I built a new garage in the fall of last year, and no matter what size you build it, IT WONT BE BIG ENOUGH.

 

Thanks for all of the great input It reinforces my original thoughts and gives me a few new ones to consider.

 

1. I prefer a work bench that you can walk around all 4 sides. Also, put a sink in the work bench and have one flush or under mounted so the lip doesn't get in the way.

2. If you're going to add a compressor, put in a special closet for the thing, they are loud and annoying.

3. Add a spot for a large, double door walk-in closet for all of your big tools, etc. If you ever do body work or woodwork, the last thing you want id for all of your stuff to get covered in dust.

4. And contrary to popular belief, SIZE does matter. Go as big as you can. Making it bigger down the road isn't a viable option.

5. Put in as many lights as you can and set them up on individual switches.

6. If the summers are hot, put in ceiling fans and even an attic exhaust fan so suck the air up and out.

7. How about a staircase to the attic with a door? I sure wish I could carry parts upstairs easily.

8. Deck the attic or at least make sure the 4x8 sheets are put in the attic before the drywall goes up.

9. 220V outle(s) - Compressor, welding equipment, plasma cutter.

I wish I knew back in 1998 what I know now . . .

 

but if you get a pick up truck it ain't gonna fit , and for resale you'll be hosed if someone looks at it and they have a truck my .02

this is mine and sometimes i don't have enough . this is 40 x 60

 

I'll call your fridge, and raise you a broadband connecion! What better way to reference all of those helpful mod directions on the forum?

 

Hope this is not a dupe, but I will post it anyway. I think you have to register to see the posts, but I thought it was worth it.

http://www.garagejunkies.net/

I am in the process of building a new shop right now. 33' x 44'. Trouble is, I know it still won't be big enough.

 

Cardinal Rule: Any garage, when finished, is not big enough!

We're on a well, so I had the the garage water supply run through the water softener.

 

The fridge is an automatic, as is cable and I'm already laptop wireless.

 

I just added a new garage and workout room but had to build the wife a new closet and give her my old garage.

My new one is 32 x 26 and its perfect for me. I used an oversized door 18 x 8 and I can pull my old lifted truck into it fine. I have a washer and dryer in there and a large sink. I love the Washer and dryer as I just get my dirty closes off in the garage and walk into the house directly to the shower.
My garage and exercise room is attached directly to the master sweet so no walking through the house. I love it. I even have my own private drive to the road.

the floor is cut and stained concrete with a nice thick sealer on it. It looks like 2x2 marble tiles with grout and everything. Looks great. I have lots of oak cabinets in there. Looks like a nice kitchen in there. I used high output flourcent lights and I have three sets of windows in there. They are covered in plantation shutters just like the rest of the house so If I want privacy at night I can shut them. Its all insulated very well. Feels like I am driving into the house rather than the garage!

Important features for me.

1. Storage off the floor. You don't want crap sitting on your floor.
2. Washer and dryer for shop towels, clothes etc...
3. Sink
4. Air compressor plumbing in walls.
5. Electric out the wazzu.
6. Good insulation.
7. Oversized door and give plenty of room in the garage as well.
8. Good windows for ambient light and ventilation.
9. Make counters thick and the lip deep for any clamps you may need.
10. Put in a wealder plug just in case.
12. Make sure you wire for an alarm for security.
13. Put in a nice floor as you may be laying on it.
14. Radient heat is a good Idea but not necessary here in the south.

 

Thanks, guys, for all the wonderful ideas. I'm in the middle of construction of a new 3-car. This thread is awfully helpful.

 

Including my home office, we are just under 2000 sqft.

1. Beer Kegger
2. Sink with hot and cold water
3. Woodstove heat
4. DEEP, we're at 45' so I have room for the other toys
5. Workbench bigger than you think you'll ever need
6. Rolling shelves for organizing your stuff (we haven't gotten to the organizing yet - this weekend)
7. Pipe in some stereo speakers for those long nights

Some pics:







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go to this site - you can get a world of information there - much like the CF in format