buy yourself some good "How-to-do-it" books. Read them and take the time to learn. There are hundreds of these self help books out there so take your time and research them. Find the books that fit your needs.
3. If you know someone in the building trade, take the time to talk with them. You will glean a wealth of information from them.
4. Above all don't be scared to learn. It will be well worth it for now and later on.

Leave some to the Pros

1. If you have not had training in concrete work, leave this one to the professionals. Having the proper foundation and flooring will make or break your dream workshop.
2. A Certified electrician is mandatory. You can learn how to wire outlets and run alot of the wiring, but the electrician will have to certify your work. Once again, ask around and find out just how much you can do. This will save you a ton of money by doing some of this work yourself. Here is where the "sweat equity starts".
3. There maybe a few other areas that you may want to consider having done by the pro's. You will know as you progress farther into construction.

Dumpster Dive for Materials

1. Who ever said that new was better. Look around for bargains. There are hundreds of places around, be it private sellers or business that sell used lumber. You have just cut your cost dramatically. Most of the lumber will be just as good as new.
2. In today's economy business fail on a daily basis. Look for the lumber yards and resellers that are going out of business. Your savings alone on sheetrock, paneling, shingles, etc., will save you hundreds if not thousands.
3. Garage sales and yard sales. Cabinets and furniture just waiting to be hauled off. So what if it's a little scratched, you will have a new woodworking shop to fix it all.
4. Shop your smaller lumber stores. Get pricing from the larger retail stores and ask your smaller dealer if they can come close to the price. You will be surprised just how close they can come. You will not only get the personnel attention you deserve you just made a contact for questions.
5. Humble yourself and ask friends and neighbors if they have anything they would like to get rid of as it applies to your needs. Tell them what your doing. What will cost? You'll probably haul it off for free.

These are just some of the ways and tips that can save you a lot of money when you build your dream workshop. Undoubtedly there are hundreds more.

Brian is a skilled woodworker in the off time. He has built his own woodworking shop and various pieces of furniture.