Workshop Budget

We live on a parcel of land with a 100 year old house. Lots of wood, nails, metal, glass - all kinds of stuff were left here when we bought the place. So while it may be easy for me to find something that will work some with straightening or some milling, I will have to purchase some things new - like plywood, electrical fixtures, and paint. I'd like to keep the loft and stairs budget less than or equal to $500.oo in materials. And if I stick to my scope and mantra - reduce, reuse, recycle, I have a good shot at meeting or coming under budget. Note: I'm not charging for labor and I'm doing all of the work myself. Success is the reward - something that usually doesn't fly in the corporate world where everything is driven by the line item totals, perception and politics.

Workshop Scope

After reviewing the current state of my shop, I realized I best chunk the work up into small, achievable efforts. [In the business world, we may develop the MGPP - multi-generational project plan.] Completing small efforts builds momentum, keeps the coffee hot, and the work in the forefront of my mind. Small successes build excitement as well, to the point where we can't wait to get back into the shop and tackle the next effort.

I chose to focus on the loft and stairs due to the safety issues I mentioned in the Workshop Case. Also, budget really influences scope. For example, I can't rebuild the entire loft from scratch; too costly. But I can certainly shore-up the existing structure for way less money and still achieve my goals.

Workshop Current State - More Loft

+Poor organization leads to long lead times for getting ready for a weekend of fun and adds to Dad's stress level.

Workshop Current State - Loft, Top of Stairs

Location: loft, view from top of stairs

+Spotlight at the right height for cracking foreheads
+High potential for tripping, pulling a muscle, damaging something fragile, straining
+Where did I put that widget?

Workshop Current State - Stairs

location: Bottom of stairs to loft in shop.

+ No hand rail on stairs
+ Poor lighting on the stairs

Workshop Goal

Case
Workshop owner(me) has expressed concerns about the safety and efficiency of the workshop environment. The workshop is used by the entire family for a variety of activities including automotive maintenance, farm and garden care, wood working, bicycle repair, storage etc. With a highly active 5 year old who loves to help dad in the shop, now more than ever, it’s critical to get organized and poke-yoke the safety issues.

Problem
Current workshop organization contains inherent safety issues, that if left undone could harm human life and cause loss of property. Issues include:
+ Easy access to flammables
+ Loft without hand rails – 10 foot fall possible
+ Stairs without railings
+ Piles of metal roofing, old windows, wood abound
+ Poorly lit work stations (loft)

Goal
Create a safe workshop environment by eliminating workshop safety issues