Seeking (shared) space to set up gear...and brew!

[toddiferous]

Howdy.

I just joined the forum. Hoping to find someone/someones interested in sharing a brew space, creating a brew space, finding a brew space... I have put close to $2000 into my gear (albeit, some of that total was probably put into grains, and is long gone), but have just moved from a house into an apartment - little space to brew.

The space: Looking for a space in the North End/Central/Downtown Halifax area that would be conducive to either a convenient dismantle-able brew set up or, the preferred option, a full-blown home brew install. An ideal space is one with water, sewer access, electricity, and the possibility to install a vent either permanently (mounted through the wall), or temporary (out a window.) I would be keen on looking for some stainless tables, and a sink to make things super easy to sanitize, and for general cleanliness; I've got preliminary plans (in my head) for a metal tiered system for actual brew day, and some hopes for setting up a more efficient cleaning and sanitization station. The space could be within a decent range of sizes (anything has potential), but ideally would be isolated from a kitchen/food processing area, and able to be used for brewing and subsequent fermentation. I dabble in fruit wine fermentation as well, so a multi-use space would be the cherry on the top. Reasonable access to the space for working through the brew cycles would be necessary.

Getting it done: I work in construction for a living: I'm a 4th year electrical apprentice, and take on full-spectrum renovations (plumbing, electrical, demolition, framing, drywall, flooring, mudding, finish work, etc.) I haven't seen it all, for sure, but am pretty competent in most aspects of home renovations, and comfortable researching and executing new tasks, of which there would be few of when setting up a little brew shop. I would be happy to work at modifying a space to suit our needs.

Me: I have been home brewing for about 2 years now, but have brewed in years previous - a couple with a friend in Quebec, once in a microbrewery in Montreal, and a couple of times in Halifax. I'm pretty comfortable with the process, and eager to start working on deciphering recipes, tweaking flavours, and mixing it up with yeasts. I'd like to graduate to saving some of the yeast, but want a clean space for that - and someone to help drink the beer that comes from more regular brewing. My drive for cleanliness and thorough sanitization are pretty high - I'm a bit of a clean freak, at least when it comes to putting cooled product through final stages. I definitely could/would not be comfortable sharing equipment with someone who has low standards for sanitizing and cleaning.

Finances: If there's a space that works, and we can agree to terms, I guess the financial side of it can be discussed at that time. I have invested a decent amount of money in my current set-up, and yet am at a point where it is difficult at best for me to use it (space-wise). So, I may be in a position to invest a bit more in getting something going. That said, time and skill is more what I have to offer, that and equipment; if you have financial means to purchase add-ons, and materials for light reno. work, perhaps that would be ideal. To be determined.

(Also looking for some woodworking space!)

Looking forward to hearing some proposals, feedback, ideas, inquiries...

Thanks for reading!

Todd

[sheanhiggins]

While I don't personally have any extra space to offer at the house (we spoke yesterday Todd)
I really hope someone out there in the north end has an extra room, or is looking at setting up a new brewing space that can help this fellow out.
Todd has been a good customer of ours here at the NG Oxford shop for quite a while, and he knows his stuff. Good guy.

[KMcK]

I have a backyard garage in the west end that I'd like to improve to be a more formal brewing space. It's currently used for storage and several of us brew out of it when the weather permits. It may not have all the potential you're looking for but I'd be happy to show it to you and discuss options.

[sheanhiggins]

Todd: If all else fails, and you are without a place to brew... You can totally have my back deck, and use of my (10 gal) gear temporarily while you figure out your game. I know it's not ideal, but the offer is there buddy.

[toddiferous]

Thanks, man. I've got a couple of options, but am going to just have to store the gear for now until I get back from a trip in June. Much appreciated.