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Let's Design Mickey' Garage

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Mickey Richaud

Mickey Richaud

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Janet and I just returned from E. Tennessee where we'll be moving in a couple months. The site work is almost complete, and the footers for the garage should be going in this coming week. We're having it built first so we can store a bunch of our stuff, along with the two MG's while the house is being built.

So here's the game: Bearing in mind a pretty tight budget, I'm looking for input on how to equip and design the garage. It'll be a three-bay, 36x28, with three doors and a side man door. Planning on putting peg board on the walls; maybe some sheetrock. The garage will sit back against the cutout area here, three doors across in the picture:

PICT0687.jpg

Here's a shot of the property "before", looking up the hill from the existing cabin:

PICT0671.jpg

Here's the drive cut in:

PICT0679.jpg

And here's part of the view we'll have:

PICT0685.jpg

OK, so let's hear your ideas for the garage - and be gentle!
 
Build a four bay garage. You can never have too much space. :wink-new:

(Says Nial, who currently has 4.5 cars in his three bays)

OK, seriously, will you have a lift? If not, will you leave roof space for one that you might add later on?
 
No "real" lift - I do have a Kwik-lift - no height issues. And I won't be adding one later.
 
Here's mine built in '06. It's 42 X 28 so very close to your planned size. You'll love that depth for the workbench, tools and whatnot. The one bay has a 14' 6" ceiling for the lift. There's a loft over the other bays for storage. My design was dictated by wanting to match the house (both colors and style). Mickey, There's alot of garages to be looked over on garagejournal.com (and a lot of good ideas).



 
Jay always loved your lot
'Cept the mowing part
 
Are those windows in your garage doors?
From a security stand point I might not have them.... OK, I realize that's just me; don't want anyone peering in, but of course they do let light in.
Make sure you have plenty of outlets for tools and maybe one dedicated to a space heater with a separate circuit breaker if you ever wanted to plug one in.
Oh, lots of lights above.
 
Looks great Mickey. My builder did the 6mil vapor barrier too. Makes quite a difference in the dryness of the interior. I wanted to (and subsequently did) do a two part epoxy floor cover. That's something I'd recommend. Oil and coolant spills are no big deal. But, because of new concrete "gassing", if that's a route you're considering, make certain you wait 2-3 months before applying.
Did my workbench and storage cabinets from someone else's no longer wanted kitchen cupboards.
If you're on the fence about insulation, take my advice and do it before you fill it up. It's no fun hanging out in the garage in winter unless it's able to retain whatever heat you've got.
I put the workbench smack in the middle. Underneath the bench there's a 50" retractable air hose reel.
Put in the pub table,TV and poker table. I don't just work in the garage.
And thanks for the kind complements...Don, it's not that big of mowing job.

Here's some interior photos.





 
That's the kind of info I need, Jay - thanks! The garage will be completely insulated. There will be six (I think) overhead fluorescent lights and lots of outlets. Also running one 220v circuit. I have several old kitchen cabinets, along with a reclaimed homemade wooden hutch with sliding door cabinets on bottom and shelves on top.

I had planned to coat the floor; didn't know about waiting for the concrete to cure - thanks for that.
 
Gliderman8 said:
Are those windows in your garage doors?
From a security stand point I might not have them.... OK, I realize that's just me; don't want anyone peering in, but of course they do let light in.
Make sure you have plenty of outlets for tools and maybe one dedicated to a space heater with a separate circuit breaker if you ever wanted to plug one in.
Oh, lots of lights above.
Click to expand...

Yeah, the doors will have windows. We're pretty isolated, and the area is really secure, so I'm not too worried about that. Got the lighting and outlets covered, I think.
 
Put in skylights. I know it seems not important but when you don't have to put on lights during the day, you will be pleased. Our garage is a garagemajal but husband waited 15 years to build his dream. It's really a secret (not so secret) mancave.
 
Skylights - check.
 
Oh yeah - forgot to mention - this can also serve as a gathering place for some banjo, guitar, etc. pickin'.
 
Last edited:
I don't know how cold it gets in that location but if it gets below freezing any time I would make sure your fluorescent fixtures have low temp ballasts.
 
Wow - so far all you guys have garages bigger than my house!

Mickey - you're building for cars - and for music? Then how's the heating/cooling/ventilation situation? Running water, toilet, etc.?

Also, upstairs storage and access?

Also, be sure you have *lots* of turn around space to get cars in and out of all those doors.

Garage-less Tom
 
Micky, looks like a great spot to move. Before it's too late just in case you want water, floor drain.
 
Sounds like an exciting project Mickey.

Not much to add as I don't have a garage mahal, however, a couple of things I think about:

1. Making sure the outlets are where you need them - above workbench height and close together.

2. In my experience shelves are better than drawers on cabinets - drawers just become black holes.

3. What can you hang from the ceiling? Retractile extension cord? Air line? storage? There are some really cool and inexpensive Infra red heaters that can be placed over work benches.

4. Could you extend the pad just enough to have your compressor under a lean to out back? and even space for a sand blasting box? (I am pretty sure you don't want the sand blasting, but have been media blasting parts in a friend's shop lately and my ears come out ringing every time due to the proximity of the compressor.

5. Will you have water? Assuming you do, rather than a washroom or even a toilet you may simply want to install a urinal. Hang it on the wall and you will have dealt with 90% of concerns.

6. Will you have a wash station? Including cleaning parts and hands and eyes?

7. I have a dream of a garage with a bay where I can wash/paint cars. In my minds eye, it either includes tarps I can hang from well places hooks or a plastic curtain - but, with a drain so that I can wash my car in the winter and apply polish or even paint without overspray messing everything else.

8. Will you want internet?/ computer station? wifi?
 
Mickey Richaud said:
....Got the lighting and outlets covered, I think.
Click to expand...
Mickey, Regarding your overhead fluorescent fixtures, consider installing pull chain on/off switches on them. There will be times when none on is not enough light, but three or six on is too many.
Also, If (like me) you wear glasses, light from above and behind creates a glare and doesn't necessarily help at the work bench. Purchased Dazor "floating arm" draftsman's lights from the 50's/60's/70's off ebay. With patience you can find one for a reasonable price.
I need to add that most of my suggestions are ones I found on that garage site. Don't think I've ever had an original idea.
And Don, I can't even come up with a comeback to the uncle thing.

Here's photos of my two Dazor lights:



 
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