Alex, don't know where you live so I'm just throwing this out there... Only doors that can be locked from the inside with no outside access.(Big Doors) If you have a service door Place it so it can be seen from the house. motion lights and no windows to the rear of the building. you wouldn't believe how fast they can clean of a shop now days. Dale
Hi Alex
Welcome to the forum. I see you live in Portland, a fairly big city. Dale's advice and mine agree.
Make your doors strong enough to resist kicking in or cutting through. Put keyed deadbolts inside as well as outside, so if anyone gets in they cannot open the doors to move all your goodies out. Put shatter proof /wired glass in any windows you install, or install inside screens for security. Put in an alarm system. Make some provision for quick exit, in case of fire.
Build as much shop as room/budget, and lot size will allow. You will be astounded how fast you can fill it up.
Put the best electrical service in that you can afford to, and make sure you wire for 220/240 volt. Plan on having a lot of light circuits, even if you have to add some of the lights later. Also, go into overkill with your equipment circuits and outlets. Running out of places to plug into, or having breakers tripping all the time is a right pain, you know where.
If your budget gets tight consider installing heating and insulation at a later time. You live in a relatively temperate area, so you could survive for the first year without them if you have to. [Yes, I know Portland winters can get right cold, but it probably would only affect you for a month or two each year] I live in Powell River, BC, Canada, considerably up the coast from you, and I can work in my partially heated shop most of the year.
Above all else, have fun in your new shop, and if you get the chance, post some pictures of your progress.
Best of luck.
Gerry:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
