New garage, how to go about lighting?!

[HotDoggin]

I am proud to say I'm a new homeowner with a growing project list.. Oh boy is it growing...

Regardless, the next item on my list is the garage lighting/wiring situation- After all, a useful garage means that projects can continue way past sun-down

I've got a 21 x 28 garage, and currently have one normal fixture over the center bay of the garage (courtesy of the builder/previous owner).. The garage was completed to code, so my 3 walls between garage space and living space are covered with fire-rated 5/8" drywall and taped up.

So a few questions for the community come up..

First- how best to arrange the lights over the 3 bays? I have 6 fixtures that I scored from a friend who over-purchased for his business... 6 Himalayan 3 fixtures, 4x T8 per fixture (That oughtta be enough ) What has worked best for you guys? I'm really trying to figure out orientation vs location, especially when considering the garage doors in their "up" position.. Thoughts?

Secondly, The garage has no outlets (other than the opener outlets), 1 switch for the 1 light in the garage, and no 220v.

I'd like to add outlets, 220 plug(s) for welder/compressor, and maybe even wire in some switches to control each bay's lights- The question becomes how best to run all these wires.. Is it worth trying to strategically pop holes in the walls to run wires (without knowing what's behind them?), or would it be a waste of time/energy when compared to simply trashing all the drywall and starting over with bare walls.. Would be a lot of time invested in trying to save the drywall, but conversely less time and more money to not save it... ..That reminds me - Am I crazy for even considering trying to save the drywall that's up when it comes down for wires??)

What do you guys think? How, and where?!

 

[pattenp]

When you say three walls are drywall are you counting the ceiling? Because in the pictures I'm only seeing two walls. Does the garage have a finished room above?

 

[HotDoggin]

When you say three walls are drywall are you counting the ceiling? Because in the pictures I'm only seeing two walls. Does the garage have a finished room above?

Yes I guess I'm counting the ceiling as my third wall... Derp.

Space above garage is master bedroom.. Space to the left (standing in front looking in) are stairs and front foyer area... and behind the garage is family room/bedroom..

 

[electures]

What is above the garage? Attic or living space?

 

[Cougar]

First I would fix the bowed walls.

 

[pattenp]

Since the area above is finished you are kinda limited on your access to run wire. Without being there to see first hand where the circuit panel is and other obstructions to running the wire, you will need to cut out some drywall to run the wires.

Edit: Unless you want to surface mount it in wire molding or conduit.

 

[vartz04]

surface mount it.

Are the fixtures plug in or hard wire?

Mine were plug ins so I just ran 3 junction boxes in the ceiling. the one in the middle were all live all the time. That is for the door opener and whatever else I may need to plug in.

The ends have 1 switched duplex and 1 hot always duplex. That allows me to plug in cord reels or whatever. In my double garage I have 2 lights over where the engine bays of cars would be and then 2 mounted perpendicular to the walls near the door side of the garage. all 4' double bulb fixtures.

 

[HotDoggin]

surface mount it.

Are the fixtures plug in or hard wire?

Fixtures are hard-wire..

I had considered running conduit overhead to get lights up, but with the "addition" to the project of extra outlets (hopefully along the walls AND ceilings) and switches, I am thinking that all of that conduit would look fugly.

Most of the wiring from the panel will be coming from the man-door into the house area... or the "left" wall, so I'll need to run up the wall and over the ceiling minimally. Future plans are to cut another door into the garage on the opposite side of the current man door, so I'd like to get a second set of switches there as well.

On the note of conduit vs in-wall wiring... Save the drywall, or not? I've been reading that attempting to remove/replace is just asking for trouble.. True?

 

[pattenp]

If you've never done drywall it's a task to say the least. Are you just looking at removing the drywall where needed to get the wiring installed?

Edit: Another pain you'll be dealing with is the insulation in the walls and ceiling. Wire mold or conduit may become very attractive when you consider what's involved to get the wire in the walls and ceiling.

 

[HotDoggin]

If you've never done drywall it's a task to say the least. Are you just looking at removing the drywall where needed to get the wiring installed?

Edit: Another pain you'll be dealing with is the insulation in the walls and ceiling. Wire mold or conduit may become very attractive when you consider what's involved to get the wire in the walls and ceiling.

Truth..

Fortunately, I made my high school career partially by finishing basements/garages (drywall only), so I'm no stranger - No pro, but no stranger either.

As far as removing the drywall, that's what I'm trying to gauge - Would I stand a chance of a decent finish if I were to cut strips out of the walls/ceilings where wires needed to be run, and simply replace/patch those parts or would it be suggested to remove the whole sheet and replace with new?

 

[pattenp]

I'd be more inclined to cut holes than to remove whole sheets. If you're any good at mudding you can patch it. Use the steel protection plates on the studs where you can't get the wire in the center of the stud.