when i started SIGN PAINTING full time, 1986, i was home based, you could say. most of that kinda work took me TO THE JOB LOCATION rather then doing stuff at home. the only things i did at home was some board signs, and some vehicles, if they could leave them a day or 2. all other work was store front windows, stock cars, wall painting AT THEIR LOCATIONS.
i moved to pensacola had some cash from the sale of the house in sarasota. decided to put in a store front shop. well, before i even opened the door i was $1500 out of pocket. and that didnt include the rent of $500 a month. getting electric, water, license & garbage.....ALL ARE MORE COSTLY FOR COMMERCIAL LOCATIONS. then i had to build a counter, easel in the building get desks and tables.
kept it open for almost 2 years. then the economy went in the pooper, couldnt even make the rent so i closed it. did some math, $500 a month X 24=$12,000.00!!!!!! not counting the utilities.......
sooooooooooooooo.....i decided rather then give anybody that much money, i could BUILD A SHOP ON OUR PROPERTY!!! we have 2 acres. so space to build was not an issue. i worked as a draftman and built metal buildings for a BUTLER BUILDINGS co. so i did some searhing on the internet and ordered a commercial 140 MPH windload(code where i live)building 24 x 30 x 16 foot tall for $8500.00!!!! put in the floor/foundation/anchor bolts and erected the complete building MYSELF. and designed and built the interior to fit my needs. NOW...... when i want to do something, i can go out there(60 feet from house)and do most any project that comes along. i also have in the building MY POTTERY!!!! WHEEL/KILNS and work area. can pull my vehicle in there to work on it, or do repairs on my tractor)))))
