Kevin's RV-12 Build : Workshop Construction

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Workshop Construction

I started construction in October 2015. The workshop/garage is 26' wide by 36' deep. It has 10' high ceilings and attic storage accessed by a pull down ladder. In hindsight, a 30' by 40' foot print would have been nice but I wanted to keep the costs down. Most of the time only 1 car will be parked inside, giving ample room for the build. The best thing I did was insulate with foam! Here in Texas, attic temps can reach 140 to 150 degrees. A foamed attic becomes a conditioned space and will stay at 85 degrees max in the heat of the summer!

Prepping the pad with select fill

Forms in, footings dug

Termite treatment spray

Laying of vapor barrier and steel

Concrete finished and forms stripped

Framing begins

Walls framed (10' ceiling)

Trusses rolled and roof sheeting on

Building wrap on. Windows and doors installed

Sided and painted, waiting on the brick

Spray foam insulation after electrical rough in

Trimming the foam

Sheetrock delivery

Interior Painting

Why build an RV-12?

My plan for many years was to build the RV-14. But when I looked at the overall picture of building and owning an RV-12 instead of a 14, this is what I found:

Age. I'm 60 (in 2019) and Light Sport gives me more options to keep flying down the road medical wise.

Mission. I'm mostly a fair weather flyer (CAVU) and typically fly less than 300 miles cross country. Most of my flights are daytime, solo or one passenger, in the local area.

Time. Building the RV-12 is a simpler build compared to the other RV kits, typically completed in about half the time.

Money. I've noticed that as time marches on, everything costs more, not less! The RV-12 costs less to own and operate, burns 4.5 to 5.0 gph auto gas or 100LL, has lower insurance rates, removable wings so it can be stored or trailered and I can do the condition inspections. A win win financially.

Desire. Yes I wanted to build the aerobatic 200 mph RV-14, but I'll be content burning holes in the sky, giving rides to others, doing touch & go's and enjoying those beautiful calm CAVU mornings in a slower more affordable airplane! In my case less is more!