SBF's Garage Build Thread

So my new house has a descent, newer 2 and 3/4 car garage. We are still in the unpacking stage, but I was getting fed up with walking out to the garage to get something and I couldn't walk around. There are a lot of things I am going to change about this garage. The previous owner started insulating and putting up plywood walls (1/4 inch I think) which is great and all, but they kind of did a crappy job doing it. They also put up some home made shelves and a work bench. They will work ok for now, but I'm going to change some stuff around at some point. I have a buddy that gets cabinetry every once in a while from the offices he remodels, so I may get something from him to create a new work bench.

Anyways, here is my garage and my progress:

I can now walk around in my garage! I still have to find homes for some things, but I had enough room to get my mower in and out, but that's about it. I also managed to get my new shop lights up. I'm going to get more at some point.

This is the east wall. I'm leaving the fridge and the 7-Up machine where they are at. I hope to build a new work bench between the side door and the back corner. I am also going to finish insulating it.

The west wall I am completely getting rid of everything on this wall. I am going to finish insulating it.

I'm hoping to get a shed at some point so I can remove the all the gardening tools and lawn mower, etc.

This is the half way descent work bench. It will work for now. .

more to come!

Yeah the layout process can take time. I thought when I went from my single to a double I would simply "reproduce" the lay out but I also went from 1 car in the garage to 2 cars. That made things interesting.

At least the race car is on casters 99% of the time.

Nice.

Yur gonna need a GRM sticker on that fridge.

NICE!!!

I just downsized from a 2 car to a one car for the next year, so watching this stings a little . We sold our house, and moved into a rental for a year so we can save some extra cash, and start building a new house without worrying about carrying 2 mortgages. The upside is I will get a 3 car attached, and have gotten the SWMBO stamp of approval on a 4 car detached workshop (eventually).

Im interested to see how you go through the layout process, as I will be looking for advice and tips for when I begin my own.

fasted58 wrote: Nice. Yur gonna need a GRM sticker on that fridge.

Yeah, a GRM Sticker will add 9% more cooling efficiency. Also look into the hairless racoon mod available from Flyin Miata. Makes beer more effective when cooled with one.

Haha thanks. I plan on sanding that frige down and painting it red. The big magnet on it was off my grandpa's '68 IH 1300C dump truck for his nursery business when he was still alive. It will be a goofy way to remember him, but the truck was red and I think it will be appropriate.

Oh funny thing, the lettering on that magnet is hand painted.

I'll be watching this closely as I need motivation to get my shop cleaned and organized as well. Being in FL I have finally decided that I'm going to have to insulate and finish the walls/ceilings and AC mine. It is just too damn hot after a full day of work to come into a hot shop and try to maintain any energy to get something done. Even with 6+ fans on the heat and bugs just wear you down.

Having a lawn shed to move that stuff out is a definite plus. If you are building one I'd encourage to make it twice the size you think you need. They are great places to store spare engine blocks, suspension bits, etc. so they don't clutter up the main shop.

After dealing with my ex-g/f's large(ish) detached garage (over-sized 2 bay) and my attached 1.5 car (extra deep) garage, I can offer two pieces of advice:

Shed. Get one. Now. largest the code will allow w/o a permit (typically 100 sqr ft). Or large as the lot will allow if you're willing to get a permit. Besides the lawn & gargening equipment, it also allows you storage for infrequently used stuff and tools: engines, transmissions, engine hoist, etc.

Put EVERYTHING on wheels. Shelves, boxes, EVERYTHING. Even the work bench. You can install brackets to allow bolting to a wall when you need to torque on something, but the flexibility to rearrange everything quickly for a special project.

If it's possible, can the fridge go in the basement?

No unfortunately it can't. The fridge and pop machine fit perfect in that corner, so I'm not too worried about needing that space for something else.