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.

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!!

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.

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?

-- 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?

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!

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

You could always use the extra space to put a little display area...with a little table that brides could do their tastings at.

home depot has a prefab kit: 12x20 cute little cottage but ACK $10K!!!!

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

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 [email protected]

double post sorry

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!!!

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.

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

Actually my neighbor is not a friend...Let me explain: Not in that we don't like each other...we sort of "nothing" each other. We totally get along when we run into each other outside if she's walking by or sometimes they'll walk over and chat, and I really enjoy visiting with her when we do get a chance, and we have a lot in common, but...we just don't interact much, which is a nice arrangement for all of us. We've been great neighbors for 5 years. We help each other at the drop of a hat when either one needs it. We're "there" for them if they need us, and they're "here" for us if we need anything--we loan tractors and things back and forth, but we don't get together and BBQ or anything. Just a nice, friendly neighbor deal; really couldn't ask for better.

You're right though, and I think no partnership at all would be the plan, ever. She'd just be able to rent the kitchen if she still wanted to cater, and we could refer stuff to each other, but I'd never take on a partner.

Been there, done the whole "family and friends" business deals...!

by the time you have a refrigerator, a freezer, stove/ovens, 5 sinks (3-compartment, prep sink mop sink) a toilet and sink, & storage it takes up more room than you think at first. (don't forget the grease trap)

cake pans, sheetpans, bakers rack for cooling, tools, equipment, mixer bowls, prep bowls, supplies (paper, foil, etc) boxes, boards, broom & mop,
garbage can. Ingredients, cookbook(s) etc.

Something else to consider- an intercom of some sort, so you can be reached from the house and you can reach them "in case". Mine has come in very handy when my mom needs me, or I need help in a hurry.

ahh, I like the intercom idea! Especially since when my business (home) phone is forwarded to my cel, I couldn't call the house because it would forward it right back to me...

Thanks--Good one!

I think the 20 by 40 would be great. There is a lady that I inspect and she has about that size. She has part as storage and another for her son - a playroom of sorts since it's a no-no to have him in the kitchen. She converted an old storage shed and it has a porch - very cute. It looks like part of her house not a business.

She also caters so she has more things to store but it's nice to be able to have things seperate.

I also inspect a woman who has converted just one bay of the 2 car garage and she has plenty of space for what she needs. She just made sure she laid it out correctly - she even has a table to do tastings and consults. Her storage is floor to ceiling cabinets.

Sounds like Tonyah could give you some pointers if she's an inspector. Each state is different but basically the same, I think.

Diane

if your DH is willing to build you it, I'd go for the 20x40!