Most Useful Suggestions
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 350
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Most Useful Suggestions
So, of all the tips and tricks that folks here have learned or used while designing their own garages, which ones have the folks found to be most helpful? I'm a year or two away from building one and I want to get the ideas rolling now...
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 626
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From: Rome, GA
Have the money to do it complete when you start. I am currently underway with my 20x30. I ended up with a home equity loan to do it all at one time. Lots of other good posts out there on this subject.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
60 amp outlets throughout. And get a couple or three 220 outlets. Full sized fridge for beer, use the freezer for whatever. If you even think you will have shelves, build the garage bigger so you can have all your vehicles doors open and still have room to move around.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: wichita kansas
Outlets and more outlets, plenty of provisions of light fixtures, insulate good, make it as big as you can afford or can put in the area, plan on spending probably 25 to 30% more than what you think you will because you probably will spend it.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Rome, GA
Originally Posted by oldgoat49
Outlets and more outlets, plenty of provisions of light fixtures, insulate good, make it as big as you can afford or can put in the area, plan on spending probably 25 to 30% more than what you think you will because you probably will spend it.
Metal building $5500.00
Concrete $2600.00
Electrical $2400.00
Permit $ 96.00
Survey $ 200.00
Air Compressor $ 400.00 ( I figured the cost into the loan )
Total so far $11196.00 and I still havent been to Home Depot for lights and other misc. items I will need. It adds up quick.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 800
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From: Ontario, canada
Don't go cheap. Think of it as an investment in your property rather than an expense.
Finish it off before you start to move in. Floor coating, insulation, drywall, paint.
If you dont get it done during construction, it'll probably never get finished.
Decide on if it will be used for storage or as a workshop and what percentage will be used for each. Design accordingly, but keep things flexible.
Best thing I ever put in my shop was a used stainless restaraunt sink and running water. It's great for everything from checking tires for leaks to keeping my hands clean.
Finish it off before you start to move in. Floor coating, insulation, drywall, paint.
If you dont get it done during construction, it'll probably never get finished.
Decide on if it will be used for storage or as a workshop and what percentage will be used for each. Design accordingly, but keep things flexible.
Best thing I ever put in my shop was a used stainless restaraunt sink and running water. It's great for everything from checking tires for leaks to keeping my hands clean.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
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From: Sapulpa OK
Make sure you seal the concrete floor to prevent staining from spilled chemicals and make provisions for four or six D-Rings imbedded in the floor. Comes in handy when you need to stretch a frame to streighten it. Include a good sized I beam in the ceiling for an overhead hoist.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Originally Posted by fixnair
Make sure you seal the concrete floor to prevent staining from spilled chemicals and make provisions for four or six D-Rings imbedded in the floor. Comes in handy when you need to stretch a frame to streighten it. Include a good sized I beam in the ceiling for an overhead hoist.
I am embedding 3/4" coupling nut assy's in my floor and I have designed a 2T adjustable A-frame hoist that stores against the wall. Stuff that I can fabricate in my existing garage.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 800
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, canada
Originally Posted by Torque1st
Home Depot has UGL oil base sealer for $13/gallon that covers 3-400sf. It can also be used on moist concrete to help cure. Says it is OK for interior flat surfaces but must be well ventilated during application and drying.
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If you put any kind of sealer down first, , then an epoxy floor becomes twice as much work.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
It has been my experience that epoxy always chips and looks ugly if you do any heavy work on it. Others have reported that problem also. Also if it isn't textured it is very slippery.
If anyone wants to know how to set up their air piping system in the garage send me a PM and I will send you a link to a bunch of very good information on how to do it.
If anyone wants to know how to set up their air piping system in the garage send me a PM and I will send you a link to a bunch of very good information on how to do it.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Rome, GA
Just found another useful tip on the shop subject. Have property lines clearly marked or have them surveyed prior to building. Now I can add an additional $1000.00 for excivating work to move my site over by 10 ft. This goes with the above post on planning about 25%-30% more than you expect to spend.