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Started By
Message
Advice on 5 acres - detach garage, and equipment needs
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:24 am
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:24 am
Hi gents,
I am closing tomorrow on a flat 5 acre piece of land, it's approximately 250' wide and 900' deep. Will be fenced fully with gate.
While I'm waiting on my wife to figure out finalizing the house plan, I am thinking about a detach garage. Planning at least 35'x50'. I was wondering if anyone could offer me advice on layout and needs. I will try to post an image of what I am sort of thinking about here. Forgive my poor drawing skills
I'm retiring next year,so this is my retirement home, and I'm trying to think of things to keep me busy. I sort of want to buy an old 70's blazer or bronco and rebuild it. I'm also thinking of buying old tonka type toys (when they were made of metal) and restoring them. Haven't decided yet.
Anyway, the land is flat, no trees, and fully fenced.
First, the garage plan. The wife wants the back area to have a bathroom in case we put in a pool, and some "finished" storage. Now,when I say finished, I mean walls painted, carpet and some kind of HVAC for climate control, but this will just be for storage.
For the front, I want to have a double and single garage doors for working on vehicles/equipment, then an overhang on the side for storage things like my 12' trailer so it's out of the elements a bit. But I'm also thinking of a garage door on the side to pull items like mowers inside, and having some workspace in that area. Build benches along the back wall, and use the area where the "dotted" wall as shelving to divide the garage area from the workshop. I have a 6' Zero turn mower, and a garden tractor to store, as well as all kinds of tools, stuff like an aerator, yard equipment, generators, etc. Would really like thoughts on this if that makes sense or you would do it differently?
Equipment needs. Since the land is flat, and the fencing is done, and there are no trees, I was thinking to buy an old smallish tractor that could have attachments on it such as a bucket, or snow plow, or maybe a UTV if you could put attachments on that. That would give me flexibility should needs arise.
Never owned this much land before, so not sure what I will run into. Any advice would be appreciated.
I am closing tomorrow on a flat 5 acre piece of land, it's approximately 250' wide and 900' deep. Will be fenced fully with gate.
While I'm waiting on my wife to figure out finalizing the house plan, I am thinking about a detach garage. Planning at least 35'x50'. I was wondering if anyone could offer me advice on layout and needs. I will try to post an image of what I am sort of thinking about here. Forgive my poor drawing skills
I'm retiring next year,so this is my retirement home, and I'm trying to think of things to keep me busy. I sort of want to buy an old 70's blazer or bronco and rebuild it. I'm also thinking of buying old tonka type toys (when they were made of metal) and restoring them. Haven't decided yet.
Anyway, the land is flat, no trees, and fully fenced.
First, the garage plan. The wife wants the back area to have a bathroom in case we put in a pool, and some "finished" storage. Now,when I say finished, I mean walls painted, carpet and some kind of HVAC for climate control, but this will just be for storage.
For the front, I want to have a double and single garage doors for working on vehicles/equipment, then an overhang on the side for storage things like my 12' trailer so it's out of the elements a bit. But I'm also thinking of a garage door on the side to pull items like mowers inside, and having some workspace in that area. Build benches along the back wall, and use the area where the "dotted" wall as shelving to divide the garage area from the workshop. I have a 6' Zero turn mower, and a garden tractor to store, as well as all kinds of tools, stuff like an aerator, yard equipment, generators, etc. Would really like thoughts on this if that makes sense or you would do it differently?
Equipment needs. Since the land is flat, and the fencing is done, and there are no trees, I was thinking to buy an old smallish tractor that could have attachments on it such as a bucket, or snow plow, or maybe a UTV if you could put attachments on that. That would give me flexibility should needs arise.
Never owned this much land before, so not sure what I will run into. Any advice would be appreciated.
13
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:29 am to kywildcatfanone
I don't have a lot of advice on exactly what you are asking (though I am a title attorney so if you have questions on closing I could provide that advice 
)
I'm just posting to say that this:
sounds absolutely awesome!
) I'm just posting to say that this:
quote:
I'm retiring next year,so this is my retirement home, and I'm trying to think of things to keep me busy. I sort of want to buy an old 70's blazer or bronco and rebuild it. I'm also thinking of buying old tonka type toys (when they were made of metal) and restoring them. Haven't decided yet.
sounds absolutely awesome!
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:41 am to kywildcatfanone
Soon someone will be calling this a farm and suggest you buy a 70hp enclosed tractor with a batwing bush hog
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:46 am to TigerDeacon
Mine was more of a shop I built 6 years ago with an insulated over hang, which you have. Had large ceiling fans and sat under the overhand all the time. Had a TV so watched sporting events with neighbors. I had a 100# or 120# propane tank installed outside. Think about a propane fire pit, boiling seafood or gas grill.
Only had to refill tank once a year. All cooking equipment was on wheels which I rolled out when needed. Transition slab from inside to outside was a gentle slope rather than a 3/4" lip so equipment could easily roll over.
Gas lines and appliances had quick connects inside and out for cooking and heating. If equipment stayed outside under the overhand it would be covered in dust and pollen in a week.
It had a large sink with hot and cold water, spare frig for beer, freezer and large commercial ice maker which required a drain line to my to my sewer line.
build in increments of 4' or 8', can build 24' by 24' building for almost the same price as a 22' by 22'.
Only had to refill tank once a year. All cooking equipment was on wheels which I rolled out when needed. Transition slab from inside to outside was a gentle slope rather than a 3/4" lip so equipment could easily roll over.
Gas lines and appliances had quick connects inside and out for cooking and heating. If equipment stayed outside under the overhand it would be covered in dust and pollen in a week.
It had a large sink with hot and cold water, spare frig for beer, freezer and large commercial ice maker which required a drain line to my to my sewer line.
build in increments of 4' or 8', can build 24' by 24' building for almost the same price as a 22' by 22'.
This post was edited on 1/8/25 at 11:21 am
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:49 am to kywildcatfanone
quote:
and I'm trying to think of things to keep me busy.
fully fencing in 5 acres ought to do it!
Good luck and congrats!
The bathroom out there is a good idea for many reasons. My only advice would be to consider the finished storage area more of a man cave and design/build accordingly. Could be used as guest house for visitors.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:50 am to kywildcatfanone
quote:
I sort of want to buy an old 70's blazer or bronco and rebuild it. I'm also thinking of buying old tonka type toys (when they were made of metal) and restoring them.
Do both, seriously if it were me I'd dedicate a space for a 2 post car lift (something 8K or 10K), an OUTSIDE covered air compressor storage, a clean room (10x20 or so) with HVAC for your tonka toy work, and maybe a blast cabinet or small spray booth for painting.
I'd go ahead and bump it from 35 x 50 to say 50 x 70. A smart man once told me when building a shop and you think you know what size just go ahead and double it and it might be enough then.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 10:57 am to kywildcatfanone
Jelly as hell 
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:23 am to Jack Daniel
With front end loader
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:24 am to Jack Daniel
quote:
Soon someone will be calling this a farm and suggest you buy a 70hp enclosed tractor with a batwing bush hog
And then someone would come in and argue that is too small.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:32 am to TigerDeacon
quote:
sounds absolutely awesome!
I currently have 0 hobbies. Used to play golf when my body allowed. My wife has struggled with her retirement, having a hard time having a schedule to follow and staying on task. I don't expect to have that issue. I will have something to work on and will be glad to take my time and do it right.
My dad has a mid 70's blazer with a diesel. Would love to find one of those.
This post was edited on 1/8/25 at 11:40 am
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:34 am to rodnreel
Good advice. I will have a 200amp panel in the detach, and will really have to think about lighting and outlets.
What do you guys think about the side garage door for the mowers and stuff, is that a bad idea? I kind of wanted to keep the main doors open for use and and with the door on the side, I could pull mowers and stuff out, and they would still be protected by the overhang.
I will have a sink in the workshop area for sure. We will also be storing gardening tools in there as well.
What do you guys think about the side garage door for the mowers and stuff, is that a bad idea? I kind of wanted to keep the main doors open for use and and with the door on the side, I could pull mowers and stuff out, and they would still be protected by the overhang.
I will have a sink in the workshop area for sure. We will also be storing gardening tools in there as well.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:36 am to TopWaterTiger
quote:
fully fencing in 5 acres ought to do it!
It will be done. 3 of the 4 sides are already up. I'm waiting till after the house is built before doing the one on the drive way side, so I can figure out how far off the road to put the gate. I'm thinking 50'. That should be enough for 2 cars, and or a box truck to get off the road while waiting on the gate to open.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:38 am to UnoMe
quote:
With front end loader
I figure I would need a front end loader, some kind of snow blade, maybe a small backhoe attachment for running lines. My wife wants a "sheshed" for her garden, right now I'm planning it to be part of the workshop area of the detach, but if she decides she wants a separate building, I will probably build it myself, and run electric and water to it.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 11:47 am to TopWaterTiger
quote:
Could be used as guest house for visitors.
OP….build in a loft since it’ll be climate controlled with a bathroom.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:02 pm to TopWaterTiger
quote:
My only advice would be to consider the finished storage area more of a man cave and design/build accordingly. Could be used as guest house for visitors.
Another vote for man cave. And congrats on the retirement!
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:05 pm to Kato
quote:
Another vote for man cave.
Well, maybe, depends on how big. We currently live in a 5500 sf house, with unfinished storage, and a 35x25 detached garage that is basically packed. The new house will be much smaller as we are consolidating from three floors to one.
I'm not sure I'm going to have enough space to have my own place, but yes, I am going to run internet cables to the detach with the idea of having a TV and couch at least.
This post was edited on 1/8/25 at 12:10 pm
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:12 pm to kywildcatfanone
I see you are putting in a bath in the shop/garage. Is it going to be a half bath or full bath with bathing/showering ability?
In the shop area you will want LOTS of outlets and good lighting and designated circuits that will only operate 2 tools at a time to not overload if a few tools are running at the same time. I have one designated circuit for my table saw and jointer planer, one for my band saw and drill press, one for my radial arm saw and shaper table and a few others for hand power tools, shop vac, etc.
If you plan on doing a good bit of woodworking, maybe consider a whole shop dust collection system to keep the mess down as much as possible. I don't have one and thus the need for the shop vac-----and it gets a workout.
Shelving to store things----and the longer you have the shop, the more there is to store. Pegboard is a great option for hanging many of the smaller hand tools, paint brushes, scrapers, etc.
I can walk in my shop and go straight to any tool I need, especially with quite a few out in the open hanging on the pegs.
A/C or no A/C??? I don't have it in my shop and it does get toasty in the summer months, so I usually limit my long term projects to the fall-spring when the weather is much better.
OK, that's a few things to consider.
In the shop area you will want LOTS of outlets and good lighting and designated circuits that will only operate 2 tools at a time to not overload if a few tools are running at the same time. I have one designated circuit for my table saw and jointer planer, one for my band saw and drill press, one for my radial arm saw and shaper table and a few others for hand power tools, shop vac, etc.
If you plan on doing a good bit of woodworking, maybe consider a whole shop dust collection system to keep the mess down as much as possible. I don't have one and thus the need for the shop vac-----and it gets a workout.
Shelving to store things----and the longer you have the shop, the more there is to store. Pegboard is a great option for hanging many of the smaller hand tools, paint brushes, scrapers, etc.
I can walk in my shop and go straight to any tool I need, especially with quite a few out in the open hanging on the pegs.
A/C or no A/C??? I don't have it in my shop and it does get toasty in the summer months, so I usually limit my long term projects to the fall-spring when the weather is much better.
OK, that's a few things to consider.
This post was edited on 1/8/25 at 12:16 pm
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:31 pm to gumbo2176
Good advice. I am planning to do most of the wiring myself and will make sure I have ample lighting and outlets.
There will be AC for the finished space, but I wasn't planning anything like that for the shop. I figured fans would be good in the summer, as I will be shaded inside, and a heater in the winter would suffice.
There will be AC for the finished space, but I wasn't planning anything like that for the shop. I figured fans would be good in the summer, as I will be shaded inside, and a heater in the winter would suffice.
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:40 pm to kywildcatfanone
Definitely get a small tractor. Small Kubota with front-end loader with pallet forks and front bucket is perfect. Get a bush-hog, auger, box grader, and bionic blade. You will be surprised with how many uses you will find. driving T-posts with the bucket, dragging limbs out the yard, filling low spots in the yard, grading gravel driveway, picking up anything that's too heavy to manually lift, the uses are endless!
For the building layout, I would put finished storage as second story with stair access (with landing) from inside shop. Make it as wide as the shop. Headroom can be whatever your original building height allows since it will be lower along the side walls (where the items are stored) but get higher in the center. Put in a set of double doors in the middle that open into the shop so you can use the tractor bucket to lift/lower heavy or bulky stuff. Or you can put in a dumbwaiter that lowers through the floor.
Leave the bathroom downstairs, but move to the corner by the house (closer sewer/water).
Put the small garage door for mowers/small equipment in the left side wall (under the awning on the left) below the finished storage.
I would put two single large doors (12' wide preferred, 10' min) on the house side instead of a single and double. The doubles are expensive and will not be symmetrical. I would put both towards the left side of the building. Make sure you have a walk-thru door near the big doors and areas you plan to access frequently.
The awning along the side for trailers is a great idea. You could also put awning along the back to park tractor and implements and general outdoor storage if needed.
As far as the land/hobbies, I would fence off an acre or so in the corner to raise a couple head of calves to slaughter. You could raise 2 head a year and sell one that would probably cover the expenses for feed/processing. We also get property tax cuts in LA for "ag" use. Buy in Feb. and slaughter in Nov. so you don't have to worry about wintering. Then you can work on the Bronco and Tonka toys inside during the winter!
Congrats on the retirement! This sounds like exactly what I would enjoy when I reture in 15-20 years!
For the building layout, I would put finished storage as second story with stair access (with landing) from inside shop. Make it as wide as the shop. Headroom can be whatever your original building height allows since it will be lower along the side walls (where the items are stored) but get higher in the center. Put in a set of double doors in the middle that open into the shop so you can use the tractor bucket to lift/lower heavy or bulky stuff. Or you can put in a dumbwaiter that lowers through the floor.
Leave the bathroom downstairs, but move to the corner by the house (closer sewer/water).
Put the small garage door for mowers/small equipment in the left side wall (under the awning on the left) below the finished storage.
I would put two single large doors (12' wide preferred, 10' min) on the house side instead of a single and double. The doubles are expensive and will not be symmetrical. I would put both towards the left side of the building. Make sure you have a walk-thru door near the big doors and areas you plan to access frequently.
The awning along the side for trailers is a great idea. You could also put awning along the back to park tractor and implements and general outdoor storage if needed.
As far as the land/hobbies, I would fence off an acre or so in the corner to raise a couple head of calves to slaughter. You could raise 2 head a year and sell one that would probably cover the expenses for feed/processing. We also get property tax cuts in LA for "ag" use. Buy in Feb. and slaughter in Nov. so you don't have to worry about wintering. Then you can work on the Bronco and Tonka toys inside during the winter!
Congrats on the retirement! This sounds like exactly what I would enjoy when I reture in 15-20 years!
Posted on 1/8/25 at 12:42 pm to kywildcatfanone
I hope you’re planning on having help with the yard. If your body won’t let you golf anymore, it also may not let you maintain five acres. And that’s ok. Just be honest with yourself and what’s reasonable for you.
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