Wood working on the cheap

Yesterday we were enjoying +3C temperatures in Manitoba; normally we are at, -40.
So I took advantage of it and did some wood working in my shed.

My neighbour needed a piece of wood cut and routered to fix a broken cabinet so I got that all done. Cost about $0.50 worth of wood because I bought a rough cut 2x4 and table sawed it down to the correct sizes. After a quick sand it looked great!
If I had bought a nice piece of wood at the store it might have cost around $4 depending on wood. So I saved $3.50+.

Not that $3.50 is a lot of savings but the 'cutting' costs everywhere adds up. How much 'wood' it have cost if I paid someone else to do this? $20 bucks maybe more?
Now I saved $19.50 - thats a case of cheap beer or 2% the cost of paying someone else.
;)

And I get a lot of joy creating with wood. My wife really likes it too; it's a hobby that she supports and encourages. We are even planning on building a better insulated shop for me this summer so I can still wood work over the winters.

But how can I cut costs when building a shed?
It cost my neighbour $25,000 for his garage to be built. It's about 30x30 - the size I want

It has

• cement foundation/floor
• metal siding
• shingles
• 2 doors
• garage door

It does not have

• electricity
• insulation
• inside walls
• running water
• geothermal temperature control

With a baby on the way we can't spare $25,000 to have a half finished garage built no matter how badly we want one.

I'm really not a hippy, I care about he environment - sure; but I do not believe in global warming. But what I do care about is building a shed that is warm, SAFE, costs me virtually nothing to upkeep and environmentally friendly. How can I heat this baby with a small computer fan!?

I will be seeking the required permits. I hate the idea of bowing down to 'my' governments demands but it's a small price to pay to keep them out of my life afterwards.

AND how can i do it to keep the costs waaaay down!?
I'll tell you next time. ;)
I'm taking my wife to a baby show this afternoon. I have to make us lunch and I can't spend all day laying out my evil genius plans.

What I will say is this. I've mention how $8 block of cheese can cost you less than a quarter and taste better. I just explained how $20.00 project can cost you $0.50.
And by god I will explain how you can use a small computer fan can be modified to heat a small building.

Next time.