How to Plan Your Dream Shop Construction Project
Over the years here at Stimson Contracting, we’ve helped hundreds of folks bring their dream shops to life—from hobby mechanics and woodworkers to farmers, business owners, and collectors. And while each shop we build is as unique as its owner, one thing remains consistent: the best shop builds start with a solid plan.
Whether you're envisioning a sleek automotive workspace, a rustic woodshop, or a multi-use garage with storage, the key to success isn’t just in the construction—it’s in the planning. A well-thought-out shop becomes an extension of your life and work. A rushed one becomes a compromise.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the exact steps we recommend when planning your shop construction project—so you get a building that works hard, looks sharp, and lasts a lifetime.
Table of Contents
1. Define Your Purpose and Priorities
The first step is always the most important: what’s your shop for?
Are you restoring classic cars? Running a business? Building furniture? Storing heavy equipment? Or maybe it’s a little bit of everything.
Start by listing out your top uses and what features are most important: clear span space, tall ceilings, insulation, wash bay, mezzanine storage, or separate work zones.
The clearer you are on your goals, the easier the rest of the planning process becomes.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Before we break ground, we need to talk dollars. Too often, folks start with Pinterest boards full of ideas but no real framework for what those ideas cost.
Think in terms of:
Site prep
Materials (metal, concrete, insulation, etc.)
Electrical and HVAC
Permits
Labor
Interior finishes and storage solutions
We help our clients create a budget that balances wish lists with financial realities—without sacrificing quality.
3. Choose the Right Location on Your Property
Your shop needs to fit your land. This includes:
Access from the main road or driveway
Drainage and slope
Sun exposure
Room for vehicle turnarounds or deliveries
Future building or fencing plans
We’ll often do a site visit to help determine the best location, considering both current use and long-term flexibility.
4. Pick a Building Style and Size
Once you’ve nailed down your purpose and site, it’s time to dream a little.
Do you want a gable roof? A monitor barn? A simple boxy structure or something with rustic flair?
And size? Think not just about your current needs but what you’ll wish you had in five or ten years. A 30x40 might seem perfect now—but if you add a lift, a boat, or more tools, you may want a 40x60 or even 60x100.
We custom-design every shop at Stimson Contracting to meet our clients' specific needs—and future growth.
5. Think Through Doors, Windows, and Access
Don’t underestimate the importance of layout access.
Will you drive equipment straight through the building?
Do you need roll-up doors, sliding doors, or walk-through entries?
Do you want natural light during the day from windows or skylights?
We help clients plan for traffic flow, convenience, and safety while making sure the structure stays energy efficient and secure.
6. Plan for Power, Lighting, and HVAC
A dream shop needs to be functional year-round and ready to power your tools, lifts, lighting, and more.
This means planning for:
Service panel size (usually 100–200 amps minimum)
Overhead LED lighting and task lighting
Outlets where you need them—not just where it’s convenient
Ventilation or heating/cooling systems
Even if you don’t install it all now, we can prep the structure for future upgrades.
7. Storage, Work Zones, and Layout Planning
Your layout matters just as much as square footage. Think in terms of zones:
Tool storage
Vehicle bays
Clean vs. dirty work areas
Office or desk space
Loft or attic storage
We work with clients to create a floor plan that’s both efficient and comfortable, using vertical space, built-ins, and proper clearances.
8. Consider Future Expansion
Your dream shop should grow with you. Ask yourself:
Could I add on in 10 years?
Do I want a lean-to, carport, or additional bay someday?
Should I rough-in plumbing or conduit now for future use?
We build with tomorrow in mind—so your building can evolve as your lifestyle or business does.
9. Know Local Code and Permit Requirements
Every city and county has different rules about shop construction—especially when it comes to:
Setbacks
Snow loads
Utilities
Occupancy (especially if you’ll work from home)
We handle the permitting process for most of our clients and work with local jurisdictions to ensure your building meets all current codes.
10. Choose a Trusted Builder
Your dream shop deserves a builder who listens, delivers, and stands behind their work.
At Stimson Contracting, we’ve built hundreds of shops across the Inland Northwest. We’re proud to say we’re not just a construction company—we’re a long-term partner for our clients.
We focus on:
Transparent communication
High-quality materials
Honest timelines and pricing
Clean, professional job sites
11. Why Build Your Shop with Stimson Contracting
We know how much your shop means to you. It’s more than four walls and a roof—it’s where work gets done, hobbies come alive, and time is well spent.
We don’t take that lightly. When you build with Stimson Contracting, you get:
Custom design support
Accurate bids—no surprises
Hands-on project management
A team that respects your time and your property
From the first sketch to the final walkthrough, we’re with you every step of the way.
12. Let’s Build Your Dream Shop
You’ve got the vision—we’ve got the team to bring it to life.
If you're ready to start planning your dream shop construction project, let’s talk. Whether it’s a custom workshop, garage, or hobby space, we’ll help you design a building that fits your needs, your property, and your future.
Stimson Contracting, Inc.
Dream It. Design It. Build It Right.
📞 Call us today to schedule your consultation 509.244.2636
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