You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Typical are thread. I need to build a workshop 1. For my tinkering 2. So I have space to work while hopefully doing an I extention next year. I will need planning so may as well go big. So 5 m wide and 6m long. Cheap ideally but also have to consider security.
#1. Blockwork. Ugly, secure.
#2. Wooden frame and wavey edge cladding. Attractive but requires maintenance. Not sure about security.
#3. Wooden frame, metal sheets side.
Ugly but potentially quick.
Any other obviously ideas I am missing.
Block will give you the most for your money. It'll be solid and secure without costing much. If looks are important you can clad it or render it. A bit of paint and a few plants will hide a multitude of sins.
The biggest cost will be labour and it's probably the hardest DIY option. Still doable if you are handy. If you are paying a pro to build it then that really changes the balance.
Mine is block built and I'm pleased it is. If I was doing it again I'd go the same way
Block also pretty much lasts forever....
Pallets braced together and cladded on the outside
Log cabin?
Block is my preferred just worried a little on aesthetic and the extra work but perhaps the planters and paint ideas could be a goer.
Not keen on those log cabin to be honest, nice as garden rooms but not up to workshop height
Something to think about is condensation, particularly your choice of roof - an uninsulated metal roof would be terrible. Blockwork but with larch or cedar cladding would look pretty good.
What sort of cost is a shed that size in block?
Shipping container clad in cedar would be my choice, although you'd need two for your size.
SIPS panels could be worth considering. What's cheaper and easier mostly depends on what trades you need to pay for and what you and mates can do for free.
Ground works will be biggest cost I think. Everything else is DIY mates rates
Noted about condensation.
So long as its well ventilated condensation shouldn't be an issue.
Ground works are the easiest bit, anyone can dig a hole and pour concrete in it...
e.g. I DIYed this...
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/8298/7986386745_2704d04742_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/8298/7986386745_2704d04742_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/daJjxc ]Pumping concrete 60m[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/brf/ ]Ben Freeman[/url], on Flickr
Raft?
Did you just go off of building regs for depth? Or get calls done?
I paid a Structural Engineer for some plans (£200 IIRC) and built to that.
There was a thread about it years back.. https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/rate-my-brickie/
Ok not too expensive then.
I did a raft as well. Based on designs from the internet. Hasn't fallen over (yet). Less digging and it is a single pour of concrete.
[img] 
[/img]
The pour was physically hard work but not too tricky. Its easier if it isn't the finished floor. Mine is and we got it pretty smooth but you wouldn't play snooker on it.
The block work walls:
[img] 
[/img]
Top tip, stack your blocks like stairs. Much easier to carry blocks up!
I then timber clad it. I was going to render but this was so much quicker and allowed me to use a lot of reclaimed materials
[img] 
[/img]
Less digging and it is a single pour of concrete.
That was my thinking...
The benefits of a shipping container are it's not a fixed structure so in theory you might not need planning permission for it (but you would need to check)
You can also move it around which could be useful when doing building work and need access etc?
Once it's clad in wood no one will know. Secure, quick, move able. You can even get one that's a cold storage unit that's insulated. Fantastic things.
My BIL and I built a 8x4 metre shed in breeze blocks. Wooden roof with rubber over the top and guttering. Finished in render. We worked on it over weekends. Took us a couple of months to do. We picked up 2nd hand pvc windows and doors off ebay. It's a nice looking shed and was easy to do.
The problem I haveve with shipping containers is they would need cutting and welding to make a useful space so a lot of work and still a fair amount of money.i will need planning as it will be technically out side th curtilage of the main house.
I think block work seems the best. Working out the foundations is the bit I will have to look into. Any recourses welcome.
Like the cladding.
Mine is 6x4m timber framed, metal clad on 3x2' concrete pavers. It's insulated, alarmed, powered and has data and I expect cost me around £4k including a work bench, storage shelves and commercial plastic storage boxes.