Modest Garage Revamp

[M7 ATW]

Hi everyone,

I've just started a small revamp of my very modest garage, so thought i'd start a thread, so hopefully people can contribute and hopefully come up with some ideas as to how I can improve it along the way.

I'm in England, where space is a bit of a premium, so firstly you'll note that the size of it is very different to most of the awesome garages on here.

Here's a few of the exterior, where I've started a few raised beds to hopefully soften the side elevation with a few flowers/plants etc. I've cut the limestone cappings and just need to get them bedded when the weather improves.

This is the view down the size of the house - please excuse the state of the drive and bricks, but I've been busy over the weekend building two brick pillars on the front etc.

It also needs the fascia renewing as well as the wood panelling and garage door painting, but they will have to be completed over a couple of months once the weather has improved.

This is the state of the garage as it is at the moment. It's probably not as bad as it looks as the table and wheelbarrow will be going over the next couple of weeks, so should free up a fair bit of floor space.

I've already removed a window from the far wall and bricked it up, as well as built the shelving above the original bench.

The plan is to give it a thorough sort out, remove the old shelving and paint the walls in magnolia masonry paint. All the new shelving on the rear walls and the storage on the left hand wall is to be stained/painted dark brown.

This is the view from the inside of the garage looking back down the drive - it's unbelievably tight and is a real struggle to get a car into the garage.

Finally, just a few random photos including one of the pit.

I know it's a bit of a state at the minute and nothing like the calibre of the builds on here, but hopefully I can create a useable space that looks considerably better than it currently does.

I'd appreciate any comments or ideas of what I could do to improve this space, particularly in respect of storage as i'd like to pull my car in for maintenance now and again, so the floor needs to be fairly clear.

Thanks again

 

[Leaky-Shed DK]

Nice to see a "regular" sized garage
It looks similar in size to my "Shed" here in Denmark...

 

[M7 ATW]

Nice to see a "regular" sized garage
It looks similar in size to my "Shed" here in Denmark...

Lol - unfortunately my budget doesn't stretch to a house with a massive garden, so I'm going to have to make do with this for the time being!

 

[kamlung]

looks great so far... all the best of luck and looking forward to the progress... keep us updated!!!

 

[dubber]

Great project to start. Love how secluded it is and having a pit is a surprising bonus. Good luck!

 

[Leaky-Shed DK]

When I say shed I meant my garage... its old, small, damp etc. so actually a lot like an old garden shed.. (only difference is that it is filled with a car instead og gardening tools)

Looking forward to your build thread - the smaller the space the more creative the storage needs to be...

 

[1/2 Cup]

Loads of potential. keep the pics coming.

 

[M7 ATW]

Great project to start. Love how secluded it is and having a pit is a surprising bonus. Good luck!

Thanks - I also wanted a secluded space, therefore I've recently installed the fence and the gates to the front drive and next door. It's a lot better to create useable space for the kids as it was open plan to the neighbours drive, but it has made vehicular access tighter.

The pit isn't ever so deep, but agree that it is a bonus.

 

[M7 ATW]

When I say shed I meant my garage... its old, small, damp etc. so actually a lot like an old garden shed.. (only difference is that it is filled with a car instead og gardening tools)

Looking forward to your build thread - the smaller the space the more creative the storage needs to be...

I figured that's what you meant. I only made reference to a large garden, as ideally I would like the space to build something bigger, but you don't get much for your money here in the UK.

I agree with the need for creative storage solutions and hope that some of you guys will be able to give me some ideas along the way!

Loads of potential. keep the pics coming.

Will do - progress might be a little slow, but i'm hoping to make a start over the coming weeks.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Cool place. Are you related to Burt Munro. Your place looks like the garage from "The World's Fastest Indian".

 

[AirJunky]

The pit isn't ever so deep, but agree that it is a bonus.

So is it a pit for you to stand in underneath a car?

Or a pit to install a lift in so it sits flush with the ground when it's down? Looks like the right size for a motorcycle lift.

 

[jimgreen]

Another UK user, great stuff.

Ive been doing ny single after moving from a bigger garage. It's been a struggle getting everything in. My advice would be get everything off the floor, I built a massive overhead shelf which helps.

Get a money shot of the pit please !

 

[M7 ATW]

Cool place. Are you related to Burt Munro. Your place looks like the garage from "The World's Fastest Indian".

Ha ha - I've just googled it... I can see what you mean, although his seems much cooler.

So is it a pit for you to stand in underneath a car?

Or a pit to install a lift in so it sits flush with the ground when it's down? Looks like the right size for a motorcycle lift.

It's a pit that you stand in under the car, however, in reality you'd be crouching and it would have to be jacked up as it's not that deep. Still better than nothing though.

Another UK user, great stuff.

Ive been doing ny single after moving from a bigger garage. It's been a struggle getting everything in. My advice would be get everything off the floor, I built a massive overhead shelf which helps.

Get a money shot of the pit please !

Hi fellow Brit!

I intend to keep most things off the floor or up high on the walls. I've had a car in there a few times, but unfortunately a lot of things have been put in there over the winter and I've got a lot of DIY projects on the go, so it's got very messy.

Have you got a progress thread of yours? I'd like to see how you've tackled some of the storage problems.

I'll try and get some photos of the pit and post them up as soon as I can. The main problem (besides the depth) is damp, it's riddled.

 

[40p]

Seems to be more and more UK members posting up on here recently - this is my first post although I've been looking about for 12 months or so.

Looks like a good space you've got there bud, be interested to see how you get on with it.

 

[jimgreen]

This one is mine http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163341

I haven't posted latest progress as I got a bit discouraged with the interest shown. I have to admit it isn't as interesting as a 3 car monster with a 2 post and 1000's of $'s worth of SO! All I'm really doing is slapping white paint everywhere!

You painting yours ?

 

[M7 ATW]

Seems to be more and more UK members posting up on here recently - this is my first post although I've been looking about for 12 months or so.

Looks like a good space you've got there bud, be interested to see how you get on with it.

Hi mate, similarly I've been looking for a long time but thought i'd start a thread in the hope that some folks might be able to come up with some good ideas/improvements.

This one is mine http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163341

I haven't posted latest progress as I got a bit discouraged with the interest shown. I have to admit it isn't as interesting as a 3 car monster with a 2 post and 1000's of $'s worth of SO! All I'm really doing is slapping white paint everywhere!

You painting yours ?

I'm surprised with the lack of interest, as it's a cracking space with some really unique ideas and touches.

I know what you mean about the monster garages with lifts etc, as it's those threads that brought me here, however, I find the smaller spaces just as interesting, but I guess that's because it's the type of space I have to deal with.

I've started painting the rear wall with magnolia masonry paint and will hopefully get some more on over the next couple of weeks. I'm hoping to create a bit of a rustic "old school" feel... well that's the idea!!

 

[enginewizard1969]

Hi fellow Brit

You dont see many garages with pits in them saying that mine has got one its not very practial now I have made my workbench close to it so its used to store rubbish in ( its next on the list to get a clear out!!!). I made a decision to make my garage car less more as a workshop. I am lucky I have an area to the side of my garage which I will put a carport up. Good luck with yours keep the pictures coming will be interested in you storage ideas

 

[M7 ATW]

Hi fellow Brit

You dont see many garages with pits in them saying that mine has got one its not very practial now I have made my workbench close to it so its used to store rubbish in ( its next on the list to get a clear out!!!). I made a decision to make my garage car less more as a workshop. I am lucky I have an area to the side of my garage which I will put a carport up. Good luck with yours keep the pictures coming will be interested in you storage ideas

Lol - that's why I didn't take a photo of inside the pit earlier, as it's full of rubbish as well!

I'm not going to use it daily for car storage as the drive at the side of the house is too tight, but i'd like it clear so that I can do routine maintenance in there and generally potter if/when I get time.

 

[HSpencer]

Having spent quite a bit of time in England, I came to really appreciate the buildings and styles of the homes there. At first I was amazed at the small garages, but when you get the whole picture, you can see that the closeness to neighbors is tight. However, I really am impressed with the way homes are built there. The British are able to get quite a bit in a small space. I have stayed in both old and new English homes. They don't seem to scrimp on quality no matter how big or small.
I think this garage redo is going to be great, as some of the other English ones I have seen are. I hope more of our British friends will decide to post on GJ. The British have a sort of similar site that mainly deals with auto detailing, but they do post a lot of their garages and shops.
Thank you for joining us!

 

[GrantT]

Looks like a good starting point for an interesting project!

At least you don't have to store vehicles in there, i've got two motorbikes and an old beetle in my little 7'6" wide single garage as well as all the storage and tools to go with them!

 

[M7 ATW]

Having spent quite a bit of time in England, I came to really appreciate the buildings and styles of the homes there. At first I was amazed at the small garages, but when you get the whole picture, you can see that the closeness to neighbors is tight. However, I really am impressed with the way homes are built there. The British are able to get quite a bit in a small space. I have stayed in both old and new English homes. They don't seem to scrimp on quality no matter how big or small.
I think this garage redo is going to be great, as some of the other English ones I have seen are. I hope more of our British friends will decide to post on GJ. The British have a sort of similar site that mainly deals with auto detailing, but they do post a lot of their garages and shops.
Thank you for joining us!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I can imagine that you would be amazed at the small size of garages and the limited space around houses in general, as conversely, i'm always amazed by the amazing spaces and amount of land you guys have available.

Looks like a good starting point for an interesting project!

At least you don't have to store vehicles in there, i've got two motorbikes and an old beetle in my little 7'6" wide single garage as well as all the storage and tools to go with them!

Ha ha - To be honest i'd love to have a bit of a project car tucked away in the garage when it's done, but unfortunately I haven't got the money to be sat in a project car at the moment. I like the look of a garage you can actually work on cars in.

 

[M7 ATW]

Only a small update, but managed to get a few bits done in the garage today.

Had a bit of a tidy up and started to get stuff in some sort of order and installed three additional shelves above the freezer - I'm hoping that the only shelves I need can be situated along the end wall.

Painted some more of the walls, but still a lot more to do yet :-(

For those who requested a few photos of the pit...

As I say, not the deepest at 3ft, but still handy.

One of the next jobs is to move the timber rack tight over to the wall and reduce the width and height of it.

 

[andyaus]

Some of the best garages on here a singles of course English garages were made with these in mind

not these

keep the updates coming , andy....

 

[M7 ATW]

ha ha - Very true.

 

[Outlawmws]

That is a cool little space! I like the brick! Not really an option here in Earthquake Country except as a facade on a structural wall...

You asked for Ideas, and one that instantly came to mind is have you considered a new roof? meaning getting away from the flat roof and putting on a steep pitch roof? My shed I'm working on has similar proportions (but a smaller foot print) and can be seen in the link below as a possible option for a roof line. If you go to the inside pics, you can see what I did with the space, and that considerable storage can be gained.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194772

That "small update: you seem to have gotten one more wall painted? that's not small when dealing with masonry!

I'll be interested in seeing where you go with this. I'm always interested in small spaces as more thought is generally put into those for efficient storage/use than the monster garages. (Much as I'd like to have one of those...)

 

[HSpencer]

Thanks for letting us see the pit opened. I can see some value in it, like pulling the car half way over it and doing some oil changes, etc. As you say it is not all that deep, but still would be handy. Good to see you posting the photos again!!
Cheers

 

[M7 ATW]

That is a cool little space! I like the brick! Not really an option here in Earthquake Country except as a facade on a structural wall...

You asked for Ideas, and one that instantly came to mind is have you considered a new roof? meaning getting away from the flat roof and putting on a steep pitch roof? My shed I'm working on has similar proportions (but a smaller foot print) and can be seen in the link below as a possible option for a roof line. If you go to the inside pics, you can see what I did with the space, and that considerable storage can be gained.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194772

That "small update: you seem to have gotten one more wall painted? that's not small when dealing with masonry!

I'll be interested in seeing where you go with this. I'm always interested in small spaces as more thought is generally put into those for efficient storage/use than the monster garages. (Much as I'd like to have one of those...)

Had a look at your build thread - that is seriously cool!!

I had considered this once the current roof is need of repair, however, here in the UK you cannot exceed 4m in height on a garage roof, plus it's only single skin brickwork, so would be worried about the additional weight/imposed loadings on the walls.

Thanks for the idea though, it's good to get different peoples viewpoint on how to utilise space.

Thanks for letting us see the pit opened. I can see some value in it, like pulling the car half way over it and doing some oil changes, etc. As you say it is not all that deep, but still would be handy. Good to see you posting the photos again!!
Cheers

I'll hopefully keep the photos coming as and when there's anything to update.

I agree totally with the pit comments.

 

[Derrickwade]

I love a good revamp!

 

[Cat88]

I'll be keeping an eye on this as i'm looking for a house in the next few months and this will be similar to what i'm looking at.

looks good so far pal

 

[GBsnoopy]

Pits not very deep I'm guessing it was designed with the idea of the user sitting on a stool down there.
Nice to see another Brit.

 

[M7 ATW]

Evening Everyone,

Quick update as I managed to spend a couple of hours in the garage this evening...

Managed to paint some of the walls, although it will all need a second coat.



Fitted an old blind I had knocking around for security/privacy.



Due to the size of the garage, i'm trying to utilise the higher parts of the walls, therefore I created a larger shelf at a height that wont restrict working around the car.

Also managed to squeeze a little bit of storage above it for small offcuts of wood etc.



Just a photos of how things are progressing compared to the original post - I know it's nothing flashy, but I've managed to do everything so far using old stuff I've had knocking about.



Next job is to sand and gloss the back of the door :-(

 

[96turboracer]

Wow, already a big change! Nice work man, gotta make do with whatcha got.

 

[Jay Sco]

Seems quite a bit brighter already, amazing what a little paint does. Keep at it, a little progress here and there adds up.

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice progress! If you can paint the underside of the roof, then you get even more reflected light, and it really helps!

 

[andyaus]

Just a photos of how things are progressing compared to the original post - I know it's nothing flashy, but I've managed to do everything so far using old stuff I've had knocking about.

I love recycling and rejuvenating flashy will be what makes you happy, I think this is a great start and space, good job andy....

 

[HSpencer]

You are coming right along with it. I see a huge difference in the before photo and now. I like that you are using a lot of on hand materials that you already have, and that always impresses me.
Painting the inside of that garage door a gloss color (colour) will make a big impact. I also like your parts bin arrangements and the window blind. Keep up the good work! I am watching your work closely. This is my kind of a re-do!!

 

[felixgogo]

That's a good solid garage you've got there, and a reasonable size for a single.

Agreed with your plan to get storage up high and out the way, and you've made a good start on that.

When you come to do the soffit fascia boards, are you replacing with wood or a high performance maintenance UPVC?

Not sure if you have a shed for all those garden items, but if not is there a plan to have one?

I love the pit - have you seen those fibreglass ones that drop in to make them watertight? http://mech-mate.co.uk/How-to-Fit-a-Pit.html? I'd love one, but my house and garage stand on granite - so I'd have to blast!

 

[Olliecampbell]

Looks great. It feels like you're trying to do similar to me and my tiny UK garage (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177397).

Painting as much as you can white definitely helps.
If you can use gloss paint, especially around your lighting.

 

[M7 ATW]

Nice progress! If you can paint the underside of the roof, then you get even more reflected light, and it really helps!

Thanks - I intend to paint the roof, between the joists the same colour as the walls.

You are coming right along with it. I see a huge difference in the before photo and now. I like that you are using a lot of on hand materials that you already have, and that always impresses me.
Painting the inside of that garage door a gloss color (colour) will make a big impact. I also like your parts bin arrangements and the window blind. Keep up the good work! I am watching your work closely. This is my kind of a re-do!!

I'm trying to make the most of the materials I have, because they're free (and i'm tight) and it also makes some room, which is one of the main reason for the revamp.

I know it's a bit rough in places, but I quite like the rustic look anyway.

QUOTE=felixgogo;3060021]That's a good solid garage you've got there, and a reasonable size for a single.

Agreed with your plan to get storage up high and out the way, and you've made a good start on that.

When you come to do the soffit fascia boards, are you replacing with wood or a high performance maintenance UPVC?

Not sure if you have a shed for all those garden items, but if not is there a plan to have one?

I love the pit - have you seen those fibreglass ones that drop in to make them watertight? http://mech-mate.co.uk/How-to-Fit-a-Pit.html? I'd love one, but my house and garage stand on granite - so I'd have to blast![/QUOTE]
l
Thanks for the comments.

It is a little wider than a standard single, but I could still do with it being a little bigger.

The fascia is going to be replaced in UPVC. It's in desperate need of replacement and should hopefully tidy the outside up.

Looks great. It feels like you're trying to do similar to me and my tiny UK garage (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177397).

Painting as much as you can white definitely helps.
If you can use gloss paint, especially around your lighting.

Just had a look at your thread - great job.

 

[M7 ATW]

Got a little bit more tonight - managed to get all of the walls painted, well at least the first coat!

Managed to get the garden tools tidied up a little and paint the backboard grey . I originally intended to paint/stain everything brown for more of a rustic look, but now I quite fancy painting all the shelves/shelving grey.





And finally one more shot... I must be making some progress, as I think I could just about squeeze the car, which I've been unable to do for the last 7 months.