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[Gotcha6]

Since you are already getting the Electrical Inspector involved, why not also ask to meet with a Building Inspector? I realize that building codes may be different in VA, and they may classify your conversion as a farm building. In any case, without their approval on your work, be prepared to have your homeowner's insurance carrier disallow any claim on the structure. After all, in NC at least, building codes are managed by NC Dept. of Insurance. And though most states allow you to do your own work, they still require it to be to a minimum standard.

 

[dupont6480]

Since you are already getting the Electrical Inspector involved, why not also ask to meet with a Building Inspector? I realize that building codes may be different in VA, and they may classify your conversion as a farm building. In any case, without their approval on your work, be prepared to have your homeowner's insurance carrier disallow any claim on the structure. After all, in NC at least, building codes are managed by NC Dept. of Insurance. And though most states allow you to do your own work, they still require it to be to a minimum standard.

Dennis, The barn is an existing building and already had a 110v line running to it. When I applied for the permit, the courthouse did question some inspectors on whether I needed a bldg permit or not and the answer was no since it had electrical previously. Like you I was very concerned that once this workshop is done (if it ever is, I already have plans to expand) it would be completely legal and any claims would be covered. By the way sir, what is your recommendation to ventilate the existing flooring structure.
Tim

 

[Gotcha6]

What material and type of construction is presently there? How much free space do you have below the floor system to the ground? Since water pipes freezing won't be a problem, I'd go around the perimeter below the floor joists with some 8" x 16" soffit vents cut into the exterior walls. 6-8 vents spaced evenly around the perimeter should do it.
As to the permit, although you may not need one, a building inspector should be able to give you some guidance as to good building practices for your structure regardless of whether you require it (the permit) or not. Most Code Enforcement offices do not require permits for work below a monetary threshold or unless it involves load bearing members. This is changing, however, with the slowdown in construction and subsequent permit fees in many areas.

 

[dupont6480]

What material and type of construction is presently there? How much free space do you have below the floor system to the ground? Since water pipes freezing won't be a problem, I'd go around the perimeter below the floor joists with some 8" x 16" soffit vents cut into the exterior walls. 6-8 vents spaced evenly around the perimeter should do it.
As to the permit, although you may not need one, a building inspector should be able to give you some guidance as to good building practices for your structure regardless of whether you require it (the permit) or not. Most Code Enforcement offices do not require permits for work below a monetary threshold or unless it involves load bearing members. This is changing, however, with the slowdown in construction and subsequent permit fees in many areas.

Dennis,
Existing structure is 2x8 joists on the sand (6mil plastic on under the joists) and 2x6 flooring ontop of the joists. So, there is nothing but plastic and sand under the joist. They built the barn "pole barn" style before I bought the property. I will definitely check with a building inspector and thanks for the recommendations. The exterior of the barn is vinyl siding.

 

[Trent Mason]

I'm not really sure about your shop floor. Just wanted to say welcome to NCWWer and I look forward to seeing some pictures of the shop build. :icon_thum

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Bill,
Thanks again. How do I ventilate the space as Dennis suggested? Dennis is your best authority on this so I'll let him deal w/ this issue. Looks like he's already provided some suggestions, although w/ your joist resting on the sand it may be difficult to ventilate now. The felt, OSB and plywood is going to reduce my overhead. I probably forgot to mention that the area over the original stalls included a mezanine loft. I will have to measure to ensure I will have sufficient room for lights etc. since I have joists already and the 2x6 flooring and you recommend I do not take the 2x6 up; do I need the recommended first layer of plywood. If not, do I just glue the felt to over the 2x6s and then secure the OSB down?? No, you do not need the first layer of plywood. The 2x6's are acting as the sub-floor. I'm assuming the 2x6's are laying flat across the joist and not standing on edge like the joist? (If you did decide to pull up the 2x6's, then you would need the first layer of 3/4" plywood. This would give you about 3/4" more head room.) Roll out the felt on top of the 2x6's and staple it down, not glue. Problem without putting the plywood down as the first layer is when I screw the OSB down I will more than likely have to deal with any gaps between the 2x6s. When you say "gaps", how wide are you talking about? If the 2x6's are butted together and the gaps are no more than 1/4-3/8", then I wouldn't worry about them. Put the felt down and staple it, then lay the OSB down and screw it to the 2x6's. The 2x6's are going to expand and contract w/ humidity changes, so some gap is probably a good thing. I know this is a lot but I do want to get it right the first time. I have the electrical permit and the materials waiting to install. . . Before you put the final floor down you might want to run a few floor receptacles to the middle of the shop for any equipment that will be placed there. Since it doesn't sound like you have much crawl space it will be virtually impossible to do later. Receptacles in the floor out in the shop save you from running extension cords all over the place. thanks Bill

+1 on what Dennis said about the building inspectors. When I built my shop they were very helpful w/ ideas and suggestions for doing things I wasn't quite sure about. I used them almost as unpaid consultants.

DENNIS: Do you have any experience w/ screwing OSB down over 2x6's. I think I'm correct in what I said above, but I've never done it so I'm not positive.

Bill

 

[Gotcha6]

If you are planning on termite treatment, check with your exterminator on how to ventilate. He will not warrant his treatment without ventilation & may suggest something like using 2-3" round drill - in vents between each joist at the rim. Without ventilation, the mold & mildew may get you if the termites don't get you first. Either way, with untreated wood I'd look at replacing the floor in a few years - even with the poly barrier.

 

[dupont6480]

Trent, Thanks. This site is great!

 

[dupont6480]

Dennis, Thank you sir for this great advice. I will talk to the exterminator as suggested. I appreciate all!

 

[dupont6480]

+1 on what Dennis said about the building inspectors. When I built my shop they were very helpful w/ ideas and suggestions for doing things I wasn't quite sure about. I used them almost as unpaid consultants.

DENNIS: Do you have any experience w/ screwing OSB down over 2x6's. I think I'm correct in what I said above, but I've never done it so I'm not positive.

Bill

Bill, Thanks again. I never expected such an outstanding response on my questions! I am really going to enjoy starting my post on the progress of the shop. With so much input I am going to be able to benefit greatly from everyone's experiences. I talked to my friend who will help me lay the wire and install the sub panel in the shop. I may even take one or two boards up so the cable for the 220 outlets can go subsurface and accomodate a couple of outlets flush with the final floor. :eusa_danc