Garage Size
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Carolina Beach NC
Garage Size I know this is not exactly engine related, but I figured the bunch that hangs out in here could give me some valuable insight.
I am trying to get a free-standing 2-car garage built on an adjoining lot that I own so that I may pursue my new-found love of working on my car. The problem is that I live in Carolina Beach NC, a small beach town on a barrier island.
Because of a multitude of size restrictions on "accessory" buildings, I may be restricted on what I can actually build, even though I have some of the largest lots on the island. I will probably only be able to build a 1-car garage.
My real question is : In your estimation, what is the smallest size private/homeowner garage needed to give me enough space to do normal "enthusiast" work?
I realize this is a case of bigger is better, but I will probably have to apply for an "exception" to the zoning rules to get anything worthwhile built. Keep in mind the only items in the garage will be the car, air compressor and tools etc. No other garden tools, trash cans etc.
Also, (I have asked this question on the other forum), what would be your "must-haves" for a new garage??
I want:
lots of lights
220v
lots of electrical outlets
interior finished with exterior grade siding
Thoughts?
I am trying to get a free-standing 2-car garage built on an adjoining lot that I own so that I may pursue my new-found love of working on my car. The problem is that I live in Carolina Beach NC, a small beach town on a barrier island.
Because of a multitude of size restrictions on "accessory" buildings, I may be restricted on what I can actually build, even though I have some of the largest lots on the island. I will probably only be able to build a 1-car garage.
My real question is : In your estimation, what is the smallest size private/homeowner garage needed to give me enough space to do normal "enthusiast" work?
I realize this is a case of bigger is better, but I will probably have to apply for an "exception" to the zoning rules to get anything worthwhile built. Keep in mind the only items in the garage will be the car, air compressor and tools etc. No other garden tools, trash cans etc.
Also, (I have asked this question on the other forum), what would be your "must-haves" for a new garage??
I want:
lots of lights
220v
lots of electrical outlets
interior finished with exterior grade siding
Thoughts?
Administrator
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 45,841
Likes: 5
From: Earth
Re: Garage Size WILWAXU is going to have a field day with this one. I can see it now...
Moving to the racer's lounge.
I would say you're pretty much on target with all the lighting. In a perfect world a lift would be awesome. Those are pretty expensive. You'll want the garage to have lots of clearance over the car. My (2.5 car) garage has a support beam connecting the side walls. It makes it tough to open the hood while it's on jackstands.
<small>[ December 04, 2002, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: camaro_ls1 ]</small>
Moving to the racer's lounge.
I would say you're pretty much on target with all the lighting. In a perfect world a lift would be awesome. Those are pretty expensive. You'll want the garage to have lots of clearance over the car. My (2.5 car) garage has a support beam connecting the side walls. It makes it tough to open the hood while it's on jackstands.
<small>[ December 04, 2002, 08:58 AM: Message edited by: camaro_ls1 ]</small>
Re: Garage Size You assumed right <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> , this post belongs in the Racer's Lounge.
We'll give you 40 lashing later <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Moving to Lounge.
<small>[ December 04, 2002, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: WILWAXU ]</small>
We'll give you 40 lashing later <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" />
Moving to Lounge.
<small>[ December 04, 2002, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: WILWAXU ]</small>
The Bull
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,578
Likes: 2
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Re: Garage Size I can tell you that I just put my car on the trailer into a 9' x 30' stall this last weekend. My trailer is almost a full 8.5' wide and I have a few inches of clearance on each side. With the car I feel you would only have limited space. If you could get the garage closer to 14' wide you'll have plenty of space to at least get by. I would recommend a length something like 25' or more.
If you look at the average truck (make sure you build it with space if you ever decide to house something else) they can range from roughly 16' or 18' all the way out to 24'. If you need room for tool boxes and a work bench then you can either go a little longer or wider. Basically, draw a diagram and see what you can live with.
I'm blessed to have a 2-1/2 stall detached garage that I use. There is so much room to move around and do things. You can imagine if you ever wanted to take the engine out that you'd either want a wide back door or it would be a pain in the *** to push the car out just to get the motor out.
Do you know what your maximum building footprint can be within code?
If you look at the average truck (make sure you build it with space if you ever decide to house something else) they can range from roughly 16' or 18' all the way out to 24'. If you need room for tool boxes and a work bench then you can either go a little longer or wider. Basically, draw a diagram and see what you can live with.
I'm blessed to have a 2-1/2 stall detached garage that I use. There is so much room to move around and do things. You can imagine if you ever wanted to take the engine out that you'd either want a wide back door or it would be a pain in the *** to push the car out just to get the motor out.
Do you know what your maximum building footprint can be within code?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 7
From: Mi./Al.
Re: Garage Size A 20x26 would work fine, build it with 12' ceilings and install a four post hoist. If you like working on your car you'll love a hoist, here's the kind I have, www.backyardbuddy.com .
Al
Al
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TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,234
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
Re: Garage Size </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by LS1PoweredZ28:
<strong>i wish i had a garage <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Me too! I have only one garage space and it's now been taken over by the wife (which makes more sense since she gets home before I do, plus we have to have her car warmer because of the baby)
<strong>i wish i had a garage <img border="0" title="" alt="[Sad]" src="gr_sad.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Me too! I have only one garage space and it's now been taken over by the wife (which makes more sense since she gets home before I do, plus we have to have her car warmer because of the baby)
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Re: Garage Size Sorry ... not wanting to brag ...
24x40 metal
16' awning on one end
grage doors on both ends
shop air plumbed
8 8' high intensity light fixtures
Propane heat
welder, plasma cutter, various metal working tools
160' of concrete driveway
beer fridge
Built it in 1999 ... best money I've ever spent!
It's not much but here is a shot inside the shop ...
<img src="http://www.installuniversity.com/install_university/installu_graphics/donations/rotor_brakepad_mwarren/Figure1.jpg" alt=" - " />
24x40 metal
16' awning on one end
grage doors on both ends
shop air plumbed
8 8' high intensity light fixtures
Propane heat
welder, plasma cutter, various metal working tools
160' of concrete driveway
beer fridge
Built it in 1999 ... best money I've ever spent!
It's not much but here is a shot inside the shop ...
<img src="http://www.installuniversity.com/install_university/installu_graphics/donations/rotor_brakepad_mwarren/Figure1.jpg" alt=" - " />
6600 rpm clutch dump of death Administrator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4,983
Likes: 13
From: Texas
Re: Garage Size I have been renting a shop for a few years now. I plan on building one at some point. Right now I am in a 60x60 shop with 4 Airconditioned/heated offices. It has a fenced in concrete pad that is 30x60 to keep the trailers in. It has two roll up doors and the area over the offices is decked for storage. I have it piped for compressed air allover the shop. I guess you could say I am rather spoiled on shop space. All I can say is the more space you have, the more junk you will find to fill it.
Re: Garage Size Here is a picture of my garage.
<img src="http://www.streetflight.com/images/Camaro_DynoTune.jpg" alt=" - " />
Or click www.streetflight.com
2 former GM engineers, 2 lifts, Synchrowave TIG welder, a Dynojet 248H dynamometer: 1200 hp, 200 mph. Wide band oxygen sensor and DynoTrac load control.
And the best part is that it cost me nothing, except a few hours of my time on Saturdays.
<img src="http://www.streetflight.com/images/Camaro_DynoTune.jpg" alt=" - " />
Or click www.streetflight.com
2 former GM engineers, 2 lifts, Synchrowave TIG welder, a Dynojet 248H dynamometer: 1200 hp, 200 mph. Wide band oxygen sensor and DynoTrac load control.
And the best part is that it cost me nothing, except a few hours of my time on Saturdays.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,329
Likes: 0
From: Middleburg, FL
Re: Garage Size Well, beofre I bought this house, I looked into a steel outbuildings, have some friedns that can do the foundation for cheap. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> If you were looking at bigger buildings, thne you prolly had the cash. Since you will prolly have to settle for something smaller, get a 4 post lift with the $$ you save. There are lots out there, so do your homework, I thinbk everybody remembers the one that collapsed with the 2 Corvettes <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> Or, I went to a guy's house who did paint on the side, he built his garage with lights all on the sides, extra air filters, and built a pit in the floor, a nice cheap alternative to a lift <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
It's nice to have a lot of space, but if given the choice, based upon budget, I'd go smaller with more equipment. Check you loacl newspapers for fleet sell-offs and auctions for big compressors and shop fixtures. Keep us posted on what you decide.
It's nice to have a lot of space, but if given the choice, based upon budget, I'd go smaller with more equipment. Check you loacl newspapers for fleet sell-offs and auctions for big compressors and shop fixtures. Keep us posted on what you decide.
Re: Garage Size The first mistake you can make is to build it for what you have now. You should build it with enough room to keep all the extra stff you WILL be getting later.
-engine stand
-LARGE work bench
-a couple sets of shelves
-more tool boxes
-high enough in the middle for a chain fall
-chairs
-fridge (for beer)
-TV
-and enough room for two of everthing
I have a 2 car garage with a 16x10 shop on the side. The shop is almost not big enough. If you can get a 2 car, don't let your wife talk you into 2-doors like I did. Get a single door. But I would suggest with a one car, try to get it a min of 16 (with a 9'wide door) x 25'. My 2 car is 19'6" deep and my ext cab Silverado is 6" from the front wall (because of my 2" raised curb) and 3" from the door when closed. Door won't close with a hitch in the reciver.
-engine stand
-LARGE work bench
-a couple sets of shelves
-more tool boxes
-high enough in the middle for a chain fall
-chairs
-fridge (for beer)
-TV
-and enough room for two of everthing
I have a 2 car garage with a 16x10 shop on the side. The shop is almost not big enough. If you can get a 2 car, don't let your wife talk you into 2-doors like I did. Get a single door. But I would suggest with a one car, try to get it a min of 16 (with a 9'wide door) x 25'. My 2 car is 19'6" deep and my ext cab Silverado is 6" from the front wall (because of my 2" raised curb) and 3" from the door when closed. Door won't close with a hitch in the reciver.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Carolina Beach NC
Re: Garage Size Thanks for the replies guys,
The contractor has not gotten back to me on the max size I can have yet. I will certainly get a lift if I can fit it in the budget (especially if I have to go with a smaller building.
Would it be better to narrow the width to 20 or 22 feet and extend the length to 28 feet? Which is more important, length or width? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> This may be a factor, as I may have to turn the building on the lot.
How long are our cars?
The contractor has not gotten back to me on the max size I can have yet. I will certainly get a lift if I can fit it in the budget (especially if I have to go with a smaller building.
Would it be better to narrow the width to 20 or 22 feet and extend the length to 28 feet? Which is more important, length or width? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" /> This may be a factor, as I may have to turn the building on the lot.
How long are our cars?
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Hyde Park, Ma
Re: Garage Size A good 4 post lift runs around 3K and is probably the best bang for the buck especially if space is a problem. If you are limited by size, figure you need enough room to open both doors up at the same time for width. For length you need at least a 4ft area in front of the car to work. I'm building a garage this spring but I've currently got on of those car tents that's 12 x 24. I've worked on the cars in it but it's pretty tight. I'm shooting for 28 x 30 with a 4 post lift. I should be able to fit the 99 and 68 Camaros on the lift for winter storage an still put the Yukon and Suburban in there for the winter. When I'm working on one of them I'll do it in the middle and move the trucks out. Bigger is better but you've got to work with what you have. Hope you can build what you want. A couple of feet can make a big difference.
Paul
Paul
