Garage essentials

Question:

If you were to build a garage for a suburb home, what would be your realistic essentials?

 

...hmm... well in no certain order...

a) lots of space
b) lots of electrical outlets around the perimeter walls, both 120VAC and 220VAC
c) good lighting, ..consider some of the new LED overhead shop lights
d) insulated walls and ceiling
e) mini split A/C unit
f) wash tub/sink
g) "man cave" sign

 

LIFT!

 

Depending on one's plans for the garage, lighting and flooring should be an immediate priority.

And while epoxied/painted coatings are popular for floors, keep in mind no contractor can guarantee against "hot tire pick up"---trust me, i know.

Storage is also always a top issue so be sure to scour good local home center stores for heavy-duty shelving.

 

As much square footage as possible, while keeping compliance with code issues and the architectural form of the house.

As high a ceiling as practical, keeping compliance the architectural form of the house. Right house, right design, a lift can be installed later.

If possible to be 1.5 vehicles deep (about 30'?) then a loft over the back 1/3 of the garage. This replaces 'attic storage' while being more accessible.

At least one opening garage door on the back of the garage for cross ventilation. And/or the 'drive through' of a vehicle/boat/trailer, etc.

Well insulated walls/doors/ceiling. By 'well' I mean whatever is appropriate for your climate. More if you plan to heat or cool.

Slab should be capable of a permanent lift mount. There are some requirements on the concrete thickness and type for this IIRC.

Assuming a working garage (as opposed to parking only) slab would be (for me) polished and sealed concrete (think HD floor). All the pretty boy finishes each have their own shortcomings. Mostly I want it to be non porous, cleanable and durable.

Slight taper in each bay with a floor drain would be nice, but may not be practical. But this is a dream list, right?

Water supply, wash basin. Hot/cold minimum.

I'd have a 100 amp capacity subpanel. All garage circuits, both 110 and 220 would be right from there.

This is with unfinished walls and ceiling at this point, which allows for a 'in place design of lighting, compressed air plumbing, convienence outlets, etc.

Wall and ceiling finishes can be determined/installed after you're happy with the underlying layout.

 

A ferrari parked inside, live in strippers and a beer fountain.

 

Gotta have a nice work bench

 

Don't forget a shower.


Dirty strippers and whatnot.

 

Sorry- where do I get this flooring and what is "hot tire pick up"

 

I believe this refers tire marks being left on garage flooring when it's driven on.

 

Thanks. That's a reason I have not gone with the epoxy. I am really liking the textured vinyl but wondering about sweeping, cleaning, etc.

 

Sure.

I wanted to do epoxy in my single car garage but haven't done anything. Probably won't bother.

 

Picked up some pretty sweet vintage signs today for grins. Double sided. I'm digging them.

 

It's when you back the car out, and the epoxy pulls off the floor. It happened to mine.....

 

Damn that would suck!

 

It did. I went to the local carpet store and got some 2 foot wide "runners" that the tires drive on now. Cost me a whopping $35.

 

I'd be bothered by having the nice epoxy floor and have to cover it with rugs to drive on it.

 

My packaging table takes up most of the garage now, so cars never come in the garage anymore, but I kinda like the rugs.

 

But it's just wrong that's necessary after spending the $ on your floor. Its pretty much the temp of the suns surface where I live in the summer so I can see that being an issue.