My New Storage Unit at the Farm
We’ve had a building project going on at the farm this summer. As you may know, I have a habit of accumulating objects and I have run out of storage space. Rather than searching for empty spaces in existing buildings, I decided to construct an official storage facility upon a remote area of my farm, completely out of view. We chose a unit made by Heritage Building Systems that measures 40-feet by 80-feet by 20-feet and it should take me a good long while to fill an empty space of that size!
1 Heritage Building Systems, the manufacturer, requires that an experienced foundation engineer design all building foundations and we called in Nick and his crew from Dom's Landscaping, who has done a lot of work for me over the years.
2 The building site is on a gradual slope and needed to be graded to make it level.
3 Once the site was level, Nick began measuring for the footing.
4 A well-constructed building sits upon a foundation and beneath most foundations are concrete footings, which bear the weight of the building. The trench for the footing was dug and covered with plastic, protecting it from the elements.
5 The plastic was removed and a different crew began constructing the footing forms.
6 The rebar, which are steel reinforcing bars, were set in place.
7 The concrete arrived and was poured into the forms.
8 As the forms were filled, a trowel was used to smooth the top of the concrete.
9 The concrete was allowed to dry.
10 A couple of days after pouring the concrete, it was dry enough to remove the walls of the footing forms and the walls of the foundation forms were brought in.
11 The foundation forms were erected.
12 Rebar in place
13 The concrete for the foundation was poured.
14 A few days later, the foundation forms were removed.
15 The trench on either side of the foundation was filled in with heavy gravel.
16 The gravel was covered with soil.
17 And the foundation was ready for a building.
18 The storage unit arrived in pieces on a flatbed tractor trailer.
19 The pieces were laid out in an orderly fashion.
20 The builders followed this set of plans.
21 The uprights for the rigid frame were attached to the anchor bolts at the top of the foundation.
22 A stone mason finished off those joinings.
23 With the side frame complete, the first roof rafter beam was set in place.
24 The Hi-Lo was used to lift the roof rafters.
25 Two builders on either side bolted the rafters to the rigid frame.
26 The roof purlins were attached.
27 The door frames were installed.
28 The base trim was installed.
29 It's beginning to look like quite a structure!
30 The wall panels were laid out.
31 And the insulation was unrolled.
32 The insulated wall panels were joined to the rigid frame.
33 With both sides done, the builders worked on the ends of the structure.
34 And then the roof
35 Nearly complete
36 The eave trim and gutters were added on.
37 Inside, the floor was prepared for the cement.
38 The cement truck arrived.
39 The cement was poured and smoothed.
40 Drying time was several days. Electric roll-up doors will be installed at both ends.
41 Shelving units were erected and the storage facility is nearly ready.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
OH Martha...I'm not usually envious of what others have, but I can almost be envious right this minute...all that great storage space for all your STUFF.
How long do you figure it'll take you to fill it up...a couple of months, or so? I could...if I had the means to fill it up, that is. Or, I could use what I already have, and get rid of a bunch of junky-looking buildings.
Oh, to be Martha for a week!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | August 14th, 2012 at 12:19 am
The construction of the footings and the foundation is, for me, the most fascinating part of the project. The foresight, planning, keen measurement, trenchwork --- all of it done right shows the heritage of knowledge within "the trades." It is all very admirable.
Posted by: Penny | August 14th, 2012 at 1:41 am
oh my!
eighth of that space would do nicely for me, thank you. we've been thinking and planning a storage unit, rather a shed than anything else, but the harsh winters make it challenging as the ground freezes so deep.
you unit looks good, i'm counting on you letting us all in on what finally fills it...
Posted by: liisamarja | August 14th, 2012 at 2:21 am
We are waiting to see it full.....and thank you for sharing.
Posted by: florina | August 14th, 2012 at 3:38 am
Thank you for two days in a row of your farm pictures! Always my favorite.
I know you said your storage unit is out of view, but I can't wait to see how
you landscape around it!!! Enjoy the beauty of this day.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy Peterson | August 14th, 2012 at 4:52 am
Wow, once again you have inspired me to get iut and dio something . Sure you know that space will be filled up before your know what happened. Thanks for pictures of a project well done.
Posted by: ann | August 14th, 2012 at 6:55 am
No matter what you post - it's always interesting! What a beautiful new storage building!
Posted by: Cindy | August 14th, 2012 at 7:46 am
Martha,
I can't believe you kept this little secret until the biulding was complete. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | August 14th, 2012 at 8:23 am
Holy Cow that is quite the storage unit!!
I was thinking you meant one of those little flimsy tin deals!
I'm sure your organization skills will be utilized to the fullest!
Give us a peek as you begin to fill it up.
gail
Posted by: gail pierson | August 14th, 2012 at 8:27 am
I can only imagine the need you have for this new, large storage building Martha! Have fun filling it!
Posted by: Cindy F | August 14th, 2012 at 8:29 am
"Raise high the roofbeam, carpenters!" (That's a really good story by J.D. Salinger…) Excellent blog today, Martha- fascinated by what goes into building such a structure. But I'm surprised- I thought you might want to put a stone face on the structure so it would match the rest of your buildings. Hope you fill it up with lots of your good stuff- this is a packrat's dream come true
Posted by: Christopher | August 14th, 2012 at 9:10 am
Hi Martha, WOW! I absolutely love to see constructions going on and seeing this building constructed by Heritage Building Systems is the best one I have ever seen! These photos are absolutely stunning and the builders sure did a fantastic production! I recall seeing your coldhouse and more greenhouses being built, but this structure is the best so far! What a huge building this one is and it could take you quite a while to ever fill it completely! How long did it take those guys to build it?! Can't wait to see your final photos of the rest of this fabulous building when you can store whatever you want inside! Thank goodness the weather was great during the structure! I absolutely enjoy every blog you share with us and learning something new every day from our greatest teacher is superb and outstanding! I so appreciate everything you do for us! I also love seeing all of the fantastic things presented on your main page of your website everyday-fabulous! Sure hope you have another great day and can't wait to see you on The Today Show tomorrow morning! Off to see The Daily Wag with "When the Dogs are Away the Cats Will Play! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | August 14th, 2012 at 9:14 am
Hi Martha,
It is great to finally see this building after reading about what you went through to get approval. It's a fantastic building. Have fun filling it! Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 14th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Ah, rows and rows of shelves to store one's treasures...I'll be daydreaming about the storage unit all day long...looks great!
Posted by: Marg | August 14th, 2012 at 9:47 am
Hi Martha
Fantastic way of building. Fast and clean as well.
Thanks for sharing it.
Malú
Posted by: Maria Lúcia | August 14th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Hi, Martha,
I was absolutely fascinated by how your building was constructed. I have wondered how buildings are built these days where some seem so solid and others so vulnerable to the elements.
Very interesting! Thank you!
Posted by: Bobbiew | August 14th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Wow fabulous Martha, thank you for sharing
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | August 14th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
That was very interesting! It's a dream to have all of ones "stuff" organized. We'll definitely need a blog where you show us all your pieces organized on those shelves!
Posted by: stephanie | August 14th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Goodness Martha,
You could store TWO of my size house and two of my sheds in there. And I have a two story house!
Noted the Bedford Grey'ish color of the siding.
Really wondering what will go in there. How many acres is your farm anyways?
Your posts always cheer me up, teach me something and inspire me.
Thanks!
Posted by: RT Scott | August 14th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
Martha this is fabulous! I would love a small version of this for drying and storing our lavender and garlic harvests! Perhaps a giveaway? wink wink.
Posted by: Nantucket Daffodil | August 14th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Great new storage space! Made me decide to pass on an idea I had for you for a show. It would be called "Martha Talks to the Experts."
Many years ago I remember enjoying so many of your programs when you would talk to experts in such things as copper molds, large clay pots, gilt mirrors and picture frames, how a mattress is constructed, etc., etc. With your expertise, curiousity and collections I really believe you could make a very helpful and interesting show.
I'm tired of cooking shows - there are just too many of them. You can offer something new. I visualize you interviewing experts, on site or in your studio with your collections. You would ask the questions we, your audience, would ask. You would let the experts answer without your interruption, and possible taking questions from the audience. The people want to know!
Do hope you'll consider something like this.
Pat
Posted by: Pat in Lisle | August 14th, 2012 at 6:52 pm
I'm so very jealous, I have been collecting for many years as well. I have actually rented a storage bin which is extremely organized. I love labels and knowing where everything is. You have the best organizational skills and I follow as many as possible. I love auctions and beautiful dishes and antique picture frames. I wish I had the space to build this storage, as it is I live way out in the country and very close by the storage bin I rent which is hidden brillantly back a lane and behind a barn. I am excited to see how you organize this FABULOUS building. Have a great evening, smile, laugh, and drink wine. God Bless
Posted by: Pamela | August 14th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
This looks awesome, like others have said, I can't wait to see how it is organized, used, and landscaped.
Posted by: Jay | August 15th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Actually I am surprised to see this type of building. I expected a grand building that didn't look industrial. What will be stored in this must not be effected by hot or cold or dampness.
Posted by: Piper | August 15th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Im curious - the floor inside the building...is it a smooth finish and is it any other color than just the color of concrete? Working on a project myself that has me stumped in these two areas.
Posted by: Jenny | August 16th, 2012 at 11:19 am
What terrific explanations. You describe it so linear and orderly. The only part I didn't understand is why the floor concrete gets poured after the building is erected and not before. I assume it is because that smooth shiny concrete shouldn't be exposed the elements as it drys. Great post.
Posted by: Karen | August 16th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Seems a shame not to have a basement space?
Posted by: kate | August 17th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Martha:
I have two small storage units and many times forget what is stored inside them! Can you show us your system for keeping track of everything? I store my holiday items, china, silver, furniture not in use, childhood items, antiques, material, decorations, exercise equipment (ski, biking, etc.), etc., and much much more. How do you keep track so you can efficiently and quickly retrieve?
Carol G.
Posted by: Carol G from California | August 27th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Wow, what a great idea. If you can do something like this, it is perfect. We all need storage, some more than others
Thanks for sharing this with all your fans.
Posted by: portable storage Los Angeles | August 28th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
Wow, I'm a bit jealous. My husband and I have been driving around all weekend looking for storage units salt lake city and it is such a pain. I wish we could just build our own storage unit (sigh*). Thanks Martha!
Posted by: Molli Von Trapp | November 26th, 2012 at 10:56 am
Amazing. It seems to have the good source to get the storage facilities.
Posted by: Rony Mikal | January 2nd, 2013 at 5:01 am
Wow this is the first time I know of someone who can build a storage unit for herself! Wow, I can just imagine the things I could be storing in a space like that! I think a unit like that would be great for a business where warehousing is really important but you don’t want to rent. I like how you document the process of building in the pictures. I actually like picture 40, the one before you installed the shelves. It looks very much like a hangar and immediately, I imagined how nice it would be to be able to use that space for motor vehicles.
Posted by: Edward Thirlwall | April 30th, 2013 at 12:12 am