I can offer a little advice,,,,, since most is still fresh in my mind after building a shop this spring and still working on it,,,,
Make sure you plan ahead and put lots of electrical outlets so you can move anything anywhere later on,
Plan to vent a spraybooth outside
lower the bench your lathe will be on so it is at a comfortable height to use
If possible plan to vent your dust collector outside,,,
I also built my benchtop out of double thickness MDF then put two coats of poly on it,,,,
Most importantly enjoy the time with your dad,,,,
you might get an idea or two from here
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...9393-shop.html