Brentpmed

Kevin,
Like you and many of the others, I use my basement. I thought I was cramped until I read your article, and now realize that at 15' x 18' I am fortunate. I share my woodworking space with the washer and dryer, a heat and air system, yard and garden tools etc.

Looking for "found space", I have installed cleats across the overhead floor joists for lumber and long pipe clamp storage. I see that you have finished ceilings, but perhaps you could create removable panels in a couple of areas and utilize the joist space. One other "found space" is an area where the stem wall/basement wall connects to the crawl space under the front part of the house. I am in the process of building some cabinets into that space to house, among other things, my portable planer. If yours isn't a full basement, you may be able to cut an opening into the adjacent crawl space and box in a couple of simple cabinets. The 4' shop lamps ended up being the most cost efficient and functional lighting solution for me.

Could you provide some more details about how you expanded the electrical capability of the shop? I need to add some dedicated circuits for machinery, but am unsure how to progress.

Of all of the benefits you mentioned, I believe the proximity to the rest of the family and ease of access to kitchen and facilities is the best part. It is easier to duck downstairs for little bit than it was to go out to my garage at my previous house. Good luck and enjoy!