GLFlyer's Intro and Garage Build

GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

GLFlyer's Garage Build - 20x20 2-Wheeled Paradise

Hi there folks,

I've been lurking on this site for quite some time now, and figured it was time to dive in. I'm a pilot... and I love to ride and race motorcycles. Right now, my existing 20x20 garage is full of my bikes, my tools, my kids bikes, their scooters and sports equipment, etc. So... as you can imagine there's no room for my wife's car and she's been parking outside for years.

Here's an example of what's in the main garage... This is pretty much it's "normal" state:

And below is when it's actually clean enough to almost walk around in it:

Cleaning day...

Now... this thread isn't about re-doing this garage... I've done just about everything I could think of to create more space in this garage including the following:

Adding "floating" soffit shelves all around the upper walls
Adding a drop down work bench
Putting some bikes up on the ceiling
Adding shelving where possible
Adding Slatwall
Installing compressor lines for bench air and a retractable 70' hose.

Instead, this thread is about adding a whole new garage onto the house. I can't believe I got the wife to approve, but this is that story:

Over the course of several years... the wife has been asking for a pool. I've been denying that request all these years, but finally gave in "if" I could get a second garage out of the deal. To my surprise... she said yes.

Sooo... this is that story. We don't live in the country where's there's a ton of space to build, in fact we live smack dab in the middle of suburbia on a .33 acre lot. My only saving grace is that I'm on a corner lot, so that affords us the ability to have a side entrance/drive to the new garage.

Our decent sized "L" shaped backyard would now become a pool, a 20x20 garage addition with living space above, and a nice little "side yard" that will be our "green space". We are basically utilizing every square foot of the yard to maximize space while still trying to make it look like a regular house.

I'll attempt to show the progress in the following posts, and truth be told... I'm at the "finish out" stage on the garage right now, but I'm looking for ideas on how to actually finish it out. That's where you guys come in.

Looking forward to your comments and ideas!

Bob

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GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

OK... here's the lot plan, and our original designs.

The "Sun Room" and stairs are "additions" that will be connecting the garage and upper living space to the house. The pool is what's taking up the majority of the backyard.

Here's some before shots of the backyard. I feel bad... because pretty much every tree had to go. But... I'm getting a new garage all to myself out of it, so...

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GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

OK... here's "demo" day. All the trees have been removed, and the excavator is getting ready to go in an dig the pool. He's entering my yard at the point that the new approach will soon be for the new garage:

There goes the patio:

This is pretty much the "What have we gotten ourselves into??" stage...

Pool was shot with gunite within the week:

Next came the slab for the addition and garage:

Framing day:

Trusses for the 2nd story:

My future "play room" is taking shape!

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GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

I made sure the electricians knew exactly where to place the outlets... and how many I wanted.

Backside of the garage, with a door leading out to the pool deck and for easy access to the pool equipment:

Brick!

And this is pretty much where we are today. Exterior is complete and I have a shell of a 20 x 20 garage to play with.

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GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

Here's the original plans for the garage:

I got rid of the 4" lip for the "car stop" ledge in order to create as much usable floor space as possible.
I knew there wasn't enough lighting, so I increased that. The plans called for 100W equivelant LED's in 5000K.
I also knew the number of outlets and locations (low) was not sufficient, so I asked for a change to that as well.
I was considering putting a motorcycle table lift flush in the foundation, so I asked for that change as well.
I also wanted the door swing changed to swing into the house vs the garage.
I would like cabinets built on one wall that would double as a large workbench.

Here's what I ended up proposing:

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The final outcome... at this point is that I ended up going with 9 LED lights in the ceiling, and keeping all of the proposed outlets which are workbench height. I did away with the plans for recessing a table lift... and I have yet to have the cabinets built. Here is the design concept for the cabinets:

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matt_i · Jan 11, 2017

Looks like a great addition, nicely finished

love the large duplex outlet papers!!

GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

OK... if you've gotten this far... Congrats, and thank you for taking the time!

I'm definitely interested in ideas on how to finish this thing out. My primary purpose is to house my two-wheeled toys and create a clean & organized work-space for the them. I don't plan on actually parking a car in it.

I do my own maintenance. I also wanted a space to be able to pull in one of the cars to do oil changes & regular maintenance on them as well. I just replaced the radiator on my wife's van in the driveway... that wasn't fun.

A few creature comforts are slotted in:

I am putting a 2-ton mini-split in so I can work in relative comfort despite the raging heat in the summer here in Texas. The garage door is insulated as well.
I've also wired the garage for Cable and Cat6 ethernet. I plan on placing our old 46" TV on one wall.
I'll have Polk Omni S2R (DTS Play-Fi) speakers streaming in the garage for some nice tunes when needed.
Lastly... I pre-anchored my "all-thread" into the overhead trusses of the garage before dry-wall so that I can build in my "floating" soffit shelves all around the top part of the garage, just like I did in my existing garage.

OK... it may seem like I've got everything covered... but I'm at a point right now where I don't know what to do to complete this thing and try to stay on budget.

Flooring... Race-Deck or equivelent, Epoxy? I'm worried about spills from oil changes, radiator flushes, etc.
Walls... Best slat-wall system that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to outfit with multiple hooks/shelves?
Would you build those cabinets? If I do... then they would extend out into the left-side garage door opening by @ 8-10 inches.
Would you just go with a modular cabinet system like the Craftsman Gearbox system... or stick with the built in cabinets?
Anything else I haven't thought of?

Go for it guys... I'm looking forward to your thoughts!

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GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

matt_i said:
Looks like a great addition, nicely finished love the large duplex outlet papers!!

Thanks!
Yep... there was no question from the electrician as to where I wanted my outlets placed.

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JohnnieMo · Jan 11, 2017

I love the 8.5x11" receptacles

Morio · Jan 11, 2017

WOW what a great place!!

chrisBTSC · Jan 11, 2017

Looks like the makings of a really cool spot.

GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

chrisBTSC said:
Looks like the makings of a really cool spot.

Thanks... I'm looking forward to spending time in it. I have a wife and 3 daughters... so it will be my little corner of testosterone.

GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

FYI... if any of you guys have the old "fiber board" siding on your house or garages... I highly recommend replacing it. I was shocked at how crappy this stuff was. We ended up tearing it all down on the back of our house and replacing it with HardieBoard (cement board) siding.

The fiberboard absorbs water over the years, swells up, and begins to rot. It was like pealing paper off of the house.

Here's an example:

I was disgusted at the quality of this stuff, and amazed that my house didn't have mold on the inside since this stuff is so flimsy.

Anyway... here's the new "look" with the HardieBoard installed. Paint to come soon:

This cement board should last me for the rest of my time at this house. At least... I hope so. We removed all fiberboard and replaced it. Sooo... my exterior is now brick and "cement".

GLFlyer · Jan 11, 2017

Thought you guys would get a kick out of this too... it's a 3D walk through of our entire project. Even has the garage in it.

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Colin Len · Jan 11, 2017

Looks great! Having 2 garages seems to be the absolute perfect solution and I think that's what I'd do if I were ever to build my dream home. One garage, attached to the house, for parking of daily drivers and other misc stuff, then a separate shop/garage for projects and project cars.

Boosted1 · Jan 11, 2017

Nice addition.

mattd39 · Jan 11, 2017

What kind of joists are you using?
a) size
b) model number
c) manufacturer
d) cost per linear foot?

Thanks,

Nighttrain · Jan 11, 2017

Looks nice. Nice way to compromise with the wife and girls.

GLFlyer · Jan 12, 2017

mattd39 said:
What kind of joists are you using?
a) size
b) model number
c) manufacturer
d) cost per linear foot?

From what I can recall

I believe they are 18"x20'
Don't know
Don't know
Don't know

I'll check with the contractor this week and get back to you...
In the meantime... here's some better shots of them, if that helps:

GLFlyer · Jan 12, 2017

Nighttrain said:
Looks nice. Nice way to compromise with the wife and girls.

It's not all bad... I actually enjoy working with them, and I'm teaching them young.

Here's my 14 year old helping replace the radiator in Mom's van.

...and here's my 10 year old helping replace a saddlebag on my Goldwing:

Hey... any girl can change a tire... right?

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GLFlyer · Jan 12, 2017

GLFlyer said:
OK... it may seem like I've got everything covered... but I'm at a point right now where I don't know what to do to complete this thing and try to stay on budget.

Flooring... Race-Deck or equivelent, Epoxy? I'm worried about spills from oil changes, radiator flushes, etc.

Walls... Best slat-wall system that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to outfit with multiple hooks/shelves?

Would you build those cabinets? If I do... then they would extend out into the left-side garage door opening by @ 8-10 inches.

Would you just go with a modular cabinet system like the Craftsman Gearbox system... or stick with the built in cabinets?

Anything else I haven't thought of?

Go for it guys... I'm looking forward to your thoughts!

Still looking for assistance... don't be shy, any help or advice is appreciated. :thumbup:

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Sixfeet4 · Jan 12, 2017

Awesome looking build you've got going. If you're going to be messy, go with epoxy on the floor. I researched slatwall and was going to do a whole wall in black. This place has 4x8 sheets for $70. http://diamondlifegear.com/slatwall.htm#buynojmp

bossboy · Jan 12, 2017

epoxy floor and compressor in a different room, toss it in with the pool equipment room and run a line to the garage.

wasfast · Jan 12, 2017

You may have decent results with a epoxy type coating on the floor but as nice as the rest of that is, I'd consider through color porcelain tile. You'll only do it once and never have to worry about it.

French cleat system is another alternative to doing full sheets of slatwall. You also get the option to make any style of hanger to go with the system.

Soffit storage is the best use of space and looks cleanest for lots of "stored" items. Leaves all the lower wall space and is lower cost than buying a wall of premade cabinets.

Purist · Jan 12, 2017

GLFlyer said:
It's not all bad... I actually enjoy working with them, and I'm teaching them young.

Here's my 14 year old helping replace the radiator in Mom's van.

...and here's my 10 year old helping replace a saddlebag on my Goldwing:

Hey... any girl can change a tire... right?
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Putting the girls to work, atta boy! Never too early to start teaching them to be handy. An independent woman is a strong, confident woman!

JohnnieMo · Jan 12, 2017

I'll be doing a radiator in a week or so here. Good work there.

As for flooring, I am still not at that point yet, but I just can't find anything as wonderful as the Racedeck / Swisstrax approach. I got some sample tiles and have been using them. For me they will be best due to the winter snow, but they also look awesome.

For slatwall, I looked around as well and settled on a "build my own" approach. You can buy 3/4" MDF with the slots cut right into it. They use a standard hook which you can buy almost anywhere. They come in plain MDF which you can stain or paint, or with a melamine finish. Here is a picture of my workbench. The cost per sheet here in Canadian rupees was $70. Yours would be much less.

On the cabinets, I went with New Age Performance Plus. They are 20 gauge I believe. They also have their Pro line which is 18 gauge. I wanted the pretty blue, so I went with these. So far I am impressed. They are well built, sturdy, well packed, and the slides work flawlessly.

GLFlyer · Jan 13, 2017

bossboy said:
epoxy floor and compressor in a different room, toss it in with the pool equipment room and run a line to the garage.

Thinking about Epoxy... I think I'd like the ease of cleaning and the ability to squeegee fluids out the garage.

In my existing garage, I placed the compressor up in the attic over the garage, and ran lines down to the garage. That is a very nice setup. However... this garage will have a fully furnished room above, so that's not an option. Neither is putting it out in the "pool equipment room" since the pool equipment pad is open to the elements on the side of the garage.

I'm considering just going with a smaller compressor and placing it either up on the soffit storage shelf, or in a closed cabinet.

GLFlyer · Jan 13, 2017

wasfast said:
You may have decent results with a epoxy type coating on the floor but as nice as the rest of that is, I'd consider through color porcelain tile. You'll only do it once and never have to worry about it.

I've seen some posts about putting porcelain tile down... but I'd be concerned with dropping heavy tools like hammers, wrenches, prybars, etc. on it. If anyone has any direct experience with this... I'd love to hear from them.

wasfast said:
Soffit storage is the best use of space and looks cleanest for lots of "stored" items. Leaves all the lower wall space and is lower cost than buying a wall of premade cabinets.

I agree... the "soffitt storage" is already in the works. I had to pre-hang my all-thread into the trusses before drywall. So, they are currently hanging out of the top of my ceiling, and waiting for me to install the shelves.

See here:

I did this in my current garage, except I had attic space above and it was easier to install the all-thread. This was an idea that my dad and I came up with... it works great, it's strong, and it's easy & cheap to do.

Here's how it looks in my existing garage:

For those interested... it's a simple setup and a very clean look. Here's the recipe:

Anchor "all-thread" to the ceiling
Grind all-thread to the appropriate length you desire.
Add 2x8 sheets of MDF for the shelves. Drill holes at the appropriate spots.
Use angled metal strips to create a lip for the shelves to sit on against the wall
Attach same angled metal strips to the face of the shelves for re-inforcement
Use the appropriate sized nuts to set the desired height and level of the shelves
Done

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GLFlyer · Jan 13, 2017

JohnnieMo said:
I'll be doing a radiator in a week or so here. Good work there.

As for flooring, I am still not at that point yet, but I just can't find anything as wonderful as the Racedeck / Swisstrax approach. I got some sample tiles and have been using them. For me they will be best due to the winter snow, but they also look awesome.

I really dig the color options that Racedeck and similar products provide. I just can't fight the feeling that I'll be taking it up a few times a year to clean underneath it. I'd appreciate anyone's input on that part. I don't have a garage drain and I made the mistake of having the garage be "level" so fluids won't necessarily flow naturally to the front door.

JohnnieMo said:
On the cabinets, I went with New Age Performance Plus. They are 20 gauge I believe. They also have their Pro line which is 18 gauge. I wanted the pretty blue, so I went with these. So far I am impressed. They are well built, sturdy, well packed, and the slides work flawlessly.

Ironically... I had the NewAge webpage up on another tab as I was reading your post!

I too am considering the "Pro" line, but like you... I really dig the blue of the Performance Plus series. I'm actually considering these for my "back wall", and still maintaining the built-ins on the left wall of the garage.

I have no idea really... I'm just trying to figure it all out, and have it make sense. Too many choices and too small of a space.

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drivesitfar · Jan 13, 2017

GL: here's a couple threads you might want to read and maybe PM the guys that started them. they are great members so if you post any questions on their thread they probably will answer in the same day or soon thereafter.

Madhatter's tile job on his 7 car basement garage floor is amazing and he said he just dropped his Lambo's engine on it and not a crack among other things so i don't think a hammer or tools are an issue.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265178&highlight=lambo

Woody's (Denwood's) thread has the slat walls you might be looking for and he installed race deck and has some pros and cons about it too.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=263351

you also asked about cabinetry and i thought i'd put a new thought in your mind. i love the VINTAGE METAL and WOOD cabinets so here's a couple threads where you might find something to catch your eyes.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305350&highlight=metal+cabinet

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305831&highlight=metal+cabinet

I also like the loft areas for storing extra pipe, lumber, wood and so on up out of the way and not outside. if you don't get a lot of rain and most likely not any snow how about just a small lien too cover over a big compressor up against your garage outside so you'll get all the power you'll ever need and not much if any noise.

also just an FYI you might need to teach those cute daughters how to shoot a shotgun or buy a few yourself to run off all the boys heading over to your place.

also lastly the pool looks AWESOME and i bet the family loves it and of course i like the garage and i'm thinking of adding on to mine cause i'm only allowed a 9x15 portion of our 2 car garage so my wife can park her car in on the bigger side.

in case you might need area specific questions answered if you go in your GJ profile and put in state, city/state or an area like i did it might help you.

thanks for sharing your build and really like all the pictures.

shade · Jan 13, 2017

I'm also a big bike person - Harley and a turbo Busa.
I have a 3 car tandem although it was a spec home so i couldnt have the options to customize which you are currently at that point.

I would add electrical outlets on the bottom of some appropriate walls - trickle chargers. Looks crappy having extension cord coming down like that.

Porcelain tile (going to do in the future). It will stand up better than epoxy. Porcelain is extremely hard.

In ground lift - cool. I have a post tension slab or i would do this in a heart beat.

Wire power high on the walls for speakers - assuming you like tunes while wrenching on the bikes.

Insulate as you said you are going to do a mini split.

JohnnieMo · Jan 14, 2017

I obviously don't have my flooring yet but I assume you will need to pull it up about once a year. Otherwise a good vacuum can do the job. However if you think about it - epoxy or tile need to be cleaned every week or two. The ribbed polypropylene tiles maybe need a wash a couple times per year plus the annual cleaning.

I love the look of epoxy and tile but for the snowy climate it's a no brainier to me.

It's amazing how similar our garages are. I did the same all thread shelving as you did too.

cruzinZ · Jan 14, 2017

GLFlyer - I would recommend building a bump out next to your pool equipment for your compressor. Pour a small pad 3'x4' or so and place your compressor in it. I would hate to see you drop to a smaller size tank than what you are currently accustomed to.

Your bikes look great. I have a GL1800 that I really enjoy. Miss my GSXR600 but those days are over after the last accident. Too much metal in my wrist to ride a sportbike again. I'm searching through garage journal right now trying to find ideas for a shed. Had a nice 3 car garage in the last house. Downsized to a two car garage but got RV parking at the new place.

ajohno · Jan 14, 2017

GLFlyer,
Welcome.
Your pool and garage have turned out well. :thumbup:

I like your 3D video. :thumbup:

It also great having your daughters helping you out in the garage. :thumbup:

mattd39 · Jan 15, 2017

Are you concerned with your property taxes increasing with the new addition? I've been planning a second level shop to my garage and the only thing holding me back is the extra $1000/year I would have to pay the government. My taxes are already over $5000K a year.

GLFlyer · Jan 15, 2017

drivesitfar said:
GL: here's a couple threads you might want to read and maybe PM the guys that started them.

Thanks! Awesome resource aticles!

shade said:
I would add electrical outlets on the bottom of some appropriate walls - trickle chargers. Looks crappy having extension cord coming down like that.

Porcelain tile (going to do in the future). It will stand up better than epoxy. Porcelain is extremely hard.

In ground lift - cool. I have a post tension slab or i would do this in a heart beat.

Wire power high on the walls for speakers - assuming you like tunes while wrenching on the bikes.

Insulate as you said you are going to do a mini split.

Good point... I have 12+ outlets in this small 20x20 space, but none low. I'm waiting on final decision for cabinet positions before I decide on any low mounted outlets.
Still up in the air with Porcelain vs Epoxy. Epoxy has come a long way over the past several years, and I like the cost & ease of cleaning it. We'll see. Should have a decision by the end of this coming week.
Decided against the in-ground lift. I may regret that decision... we'll see.
I actually have one outlet high, specifically for a small amp and speakers.
I have insulated every nook and cranny of this space, including the garage door, in anticipation of having a mini-split and being "comfy" while working on my toys.

JohnnieMo said:
I love the look of epoxy and tile but for the snowy climate it's a no brainier to me.

It's amazing how similar our garages are. I did the same all thread shelving as you did too.

Not a lot of snow here... plus it won't be a regular garage for parking daily drivers, so I don't anticipate a lot of dirty water from rain/mud/snow coming off of parked cars.

That all-thread option is cool isn't it!

cruzinZ said:
GLFlyer - I would recommend building a bump out next to your pool equipment for your compressor. Pour a small pad 3'x4' or so and place your compressor in it. I would hate to see you drop to a smaller size tank than what you are currently accustomed to.

As it stands now... one side of the garage is attached to the house. The backside goes out towards the pool, and of course there's the front entry. That only leaves me with 20ft x 5ft of space on the other side. That space will be concrete, but it's pretty full of equipment. Right now, it will have the pool pump, filter, and heater, as well as the AC condenser for the living areas of the addition, and the one for the mini-split of the garage. Then there's the hose bib there too. Sooooo... unfortunately, I don't believe I have space for an outdoor compressor.

ajohno said:
GLFlyer,
Welcome.
Your pool and garage have turned out well.
I like your 3D video.
It also great having your daughters helping you out in the garage.

Thanks!

mattd39 said:
Are you concerned with your property taxes increasing with the new addition? I've been planning a second level shop to my garage and the only thing holding me back is the extra $1000/year I would have to pay the government. My taxes are already over $5000K a year.

100% yes... My taxes are currently just shy of $5000 and I'm going to ride it out as long as possible. We'll see what the city does to me after this year. Overall... the total square feet of living space is no higher than some of the other houses in my neighborhood... the biggest difference between me and them is that I've added an extra garage. Soooo... we'll see what that does.

With the pool, and garage addition... I'm pretty sure I've priced myself out of our neighborhood anyway. But... we plan on staying here for at least the next 10 years, so hopefully it will be more of a "personal" return on investment vs. a "financial" one.

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GLFlyer · Jan 15, 2017

Just took the leap on having the garage cabinets built... it's based on this design:

They will be made out of 3/4 plywood with a 1.5" redwood butcherblock surface. Doesn't include paint... so I'll have to figure that part out later.

The upper left area has no cabinets since that's where the garage door rail/track is. I will have "soffit" storage above that track, and I'll most likely line this whole back wall with slatwall.

They start construction this week, so I'll post update pics.

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dittle fart around · Jan 17, 2017

GLFlyer said:
Just took the leap on having the garage cabinets built... it's based on this design:

They will be made out of 3/4 plywood with a 1.5" redwood butcherblock surface.

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Redwood is a soft wood, it will dent, scratch and wear. You should go with a hardwood like maple or bamboo. Laminated bamboo is as hard as maple.
Just saying it might be best to look at something other than redwood.
:dunno:

GLFlyer · Jan 17, 2017

dittle fart around said:
Redwood is a soft wood, it will dent, scratch and wear. You should go with a hardwood like maple or bamboo. Laminated bamboo is as hard as maple.
Just saying it might be best to look at something other than redwood.

Good point... Bringing that up to the cabinet maker right now. :thumbup:

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JohnnieMo · Jan 17, 2017

GLFlyer said:
Good point... Bringing that up to the cabinet maker right now.

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I did bamboo. Very affordable and quite stunning.

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