Garage Options.

[AJ]

I'm just looking to see if anyone has anythig they would suggest looking into when building a new garage. I went over a new garage with a builder this week and will get the bid back in a few days.

We are looking at 960 sq ft, 4 car tandem built on the same spot our current one is. I think he said the size woudl be 24 x 40 and we are going with two single doors in the front.

[Jakey]

Make sure you have at least 1 floor drain. The biggest regret that both my Dad and Grandpa have is that they did not integrate floor drains when they built their garages.

Are you going to heat the garage? If so, I recommend in-floor heating.

Are you going to have an attic? My garage is a 24 x 24 but has an attic above it and I absolutely love it. Next summer I'm adding some support pillars so that I can store even more shit upstairs. :D

[AJ]

I never thought about a floor drain, may have to ask about that one. As for heating I am thinking of just adding insulation up in the roof and then in the walls and then rock it. Then put in a larger heater up in a corner at some point. I never thought about in floor heat and I wonder how much more that would be.

We are going to have an attic for storeage. We are using a roof design that will give us 5 foot high walking space down the center and then narrow out 8 feet on each side. Thus, it will have a solid floor on at least the rear section, possiblly the whole thing.

On anoter note, I am going to have it wired up for 30/50 amp (not sure which it is) so I can have an air compressor in there and at least have the ability to run a welder and such if it ever came about.

[turbotalon1g]

A cool design for an air compressor a friend of mine has is an enclosed air compressor right outside the garage in a weatherproofed box.

Maybe something to think about.

[Jakey]

I never thought about a floor drain, may have to ask about that one.
You won't regret it.

As for heating I am thinking of just adding insulation up in the roof and then in the walls and then rock it. Then put in a larger heater up in a corner at some point. I never thought about in floor heat and I wonder how much more that would be.
I'd check with your insurance company on their garage heat policies. I know that Farm Bureau is very anal about what is acceptable for garage heating.


On anoter note, I am going to have it wired up for 30/50 amp (not sure which it is) so I can have an air compressor in there and at least have the ability to run a welder and such if it ever came about.
Have you considered having your garage on a separate power supply from the grid? Then you can really "crank the juice" to your garage. :D I wanted to put my garage on a separate supply until I found out that my power supply is in-ground versus aerial (i.e.- major $$$$).

[JET]

The in floor heat would be about $4k and you can heat it with just a hot water heater, so it is very efficient. Working under a car on a cold floor sucks ass though. It depends on how much you are going to use it. 50 amps to the garage doesn't cut it if you are doing much. 80 would be a lot better. How high are you ceilings going to be? You'll want 12' if you get a hoist at any point. I would do a minimum of 10'.

I was looking at putting one about the same size on this house, adding an upstairs doesn't cost much more. You can really add a lot of space to the house for little money. It can make a kick ass party room, but it will up your insurance some.

[Goat Blower]

Check with your city code, I don't think you can put a drain in a residential garage anymore, at least in town.

Definitely get the high ceilings for a lift down the line. It's the best purchase any car buff can make.

[blageo23]

Yah Im pretty sure that in my city(Shoreview) you cannot have a floor drain in the garage(unless already there of course). Also I would run seperate power to the garage. The garage in my house is wired with other stuff in the house and it blows everytime the small air compressor is on and other lights in the house. Also maybe toss in an outlet for high power stuff, I dont remember what it is, 220 volt or something. Ya know, just in case.

[JET]

I am sure he has 220v coming in, any decent compressor or welder will need it.

[carltalon]

I think your mostly covered. floor drain attic storage. I'd make shure they run a gas line and vent for a future furnace if you arnt planning on gong the infloor route. Id also sugest putting down a good epoxy floor covering before you get your cars and other crap in there. I really wish Id done that.