Layout for lift(s) in shop

I'm doing a 30x60x16 red iron with an offset 14x14 front door (30' side), I don't have room for any other configuration on my lot. 
 

I want to have it all air conditioned or at least partial. I'm kind of leaning towards an a maybe 12-15 foot deep section in the back with loft. But I'm also going to put an 8x8 door towards the back for ventilation as well so not sure that would change my enclose configuration. 
 

At this point I think I really just have to wait until it's built to lay it out 

im working out of a 24x30 now, I'd go wider if I could I think, maybe 35-40x60

ctk339 said:

At this point I think I really just have to wait until it's built to lay it out 

Umm... that's really NOT the way it works. 

I realize very few people can read or make sense of plans, but a good shop design starts with a LAYOUT, long before the building is built. 
 

Understanding how you intend to use it, your work flow, where things are stored, approach space for various equipment, where natural light will be needed, best location for doors, etc, etc, etc are all important parts of figuring out what will make a good shop. 
 

For example... a 20x60 foot building and a 30x40 foot building are identical in square footage. If you have a wide lot and intend to be working on compact cars, the 20x60 would be MUCH better. But if you are working on pickup trucks or have a narrow lot, it would suck. 
 

Draw your layout on paper long before you build anything. 

I would agree layout first is important. My particular building pad is between an existing garage and set back and 30x60 is the absolute biggest I can fit so I don't really have any other choice 

In reply to ctk339 :

I understand that the footprint of your building may be predetermined by the site. 
 

But a layout also helps define best locations and sizes for windows, doors, grade work, plumbing, structural elements, etc. 
 

For example... Your 30' end wall is the approach. You could lay it out with (3) 10' bays, or (2) 15' bays. Or you could lay it out with unequal sized bays off center with unequal sized doors so that a large vehicle could fit on a lift with a smaller vehicle on one side and a workbench area on the other. 
 

A great shop is not just the biggest building you can fit. 

So does the downvote to oblivion work for canoes also, or are we still needing to draw the mods' attention to them?

As far as the main topic goes, I am in a similar boat, planning out a large garage (funding and inflation permitting...).   I was hoping for 40 x 80, with one 2 post and at least one four-post lift.  Does it save any cost or time to locate the two post before the slab is poured, or do they normally cut in to make the deeper support needed after the main thickness is set?

In reply to travellering :

Depends on what you are planning for your floor. 
 

If you are planning a 5" thick floor, you can probably locate your lift anywhere. 
 

If cut it in later, I'd make it 8" thick. 
 

Or, you can pour a 4" floor and locate it now. Thicken the slab to about 6" where the 2 posts are- it's virtually free. 

In reply to travellering :

Downvote to oblivion...

Lets try it!

Hi there! I see there's some spam that's been downvoted!