We are looking at buying a new to us house and with it a new shop for me. I currently have a 1.5 detached garage that is all my space. The drawback has always been no heat and a single 20 amp circuit. We knew we weren't staying forever so we didn't put in a panel or heat. Location is SE Wisconsin so the lack of heat has always kept me from working in the winter, the best time to be in there.
I am thinking for my next shop I wouldn't mind it being in the right basement space. It will make it much easier to find a house and get more space, potentially. There are not really any houses with detached shops where we are looking. We will have a garage, but we keep cars and mowers in there. If we found a third stall i might use that. In a basement, I would also have a much cheaper route to get appropriate power, heat and ac. I also think it would be nice to easily spend 15 minutes working or putsing and always having glue warm and wool acclimated. Frankly I'm stoked to look at a basement alternative.
I would look to increase the 325 square feet I currently have and make sure I have relatively easy access. I am hoping for a window or two as my current space has great light with five including a picture window. What else should I look for? What do you like about your basement shops?