For those who have built their dream garage

[HHGT]

By the end of this month, I hope to break grounds on my new Home/Garage in SoCal. While the wife has majority control over the house specifics, I am now in the Garage Do's and Dont's. So for those who have built their Dream Car Garage what advice do you give. Here are the highlights.

• The Garage is 2200 Square Feet with 3 large Barn Like Doors.
• Ceiling is 12 Feet tall
• Garage is separate from the House and will only be used for my collection
• Four Post lift will not be in the Garage. Special area dedicated for all the Tools and workbench
• For now, I will not stack any cars
• Garage should fit 6 Cars comfortably and 8 maximum
• Storage is independent of the Garage
• Patio Door on side to allow exhaust fumes to exit
• Bathroom just outside the Garage

Here is where you guys can help;

• Lighting
• Power outlets. How many and locations
• In-ground trickle chargers
• Floor treatment
• Security. Motion detector?
• Dust Control?
• Jay Leno Wind Propeller for power generation
• Colors?
• Murals?

Any thing else?
BTW - Pictures are also appreciated.

 

[fjpikul]

Refrigerator for battery storage (read beer). Did you think of floor drains?

 

[HHGT]

Refrigerator for battery storage (read beer)

I am actually contemplating a Sofa/coffee table, a Glass top desk and a TV. My thinking is that I would allow the local police officers and CHP to come in and use the garage to write their reports, use the bathroom, use the coffee machine, bottled water etc. The property is fairly large with ample parking and Gated.

 

[tiger 6]

Couple of thoughts. Include a central vac system that enables you to reach every part of the garage. Use fluorescent lights in combo with spot lights on tracks. Spots should be adjustable to illuminate cars, walls etc. Check out a stamped concrete floor. The number of pattern/color options are infinite, cost to install very reasonable, and maintenance simple. Air conditioning and heating are obvious necessities. Have a good security system installed on doors and windows. Curious as to why you are using a 12 ft. ceiling if you are not installing lifts. Lighting with a 9 ft. ceiling would, IMHO, be more spectacular and flexible.
Show us some pics when you are done !:cheers

 

[nota4re]

Sam,

When I built my shop 3 years ago, I really struggled with the best (ample) lighting. After research, I settled on metal-halide fixtures, and spent about $2K on six fixtures. Bottomline: I was never really happy.

The weekend before last was kind of a rarity in that we didn't have any GT's sleeping over and I told Ryan that we needed to "fix" the lighting situation. Prior to this, I had done some additional research and discovered that Fluorescent T5 HO's were the best way to go. I purchased (6) 4', 4-bulb fixutures for about $1K. Holy cow, what a difference!! These lights are simply awesome. There are many advantages over metal halide. If you google "high bay lighting", you will find out a lot about these lights and how they are systematically replacing the HID technologies.

 

[Kingman]

My first thought is a roped off parking spot for me!!! :biggrin

I think I need to come over with a six-pack or two and help you plan this out correctly. :driving:

 

[Kayvan]

-Look into dust extractors; all exotic storage facilities have them
-HVAC consultant review your heat/humidity control
-Library shelves for books, trophys, helmets, plaques
-Display area for models
-Have an area for Guard Dog; instinct/senses will outperform any security system
-Skip murals/frames: go for Formula 1 / Indy or Nascar official pit banners...they drape nicely and give an air of show. Leno, Letterman, Lauren all do same
-Resist Neon, Porcelain, metal signs; many have fallen off.....
-Media area: LCD, Surround speakers, Club Chairs: Vintage framed Car movies posters;race posters
-Most will say go with race deck or U-Coat coating, etc. If you have budget I would go for custom tile.....with unqiue design, checker flags, diamond grid, etc
-Small Wet Bar: 32in SS fridge, granite 1/2 slab, wine rack, wine crate paneling

Believe it or not I have most of above stuffed into space 20% of your sq. ft.

 

[Kingman]

-Look into dust extractors; all exotic storage facilities have them
-HVAC consultant review your heat/humidity control
-Library shelves for books, trophys, helmets, plaques
-Display area for models
-Have an area for Guard Dog; instinct/senses will outperform any security system
-Skip murals/frames: go for Formula 1 / Indy or Nascar official pit banners...they drape nicely and give an air of show. Leno, Letterman, Lauren all do same
-Resist Neon, Porcelain, metal signs; many have fallen off.....
-Media area: LCD, Surround speakers, Club Chairs: Vintage framed Car movies posters;race posters
-Most will say go with race deck or U-Coat coating, etc. If you have budget I would go for custom tile.....with unqiue design, checker flags, diamond grid, etc
-Small Wet Bar: 32in SS fridge, granite 1/2 slab, wine rack, wine crate paneling

Believe it or not I have most of above stuffed into space 20% of your sq. ft.

....still waiting for pics Kayvan. :tap:

You have assembled quite a collection that you NEED to share with us bud.

 

[Kayvan]

....still waiting for pics Kayvan. :tap:

You have assembled quite a collection that you NEED to share with us bud.

Its coming; buying a Panasonix Luminix this week......; I have been busy rotating driving b/w my 250 SL (post restoration) and the GT, and avoiding thunderstorms in NY

Here is a ROUSH flag, that is too big for my lowly stable....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HUGE...004QQitemZ140243647791QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[Sinovac]

I am just completing my garage and can offer the following thoughts/advice:

Before you start, think about what you want the garage to look like-an old gas station, a car showroom, a finished room-your choice will dictate what fixtures/finishes you use.

Although the exterior matches my house, I wanted the interior of my garage to look like an old gas station so the inside walls are concrete block with finished mortar joints, painted semi-gloss white. Block walls also allow you to hose out the entire garage without worrying about drywall. Frank mentioned floors drains which aren't a bad idea. You can also slope the entire floor towards the doors to get positive drainage.

Outlets are 20 amp (don't let anyone talk you into 15 amp outlets). Space them no more than 10' apart (you can't have enough outlets). All wiring is surface mounted in 3/4" emt (conduit). It looks industrial (if that's what you like) and makes it very easy to add circuits/devices later. Place exterior outlets between your garage doors. You can install recessed, floor outlets but I didn't do this because I wanted the ability to hose the shop out.

I installed a commercial Dayton louvered exhaust fan in the rear wall so I can run cars inside and not pass out. The fan isn't cheap but the louvers automatically open/close with air flow and it moves alot of air.

Lighting is 4 foot fluorescents. I like surface mounts because they look more industrial but if you want a finished look you can recess them. I like alot of light so I have a 2 bulb fixture for every 100 sq. ft. You can also install them on the wall if you need additional lights for detailing cars. Make sure your electrical panel is oversized so you can add circuits later. Mine is 200 amps-your electrician may say it's overkill but the additional cost is minimal.

If you install windows I suggest you get tinted glass to cut down on UV rays. I installed tinted, clerestory windows which permit natural light while maintaining privacy.

My garage is plumbed for air using copper with soldered joints. I installed a urinal (which is nice in a free standing garage and makes the point that it's a man's place) and a sink. You mentioned your garage is for storage only so you don't need a shower (if you get filthy like I do working on cars and motorcycles a shower is a great idea). A refrigerator is a must.

The ceiling is corrugated galvanized steel roof panels which look great (again the commercial look) and reflect light.

Make sure your concrete slab is thick enough to support lifts that may be added later. Asymetrical lifts require thicker slabs than 4 post lifts.

I'm in Florida so my garage is air conditioned. Even if your average temperature is comfortable, you may want a/c to control humidity. The block walls are filled with foam for insulation. The garage doors are also insulated.

My floor is simply sealed since I didn't want anything too fancy. If you are going to stain your concrete, make sure your contractor knows so the floor is protected from damage during construction. Avoid concrete paint as it's prone to peel. Stain is the best choice. Race Deck, etc. are excellent products but if your floor is finished nicely why cover it up? Whatever you do, make sure you have some type of vapor barrier to prevent moisture migration through the slab.

Best of luck!

 

[BlackICE]

IMO, keep the 12' ceiling, for lifts, your collection will grow and you never have enough space. Also when you get older cleaning the cars is a lot easier to do when you can lift the car so that you don't have to bend over or stoop down.

As for lights T5 are the best today, but T8 are almost as good and are more available and reasonably priced. I would have enough T8 fixtures to have diffused light output at least 50 lumens/sq ft better to have 100 or more. Halogen spot lighting to highlight the cars and work areas. Air lines and AC outlets everywhere, including 220v for compressor and machine tools. If you have any big machine tools it would be nice to segment that area with a 1/2 height wall or something, so that if things go wrong, part won't fly somewhere and hit a car.

 

[598]

220, 221, what ever it takes. Never know when you need the extra juice. Put the bathroom just inside the garage, not just outside. My wife thought the bathroom idea was nuts and a shower was over the top. Use it all the time. The kids do too. Four outlets in a box is just as easy as two. Don't forget outlets in the ceiling. Drop cords need juice. I also agree on the central vac. My house unit is located in the garage and muffled outside, but I can plug in a seperate hose in the shop. Might not be an option in a detatched. Ceiling fans. They are a pita to add later if you build or store above.

Steve

 

[HHGT]

Wow - Thanks guys. Keep them coming. Pictures Pictures Pictures PLEASE.

Herb, you can come over and help me design the Bar:biggrin

 

[B O N Y]

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3903&highlight=ultimate+garages

 

[KJRGT]

That sounds like quite a set up you are going to have there. :thumbsup
Personally, I would add a 4 post lift. For the money, their added value is superb, far beyond stacking another parked car. So much easier to wax or work on the sides and lower part of the car's body, wheels, brakes or suspension while standing than sitting or kneeling. Being able to get under a car for oil and lube changes, cleaning underbody and suspension, checking things after a day at the track is a breeze. And if there are restoration projects, well enough said.

 

[HHGT]

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3903&highlight=ultimate+garages

Thanks Bony. I've seen this before... I'm scrapping the house and building this...

 

[S592R]

There is a company that makes an insulated, sealed garage doors (runs on sealed tracks) that prevents (or greatly reduces) dust, outside nasties etc. I lost the link but will try and find it.

Pour the slab two inches thicker than you think you need it. Radiant heat floors. Solar a/c system with air filtration system (extra power generated can power everything (about) in the garage) 4-post lifts.

Acid stained concrete ( the others lift) floors. ICF walls and ceilings (rated to 200+ mph windspeeds and fire resistant)

Plumb for bathroom, shower, and washer/dryer (great for cleaning shop towels, overalls, outdoor clothes and keeping your wife sane)

Wire the whole garage with wireless internet so you can surf the GT forum while you tinker on the car. Wireless a/v goodies in the garage. (I have a portable tv/dvd player that I set on the floor while I work on the cars .. watch a movie and wrench ... its a sickness I know but it really is relaxing and when your slowly going through something to avoid scratches a movie playing in the background just works ...especially LE Mans or someother racing movie.

smooth floors so they are easier to clean ... maybe even an industrial floor machine ... used they are fairly inexpensive.

Banners ... banners. .... banners.... Neon bolted to the wall will not fall ... on a hook yes .. bolted no. The light is very cool when everything else is off.

 

[ftmyersgt]

Dream Garage

Some additional thoughts:

Don't forget a wall mount slop sink and hose bib.

If you need heat, stay away from forced air heating. When I lived up north I used a natural gas ceiling suspended infrared tube heating system. Advantages to this system is that it is highly efficient, only uses air from the outside and exhausts to the outside, is explosion proof and dust free.

If you are going to have single gargare doors, go with extra wide-9' or 10' wide. Should be insulated.

Computer desk area with high speed internet access and phone.

Attic ventilation.

220 outlets for lift, compressor, etc.

Plumb the garage for air.

Over head air and electric reels.

Make it a real "man-cave".

Send pictures when complete.

 

[B O N Y]

Man cave = stripper poles

 

[Gierkink]

Chip Beck provided a post and picture of his garage floor that included the company that provides it. Search for this post as that floor looked great... I'm getting it for a garage in a summer home I'm currently building in Maine.

Rob