Scotty Dont's Single Car Restoration

[Scotty Dont]

Earlier this year my fiancé and I decided now was the time to buy our first house. Being that she's a historian, she wanted a house with "character". I knew what that really meant. It meant she wanted an old house. But with old houses come problems. We looked at a few here in Massachusetts that met her criteria, but we had both agreed that if we were going to get something with some history, I need to at least have a single car garage to turn into a workshop. We finally found a house she absolutely fell in love with and it at least had a garage. Much like I anticipated, the house has it's own set of problems, but so does the garage. So it's time to do some work to restore it back to a condition I deem acceptable. Hope you all enjoy the updates.

The outside of the garage doesn't look to bad at a quick glance. One of the first things you'll notice is that it has a very old window. There's actually three others, but they all had missing panes that had been broken at some point or another. Previous owners put up plywood to cover them and never removed them. I'd like to replace all the windows except the rear one and get some more sunlight in there. The two windows on the left side of the garage face nothing but woods for the next 200 ft. so I'm not overly concerned about people looking through. I also plan to replace the side door with a door I'm working on restoring from the house that is no longer in use.

The other thing you'll probably notice on the outside is that the roof is in pretty rough shape. A lot of the boards on the roof are rotting and I am starting to get a lot of leaks in the garage. The current plywood is also starting to lift up off the boards causing gaps and further leaks. A full strip of the roof, new plywood and shingles and hopefully that takes care of that.

And finally the inside of the garage. The floor has some cracks and is nowhere near flat, but I can live with that. One of the first things I did was build a workbench (seen in the back) and the table to get some surfaces to do the house projects on. One of my biggest issues with the garage is that the ceiling joists are incredibly low. When measured, the bottom of the joist is only about 6'8". On the left, you can see I've already purchased 2x6x14's to raise the joists up. The current ones were nailed in below the top plate. Once the new ones are in, I'll cut the old out. After that comes putting up some plywood on the walls. I'm too scared of doing drywall in this garage for fear of water getting in even after I've replaced the roof. Once the walls are up, I'll be re-doing the electrical with surface conduit. You can see the white door on the right that will be getting restored for the side of the garage.

Other future plans are replacing the garage door with outward swinging carriage doors and doing a foldable table on the wall to replace the current table in the middle to make some room for the motorcycle. I'll try to update the thread as often as I can. Thanks for looking!

 

[dittle fart around]

Looks like great space. Nothing wrong with a single car garage. The bigger the garage the bigger the mess. This size will force you to keep it organized. When my work bench gets full I just build another one.

 

[Derrickwade]

I will be following this thread. What kind of motorcycle do you have?

 

[Scotty Dont]

Right now I'm actively searching for a local Ducati SportClassic with front fairing. I've found a few that are in other states, but it's a bit further than I want to go for it at this point. If by the middle of the winter I haven't found one, I'll expand my search.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get some better lighting !

 

[Zeke]

That's a very cool building. I suggest a shed on the back for the LM and other yard stuff.

 

[Scotty Dont]

That's a very cool building. I suggest a shed on the back for the LM and other yard stuff.

I actually have a 12x8 shed in the backyard, but it's up on this weird platform. It makes pulling the lawnmower in and out a bit of a hassle so until I've done something with that, I just keep it in the garage.

The wheelbarrow is for catching water when it rains ...

 

[timbitca]

Nice space, can't wait to see what you do with it.

My garage is about the same size, though I lose a ton of space having to park my tractor in there. It's spent all it's life in a garage (since '70 when we bought it anyways) and I wouldn't feel right having to park it anywhere else now, but it does take up a shitton of space

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I actually have a 12x8 shed in the backyard, but it's up on this weird platform....

We don't believe you until you post a picture! Lol. Really, let's see it. Wouldn't it give you more room to work in thesis garage to get that shed
minimally squared away first?

I think you've got a nice space there. I'm NOT trying to be critical but I have some questions: if you're going to repair/replace the roof why WOULDN'T the space be water tight afterward? Shopulent you make getting the garage watertight the priority before winter sets in?

I get choosing plywood over drywall, it's personal preference but why surface run the conduit instead of putting it inside the walls? It would be cheaper, neater and even a bit safer.

 

[Scotty Dont]

We don't believe you until you post a picture! Lol. Really, let's see it. Wouldn't it give you more room to work in thesis garage to get that shed
minimally squared away first?

I think you've got a nice space there. I'm NOT trying to be critical but I have some questions: if you're going to repair/replace the roof why WOULDN'T the space be water tight afterward? Shopulent you make getting the garage watertight the priority before winter sets in?

I get choosing plywood over drywall, it's personal preference but why surface run the conduit instead of putting it inside the walls? It would be cheaper, neater and even a bit safer.

So here's the shed. On the outside it looks like complete garbage, in my opinion at least. Structurally it's quite sound though. I'd like to move it off of the patio blocks and over into the back corner of the lawn. Logistically it just doesn't make a lot of sense to be where it is. Just not sure how to move a structure that large. I've considered just tearing it down and using the lumber to rebuild it. Thoughts?

I did have some spare 2x6's that I used to make a ramp up into the shed to move my lawnmower and snowblower. So they're at least out of the way now. I also moved the table over to the side so I could have some more space walking around the garage.

As for the roof, that's getting done in mid October. My wedding is coming up October 6th and I need to get that out of the way before I tackle a large project like that. The roof "should" be water tight at that point, but considering this will be my first time doing one (with knowledgeable friend's help), I'm slightly paranoid about it and would rather not risk it. The surface conduit is mostly cosmetic for me actually. I like the industrial look of it. FourtyFour's workshop got me hooked on the aesthetics of it.

 

[Scotty Dont]

This is the door that I'm currently working on. It was originally on the house, but we replaced that door for something newer. My fiancé promised me that if we took that door off the house, she wanted me to use it elsewhere. She doesn't like waste. So I figured this would let in a lot more light into garage and make it look a little cooler with some freshening up. The old hardware is kind of neat I think. I just need to find a good way to lock it as I don't have a key for it. Because it doesn't quite fit the opening, I will have to add some height to it on the top. Shouldn't be terribly difficult. I'm thinking it will get painted British Racing Green.

 

[crv]

So here's the shed. On the outside it looks like complete garbage, in my opinion at least. Structurally it's quite sound that. I'd like to move it off of the patio blocks and over into the back corner of the lawn. Logistically it just doesn't make a lot of sense to be where it is. Just not sure how to move a structure that large. I've considered just tearing it down and using the lumber to rebuild it. Thoughts?

That sounds like a lot of work! I've seen people use some large pipe to move sheds without tearing up the yard.

 

[littleviking]

So here's the shed. On the outside it looks like complete garbage, in my opinion at least. Structurally it's quite sound though. I'd like to move it off of the patio blocks and over into the back corner of the lawn. Logistically it just doesn't make a lot of sense to be where it is. Just not sure how to move a structure that large. I've considered just tearing it down and using the lumber to rebuild it. Thoughts?

What does the floor look like?

Under the floor.

jack up the building one side at a time. Get some 2x4s under it.

make a sled out of 6 2x4s

_________________________________________
[][][] [][][]

^ That is your "sled"

the three 2x4s can be cut at and angle

__________________________________
_________________________________/

In order to allow the shed to "slide" over the ground.

 

[CoconutPete]

Looks like a fun project!

Does the siding touch the ground? Is the bottom plate in decent shape? My garage looks to be of similar age and had significant rot in the bottom plate since it was non-treated wood and pretty much sat right no grade.

 

[Zeke]

Yeah, the patio bricks aren't doing you any good there. They are like sponges.

Looks to me like you can move it whole. Lots of threads here on moving small buildings on pipes, skids, plywood, you name it. There are only 2 things you have to watch out for when moving a building...







starting and stopping.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'd definitely move that thing. I'd tighten it up with either large ratchet straps around the outside and/or temporary plywood or 1x's across the walls & openings. Then use as big a diamter pipe or pole as you can find. The larger diameters will be easier to roll than a small diameter that will tend to press into the dirt.

Place a concrete slab where you want it to end up first, then pull the shed with a car or truck, if you have the room. You'll need helpers to make sure you don't pull it apart and go v e r y s l o w; like just off idle.

P.S. I don't hink that shed looks bad at all. A fresh coat of paint in nice colors and it'll look good as new if its structurally sound.

 

[Scotty Dont]

Looks like a fun project!

Does the siding touch the ground? Is the bottom plate in decent shape? My garage looks to be of similar age and had significant rot in the bottom plate since it was non-treated wood and pretty much sat right no grade.

Unfortunately the siding does come all the way down to the ground. The bottom sill is in somewhat decent shape. There's some areas that are a bit more worn than others, but not enough to have me overly concerned at this time.

Yeah, the patio bricks aren't doing you any good there. They are like sponges.

Those patio blocks disgust me. The owners back in the 50's had installed them when they moved the house. I'm sure on initial installation it looked decent, but now the roots from the tree have started lifting them up and it's just become an eye sore. Once the shed is gone, the wife and I want to remove the tree, quickly followed by the blocks. Should open up the yard for my Australian Shepherd and Border Collie quite a bit.

I'd definitely move that thing. I'd tighten it up with either large ratchet straps around the outside and/or temporary plywood or 1x's across the walls & openings. Then use as big a diamter pipe or pole as you can find. The larger diameters will be easier to roll than a small diameter that will tend to press into the dirt.

Place a concrete slab where you want it to end up first, then pull the shed with a car or truck, if you have the room. You'll need helpers to make sure you don't pull it apart and go v e r y s l o w; like just off idle.

P.S. I don't hink that shed looks bad at all. A fresh coat of paint in nice colors and it'll look good as new if its structurally sound.

I think you're right about cleaning it up with some paint and creativity, but moving it is going to be difficult. The first part is going to be getting it off the patio blocks. After that, I'll have to navigate around the blocks and into the back corner which is quite a bit uneven. I'm sure it can be done. Just going to take some time, patience, and brute strength. Getting a car back there will be almost impossible.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

...The bottom sill is in somewhat decent shape....but not enough to have me overly concerned at this time.

If you end up finding areas of the sill too bad to not fail while moving it, just use your auto floor jack (or get a cheapo from Pep Boys - $30+/-), jack up and put a few big *** 2x10 or 2x12's under the building. That way you know it'll roll on whatever pipe/poles you use without the sill collapsing WHILE you're in the process of moving it.

...I think you're right about cleaning it up with some paint and creativity, but moving it is going to be difficult. The first part is going to be getting it off the patio blocks. After that, I'll have to navigate around the blocks and into the back corner which is quite a bit uneven. I'm sure it can be done. Just going to take some time, patience, and brute strength. Getting a car back there will be almost impossible.

Hey, if it was easy ANYONE could do it. But you belong to a breed of man like no other - us GJ'ers!
I really think if you remove one or two of those blocks, possibly dig an inch or two out and put a floor jack under it - of course the jack has to sit on something - those ugly blocks come to mind - you'll be successful in getting it up (that sounds weird, doesn't it?).

This is a bit-by-bit job but it'll save you a BUNCH of money you'll be able to use in resetting the main garage. I'm certain if you search here and elsewhere online you'll find a lot of info on doing this. Keep those photos coming!

 

[Thruxton]

I agree with the pro-shedders, I think it looks fine and Iam sure you can move it. Take time to think it through, lots of good suggestions above. And I like the garage, typical construction for the period. I had to deal with very low joists as well, it's doable. It's not clear to me what the plans for the windows are, but I hope you keep the old style 12 light that you show, and that the others are similar- lots of character. And that door- I can make out the locks that hold the glass insert, which also means you should have, or be able to make/get, a framed screened insert for it. My favorite door, and for security it is usually used like a screen/storm door with a solid door behind it, which might be a solution for you. I also like you surface conduit approach, I am very pleased I went that route, even for my small space. Keep the reports and pics coming! (And if BRG, why not a Brit bike? although if I were still into them a Duc would be my first choice...)

 

[Shoottx]

Several folks have provided a lot of good advise in moving the shed. If you get runners under the shed, a simple solution is to use heavy wall 4 0r 6 inch pvc drain pipes as rollers. I have seen some amazingly heavy equipment moved with this method. Once you get the shed up on runners and the runners on the pipes it will move fairly easily. Use a bunch and keep repositioning them from the back to the front.

 

[flybefree]

We have moved several sheds larger than yours using the exact methods described above. Since your SIGOT is a historian she should get a kick out of your plan to move the shed like an ancient Egyptian would....if he lived in MASS and had a Kubota. Doesn't take much HP, your buddy's Kubota would pull the load if weighted properly.

Shaun

 

[crazytrain]

If you just don't think its a job you can tackle or you just don't want to deal with it. check out this link. http://www.shedsmoved.com/ you may be able to have it done for you at little cost and they have the equipment and experience to do it for you.

 

[Scotty Dont]

Thanks for the tips everyone! Lots of great info here. I plan on doing a lot of work this weekend. Look for updates coming up.

 

[Cougar67]

Maybe call a new shed company and see if they have a "shed mover." This thing is too cool:

 

[merr6267]

Are you a member of the band "Scotty Don't?" I like their misic.
Anyway, it looks like you have a good start. I'll keep watching.

Phill

 

[Scotty Dont]

Are you a member of the band "Scotty Don't?" I like their misic.
Anyway, it looks like you have a good start. I'll keep watching.

Phill

I am not a member though I quite like them as well. 10 years ago I got the nickname from my friends after we saw Austin Powers: Goldmember.

 

[Scotty Dont]

So it's not quite a garage update, but thought I'd share some pictures. My house was built circa 1880, and in 1949 it was moved from its original location to the location it currently is in. When we moved into the house, we were given a small wooden box. Inside the box was 3 photos all dated with information regarding the photo. Pretty cool seeing how they moved houses back in 49.

* I apologize for the glare on the photos. I don't have a proper scanner so I had to use my camera. *

 

[crazytrain]

It's pretty cool to see a building or house get moved. The house up the road was moved about 5 years ago to make an entrance for the new development that was put in behind it. They separated the house from it's foundation slid some massive steel beams under it and jacked the whole thing up. It sat up on stacked 8x8 timbers for about a week until they prepped the new foundation and filled in the old one. I actually watched them drive a bulldozer under the house to grade the soil. then they moves some large wheel sets under the house and lowered it. They moved it back about 200 yards and turned it 90 degrees. It is now the first house in the new development and still looks better then the new construction houses.

 

[Zeke]

BTW, you can get some pipes at the local salvage and then sell them back. You need a min of 3 but 4 or more would be better. You can also lay pipe as track to roll on.