Hi Guys,
I'm not so sure a decnt block built workshop will cost you a fortune.....
I built mine in my spare time out of "spare pocket cash" over a 12 month period. Its 6" - 8" concrete base, 6m x 7m.
As I was buying stuff as I went along, I didn't really see the money go out in a big lump and therefore didn't miss it. Also no labour costs involved.
I've never built anything this big before, the odd garden wall lol. But re the blockwork, you go really slow at first taking your time to get it as straight and level as poss. You find the further up you go the better and quicker you get !!
As for the 2 post lifts, I looked at s/h, but they are usually well used have to be collected and a lot are 3 phase, meaning more work / expense.
Mine was brand new, 4 tonne 2 post, hydraulic, (in both posts).
This means no screws and nuts or cables to wear out, and a guarantee.
It was delivered to me in a remote location in NW Scotland for £1600 cash. EVen came with a drum of hydraulic oil and the bolts to hold it down!!
When it arrived the guys helped me lift it off their truck and stand the posts up in position.
All up without tools and eqpt, I guess the workshop and 2 poster stands me about 10k.
However this workshop is very high (2 storeys) with stairs and split level loft space, new racking, 6x2 roof trusses, heavy duty felt with slate on top, 2 barn doors each end (drive thru), full ring main, loads of double 5ft fluorescents, hot and cold water and a sink / worktop (essential for coffee and hand washing) lol, a 8ft x 3ft steel bench, (will hold big engines safely), Radio / stereo system, shelves, s/h double glazed winows etc etc.
I had several quotes to build it from local builders, which didn't include water, electrics, workbench, shelves, etc and they ranged from 18k to 25k.
So if you can commit a bit of time, and stop going to the pub spending dosh lol, (I don't mean that nastily, it's just how I funded mine), then DIY is the way to go.
HTH some of you to get the workshop of yr dreams on the cheep.
Regards Dave