I do not agree on few windows. One of the features I really like about my shop are the large windows that run from about 4' to 12' ceiling height, natural light is a good thing for sure. A small bathroom would be nice for sure.
One thing I want to do in the future is to get my compressor OUTSIDE, sucker is loud.
Slant your floor, either all in one direction and out a door or to a central or several drains. Whomever did my shop floor was very good. Dead level (within 1/8") side to side at any point you check with a laser level and a consistant slope. Makes doing anything where level is important far easier.
LOTS of lighting, put switched outlets on the ceiling. With wall outlets, plan out your outlets, then double them. Put a couple on the ceiling too so you can install a retractable line out in the center of the open space. A couple 220 outlets are good as well for things like a welder. More often than not you will need a cord so that you can move the welder around the shop.
Something I use often are two chain hoists that run on a two trollies. The I-beam is about 3/4 in from the door rather than the standard half way. This is perfect for pulling an engine as the vehicle can come in with the door closed behind it. I use the chain hoists for all sorts oof things, even holding items being painted.
Ceiling fans are good to circulate air.
I do not require AC but I do need heat. I use a wood stove with good results. Ceiling fans and portable fans do fine circulating the air. I do not think a central HVAC system is needed. Most shops produce a pretty fair amount of dust that can become a problem keeping an HVAC system clean. For wood shops a stand alone air filtration system is a good idea.
At least one "back" door. Think FIRE!!! What we do often involves sparks etc. Having an alternate exit could save your life.
Some good points.
I'm seriously torn on the windows. I'm in your camp when it comes to liking a lot of natural light but am seriously heavy with items that hog wall space. Drill press, hydraulic press, parts washer, several tool chests (which really need to be resolved into one war wagon), etc. On the other hand I can see placing windows high enough that they clear work benches as very possible.
Some form of back door is a must. In addition to the fire safty is being able to have good cross flow of air on warm days. Ideal would be something wide enough (double doors perhaps) that would allow getting a lawn tractor (60" deck) in and out.
Separate space for the compressor = YES. I've gotten to that age where I like working (and talking) without having a lot of noise. That will include the need for a quality sound system which no one has mentioned yet. I believe it will be close enough to my current router for wireless internet.
Garage will certainly need to have its own 200A service. I do have a nice 50 foot 220V 8ga extension cord but having multiple 50 A 220 outlets is a plus.
Ceiling receptacles and retractable cord = good idea. Thanks.
Ceiling fans = Yes. I use a large squirrel fan for getting exhaust gases out of the garage now but I don't wish to listen to it all the time.
If a lift goes in I'm guessing 2 post would be my preference. So very often I would like to lift just a few inches to pull off wheels and get at brakes, bearings, and just rotate tires. There may even be a day I get crazy and want to do another body removal, which last time involved a lot of 4x4's, jack stands, and a some vodoo. Is there a 4 post lift that does not use drive on ramps?
What are thoughts on inside wall material? Thick sheet rock to help with mounting? Is there such a thing as a white finish (for good lighting) that is both easy to clean but is not glossy and is fire resistant? Perhaps the wise thing is to make all the equipment and benches easy enough to pull away from the wall that slapping on another coat of paint can be a day job (also making the floor easier to clean)
I visited a neighbor yesterday to tour the new detached garage/bonus room he just finished. 2 cars downstairs and his man-cave theater upstairs. Two single doors only 8 feet wide and only 24 feet wide total = way too small. I offset the picture to show how he ran the concrete into his backyard.
