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Chef_Stef
Forum Fanatic
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 1754
Location: At my desk, in the garden, or in the kitchen
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:40 am |
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What size building would you use?
I've seen some of your converted garages, and I think they're great. We are hopefully going to be starting construction on a separate building this fall, and I think I need less space than DH wants to build (20 x 40?? uh, what?) I work just fine in my kitchen at home, which is by no means large, plus storage in my pantry. Both together total maybe 12 x 20...
Anyone who's built or converted space? What size would you recommend, or what would you offer for advice to someone before building?
ANY tips would be so, so, so appreciated. |
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ntertayneme
Moderator
Joined: Apr 13, 2005
Posts: 2817
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Birthday: Nov 01
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:51 am |
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I haven't but if he wanted to build me a 20 x 40, oh I would soooooooooooo let him!! You'd be surprised how much room you will need if you're doing this for a business.... you may not need it now, but think of later if your business grows.... bigger would be better .. then you wouldn't have to add on later... you'd have room for display cakes or maybe a table and chairs to sit with brides to meet regarding their cakes, etc, etc... go with the bigger measurements!! |
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jen1977
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Feb 22, 2006
Posts: 2839
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 10:53 am |
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I totally agree! I would gowith the bigger building too. You never know what you may need room for that you just haven't thought of yet. |
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Chef_Stef
Forum Fanatic
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 1754
Location: At my desk, in the garden, or in the kitchen
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:02 am |
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Oy, you guys! You're not helping! lol
I'm thinking, "Just a little bitty cute building out there that I can cook in"...It's on our property (we have 5 acres), but I don't want it looking like a bakery, more of the "guest house" look is what I'm hoping for...
20 x 40 just seems so...too much. Even a 2-car garage isn't that big...
How bout 20 x 20? |
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Doug
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jun 28, 2005
Posts: 9455
Location: NC - just off I95, North of the Border
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:05 am |
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-- consider the extra space for now to be that extra closet you've always wanted
-- or section off as a private hide-away
-- and have you planned for office/design space? |
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aligotmatt
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jun 22, 2006
Posts: 1030
Location: NC
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:09 am |
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20 x 40 would be wonderful! Think about how organized all your tools and pans could be! I would have counters around of all different heights! Sometimes I sit, but mostly I stand to decorate and I would love to have some higher counters than what I have in my kitchen. I've spent a lot of time dreaming up my own personal kitchen - it would have 2 ovens, a HUGE deep sink, a big fridge and high counters. I'm so excited for you! |
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Chef_Stef
Forum Fanatic
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 1754
Location: At my desk, in the garden, or in the kitchen
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:11 am |
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Honestly, I do all that here in the house now, and what I'm thinking with this is, "if I have to have a separate kitchen for this state, then I'll have a separate kitchen!" But I'd probably do my design stuff here...or not...? Maybe you're right...! If I'm out there baking, all my books would be out there, so that would be the logical place to be scribbling and drawing...
We do want a sitting area in part of it for consults etc.
PLUS I run our home business already from my office here, and that would have to be transfered out there on days I'd be out there baking etc., which would mean phone, lap top, internet, printer, etc....
I need to sit down and do some scale drawings to get this straight, I think, before I get too much further. DH is like, "Get some plans ordered." ack |
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ge978
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Aug 15, 2005
Posts: 1938
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:12 am |
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You could always use the extra space to put a little display area...with a little table that brides could do their tastings at. |
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Doug
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jun 28, 2005
Posts: 9455
Location: NC - just off I95, North of the Border
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:14 am |
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home depot has a prefab kit: 12x20 cute little cottage but ACK $10K!!!! |
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lionladydi
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jun 04, 2005
Posts: 1471
Location: Willow Spgs, MO
Birthday: Jul 12
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:17 am |
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Moving your office out there and making this building strictly for business would be a good tax write off. You could claim all of the utility expense, etc.
I never think a kitchen is too big. I built on to my house and made a huge kitchen. Now I wish I had designed it a little better. My lighting is horrible. So really think things through before you do anything.
If you are doing this for health inspection reasons, you need to get a guideline from them as to what you will need to install (as in sinks, drains, counters, refrigeration, etc.). They can be real sticklers about these things.
Good luck and if your DH is willing to build it, GO FOR IT!!!!!!
Diane |
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anorris3
Regular Member
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 133
Birthday: Aug 29
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:26 am |
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Besides considering the size of the building, you may want to consider the space within. Are you going to be able to fill the space with items you have or will purchase? If price is not an issue, go for it.
I am [not] technically a baker/decorator, I just like cakecentral. I am actually an architecture student and so I might be able to help you with the design part. If your husband wants plans I might be able to help you. If you are interested email me at anorris3@utk.edu |
Last edited by anorris3 on Thu Jul 13, 2006 12:27 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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anorris3
Regular Member
Joined: May 27, 2006
Posts: 133
Birthday: Aug 29
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:27 am |
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double post sorry |
Last edited by anorris3 on Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:33 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Doug
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Jun 28, 2005
Posts: 9455
Location: NC - just off I95, North of the Border
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:27 am |
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try www.eplans.com
here're two from their site:
Plan # HWEPL07654 two car w/ office--replace garage doors w/ windows and make connecting door into office.
Plan # HWEPL13100 one car -- imagine this one w/ windows where garage door is....nice little area to side for consultations and then big area for work.
another consideration -- do you need even more income? then look for plans for two story garage where upper floor is an apartment -- can be used for rental, in-laws, guests
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and EXCELLENT advice from LionLadyDi on tax benefits to separate building w/ office there!!! |
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Chef_Stef
Forum Fanatic
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 1754
Location: At my desk, in the garden, or in the kitchen
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:38 am |
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Thanks you guys...! I'm working (my last 3 days typing), and I have a wedding cake class tonight, so I won't have time to do much research today, but I'll come back and check your links asap!
DH also wants to advertise this (if we can, in our neighborhood) as a kitchen available to rent to others like me who have had trouble finding a kitchen to use. Caterers come to mind...my neighbor had wanted to cater but came up against the same issues with the state and food service and backed out...She could cater, and I could do the cakes...
Of course, I wouldn't want to rent to other cake decorators...the competition  , so I'm not sure how all that will work out.
I have to stop by the health dept and get their list of requirement for a commercial kitchen first and see what I *have* to have first.
I love all your ideas and input! keep em coming. |
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lionladydi
Forum Fanatic
Joined: Jun 04, 2005
Posts: 1471
Location: Willow Spgs, MO
Birthday: Jul 12
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Thu Jul 13, 2006 11:54 am |
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Thanks Doug.....Also an excellent idea of yours for an apartment upstairs. Would have to check into city ordinances maybe but would certainly supplement your income as a rental. Upstairs might not be a good idea for inlaws in some cases. 
I'd be very careful going into a partnership deal with anyone on the catering, etc. Partnerships are a good way to ruin friendships. Would have to be someone you could fully trust and be able to get along with.
Diane |
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