First-Time Homebuyer's Garage 16x29

ct96ek · Mar 20, 2010

So my wife and I are buying our first house! My name is Stephen and I have been a member of this site since 07. Since then I have moved a few times and had a few apartment garages. Here is an old post for one of them - http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28840

We are buying a 1,700 sg ft Brick Cape with a dormer in the back. 4 bedrooms upstairs 2 full bath built in 1942. It has natural gas heat, central air, mostly finished basement and an updated kitchen.

And now the GARAGE

It is a saltbox style garage measuring 16'4"wide by 29'6" deep outside. It currently has a walk up attic and a separated rear storage area for gardening tools. But now less talk more pictures -

Here is the rear storage area

Just inside the side door

view from side door to front corner

Inside left

Now NONE of this stuff is mine. These pictures were taken during our walk-through today. We will not be closing until May 14th. I am not sure what state of disaster they will leave for me in the garage. The house is meticulously maintained and we are very excited but it seems as though no one cared about the garage. Let the planning begin!

ratdoggy · Mar 20, 2010

Lots of potential on that garage. Sheetrock, insulate and lighting will go a long way.
Oh yeah the house is nice too.
Good luck

KCarGuy · Mar 21, 2010

Great Charm!
Not your basic Square Box...Have Fun with it!
Good Luck and Congrats!

RobSmith · Mar 21, 2010

Whatever they leave in the shed is a bonus...SELL IT ! Spend the bucks on doing stuff to the garage. YAY ! Even if it's junk there's nothing to worry about just throw it away...the garage is in good condition and once cleaned out it's a clean slate to start on.
Plan and have fun.

Crash913 · Mar 21, 2010

Great looking house! The seller better start cleaning that garage now if they want to have it empty by May lol

My wife and I just bought our first house 5 months ago. Congrats!

Jack Olsen · Mar 21, 2010

That's a pretty great garage -- small footprint, maybe -- but the rear area and the attic give it a lot of potential.

Now, the hard part:

1) Build a shed in that back yard for mowers and gardening tools. That stuff doesn't belong in your shop.
2) Get locks on those doors during the move-in. Don't let the garage become a repository for stuff that hasn't found a place yet.
3) Insulation, heat, AC, benches, cabinets and tools.

jktruck150 · Mar 21, 2010

I love that design! That is really a cool place (house and shop!). I agree with above, insulate and sheetrock and light it right away. What do you normally work on in your garage? It really does have character. Do you think they will leave the cabinets and shelves?

Hey, about 5 picturs down, the one with the north face jacket guy, it that a stove vent pipe that leads outside?? If so, half the work is done for your heat!!!

Good luck man!

TONE · Mar 21, 2010

I dig it!

Hey, is this house in North Riverside, IL?

mk2dk · Mar 21, 2010

Hi ct96ek
Congratulations on your housebuy. We bought our first house april last year, so I know about the excitement. After renting different houses for to many years, it's nice to finally be able to do things the way we want it. Good luck

toytech40 · Mar 21, 2010

Congrats, looks great. I concur with others in saying insulate, sheet rock, osb, plywood or whatever the walls and ceiling. Also may want to do electrical upgrade or at least refresh, to be better suited with how you plan on using the space before covering the walls if possible.

Didn't do it in my garage 15 years ago when we moved in and regretted it ever since, now way too much stuff in there to do it now, so now I just need to build a new dedicated shop building instead.

Question, what thought have you given to the rear storage area? Any thoughts of incorporating it into the garage space even with a door to acces it with out going outside. Might be handy to store lesser used tools, or supplies in there so to not clutter up the main garage work area. Just my $.02 worth.

Andrew

Mustanger · Mar 21, 2010

Like it. Good character. Looks like you will have a blank slate for doing the interior.

ct96ek · Mar 21, 2010

ratdoggy said:
Lots of potential on that garage. Sheetrock, insulate and lighting will go a long way.
Oh yeah the house is nice too.
Good luck

Thanks! I will definitely be doing all of the above, I am not sure if I want to sheet or use something else.

KCarGuy said:
Great Charm!
Not your basic Square Box...Have Fun with it!
Good Luck and Congrats!

The shape is different and it will take some time to figure out what will work best.

RobSmith said:
Whatever they leave in the shed is a bonus...SELL IT ! Spend the bucks on doing stuff to the garage. YAY ! Even if it's junk there's nothing to worry about just throw it away...the garage is in good condition and once cleaned out it's a clean slate to start on.
Plan and have fun.

I am figuring on spending some effort cleaning it out before beginning the remodel.

Crash913 said:
Great looking house! The seller better start cleaning that garage now if they want to have it empty by May lol

My wife and I just bought our first house 5 months ago. Congrats!

Congrats on your home purchase. The sellers have a ton of stuff in this house and I think that is why they did not fight a late closing. I wanted to stretch it out longer but the bank will only hold a rate for 60 days around here.

Jack Olsen said:
That's a pretty great garage -- small footprint, maybe -- but the rear area and the attic give it a lot of potential.

Now, the hard part:

1) Build a shed in that back yard for mowers and gardening tools. That stuff doesn't belong in your shop.
2) Get locks on those doors during the move-in. Don't let the garage become a repository for stuff that hasn't found a place yet.
3) Insulation, heat, AC, benches, cabinets and tools.

Thanks for replying! I am a big fan of your space and I might use steal a few of your designs. I really like the magazine article they did on it as well. I like the idea of a shed but at the same time I am not sure I could integrate that space into the rest of the garage. As you can see in the picture from the outside, that rear space is short. The guy in the black jacket is only 5'6" and I am 6'4" so I can't even stand up in that area. For now I think it will be the home for a mower, snow blower, and all the other yard tools (after I do something about the walls, ceiling and lighting in the rear). Right now the owner is just using padlocks and I will be switching to something else immediately. I never let anything sit so this will not be a repository for junk. I will insulate, heat, maybe AC, benches, cabinets and tons of tools.

jktruck150 said:
I love that design! That is really a cool place (house and shop!). I agree with above, insulate and sheetrock and light it right away. What do you normally work on in your garage? It really does have character. Do you think they will leave the cabinets and shelves?

Hey, about 5 picturs down, the one with the north face jacket guy, it that a stove vent pipe that leads outside?? If so, half the work is done for your heat!!!

Good luck man!

I am excited to work with the design. Normally I work on my cars in the garage including my toy that I tore apart and rebuilt. I will also be using the space for house projects including some woodworking. They will be leaving the cabinets and shelves but I plan on replacing them all. That is a stove pipe and the wood stove for it is still in the garage buried under a pile of junk. I am not sure wood will be the way to go. I am thinking of running my natural gas line out there for heating.

TONE said:
I dig it!

Hey, is this house in North Riverside, IL?

Nope outside Hartford Connecticut

mk2dk said:
Hi ct96ek
Congratulations on your housebuy. We bought our first house april last year, so I know about the excitement. After renting different houses for to many years, it's nice to finally be able to do things the way we want it. Good luck

Thanks and congrats on your house purchase as well.

toytech40 said:
Congrats, looks great. I concur with others in saying insulate, sheet rock, osb, plywood or whatever the walls and ceiling. Also may want to do electrical upgrade or at least refresh, to be better suited with how you plan on using the space before covering the walls if possible.

Didn't do it in my garage 15 years ago when we moved in and regretted it ever since, now way too much stuff in there to do it now, so now I just need to build a new dedicated shop building instead.

Question, what thought have you given to the rear storage area? Any thoughts of incorporating it into the garage space even with a door to acces it with out going outside. Might be handy to store lesser used tools, or supplies in there so to not clutter up the main garage work area. Just my $.02 worth.

Andrew

I am not sure how the wiring is set up as of yet. I know that there are about 4-6 lights in the main space and a spot light in the attic. The rear space would be good for more storage but since the ceiling is so low I think it will be landscaping gear for now. The attic will be storage for lesser used gear.

ct96ek · Mar 22, 2010

Mustanger said:
Like it. Good character. Looks like you will have a blank slate for doing the interior.

Thanks! It should be close to a blank slate as long as they take everything. I might have to redo the stairs and attic floors but other than that the structure looks good. I have been considering switching to pull down stairs to gain all that floor space. But then again the compressor could always live under the stairs. Or maybe I should put the compressor in the back of the rear room. Sooo many ideas to consider.

ironheadtom · Mar 22, 2010

That garage really does have a ton of character. What a great place. Hope everything goes smoothly for you

JBC · Mar 22, 2010

Congrats on your first house. I agree, the garage space has a lot of character. Make it a place to build memories with the family.
JBC

ct96ek · Mar 23, 2010

I am thinking the windows on the back wall will need to go. They are taking up a lot of valuable wall space. The natural light is good but I don't think it is worth it.

ct96ek · Mar 24, 2010

So we had the home inspection today and it went fairly well. Here is what I learned about the garage today:

-Garage has its own panel with a 1-40amp 2-20amp and 1-10 amp breaker or something like that
-Main lights for the garage turn on with a switch that is on the front wall and the switch by the side door only turns on one light over the rear work bench
-There are mice! When I turned on the lights I saw one run across the rafters. -The beam support the attic is one 2x8 sitting on one 2x4 at each end. I will need to beef that up so I can use the storage to its fullest.
-There is a very old air compressor that I will need to get a picture of
-There is a strange 6x6 on a roller that slides out the side of the garage with a u bolt on it. It must be for hanging something heavy, maybe for cleaning deer?
-AND BEST OF ALL - IT HAS AN OIL CHANGE PIT - I moved all the junk and lifted a sheet of plywood to find an oil change pit with cinderblock sides and a concrete floor. I will have to see if this is really big enough to use.

Jack Olsen · Mar 24, 2010

An oil change pit means that at least one of the previous owners used the garage as something more than a parking spot. He might have done other things -- along the lines of that sub panel -- that you still haven't found..

ct96ek · Mar 31, 2010

Mortgage is signed and appraisal is done!

RbrtAWhyt · Mar 31, 2010

ct96ek said:
Mortgage is signed and appraisal is done!

Now the madness begins...

red92s · Apr 1, 2010

So much potential in that place, I'm green with envy! Congrats!

ket-tek · Apr 1, 2010

Good luck with the new place!

That's a very cool 1st garage to own. The upper loft and rear storage is nice. Does the compressor you speak of convey? Old looking could mean it's actually a really great machine to score..

Post some more pics once you get in there.

ct96ek · Apr 16, 2010

Less than a month until closing and I am getting very excited!

A good friend of mine has said I can purchase materials through his contractors account!!

I need to figure out how I might want to heat the garage. I don't think I want to bring back the wood stove they were using and running a gas line out there probably would require destroying the pavement. I guess I could go electric. Any thoughts?

Should I close in the attic space?

I am thinking the stairs should be reconfigured and when I move the support beam it will probably be in the way.

ct96ek · Apr 16, 2010

ket-tek said:
Does the compressor you speak of convey? Old looking could mean it's actually a really great machine to score..

I hope it does because it is attached. It was not specified in any of the documents so we will see.

UN4GTBL · Apr 16, 2010

Thats a great size garage! - lots of potential

ct96ek · May 20, 2010

We FINALLY close tomorrow afternoon! Now the work begins!!! Expect a lot more pictures over the next few days.

I still am working on some ideas and I would really value your input. I am a big Honda fan and really enjoy my Japanese cars (modern and classic), but I have a great love for ALL things motoring. For instance, I plan on my next project car being a late 40s early 50s hot rod lead sled. I want to pay homage to the era when the house was built but I also don't want a Honda to look strange parked inside.

I am not sure the space is big enough to pull it off, but I was thinking of doing this treatment to my ceiling

I was originally thinking of a red black and grey paint scheme similar to this, but now I am thinking this would look strange inside my 40s saltbox garage.

I think Jack's paint scheme has a good mix of clean and modern but a little nostalgic, but I think a green like this would clash with my green exterior.

Any color ideas for sheetrock? Or should I go with stained plywood walls with trim to cover the seams? Maybe planking? I can't decide and I feel the need for a solid plan before I start this project.

moogoob · May 20, 2010

I used super high gloss white exterior. Nothing like a well lit workspace. I added a red stripe and light gray lower section. The gloss exterior has hed up fairly well, even against sprayed trans fluid.

ct96ek · May 23, 2010

Closing went fine and we started moving some stuff. I can post some pics of the garage now that it is "empty".

bazzateer · May 24, 2010

That's a cool space. As well as all the 'building' work you have planned you must do something about the mice. They'll get into literally everything and being non-potty trained they'll piss and poo over it all. Not to mention chewing through your electrical wiring causing fires and eating the upholstery in any cars parked in there.

Poison's good as they take it back to the nest and share it with the others. Alternatively, get a cat, keep it in the garage and only feed it when it catches a mouse - it'll soon learn.

michakaveli · May 24, 2010

Nice place... That's a cool project as well!

Rockaholic555 · May 24, 2010

lots of potential there.

AP2TUDE · May 24, 2010

That space really has a ton of character; so much potential as well. Just make a plan of what you want to do, where you need to start, and stick to it. It is too easy to get caught up in doing little things here and there so you feel like you are making some progress, but sometimes getting the big stuff like sheetrock and electrical done absolutely first is really worth the wait.

Good Luck. Can't wait to see how it progresses.

red92s · May 24, 2010

As I mentioned before, I'd love to have a space like that. Tons of potential for a small-ish but very functional workspace.

Nice air compressor!

Kevin54 · May 24, 2010

Lots of potential and lots of work. First thing I would do is strip all of the excess wood off of the inside walls and get back to the bare bones. It looks like wood was nailed up everywhere across the studs to hold various items over the years.

The oil pit only looks to be about 40" deep. Not really deep enough to be useful unless you wanted to sit under the car. It could easily be filled in with stone and a concrete floor pinned to the existing floor

The tin style ceiling would look good in there like you posted. The loft does not look like it is really tall enough to stand up in and if it were mine, I would be half tempted to rip it out and add some storage shelves in the lean-to. By removing the loft, it will open up the inside to other possibilities like possibly a lift in the future.

All in all, great bones for a future Man-Cave. :thumbup:

Romanova · May 24, 2010

Entrance to pit of evil?

"It puts the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again!"

Dan in Pasadena · May 24, 2010

Romanova said:
..."It puts the lotion on its skin...

Man, I'm ill....too, apparently. That's one of the first things I thought of. :bounce:

"Character" - EXACTLY. That is exactly what you've got all over other with bigger garages. I'd say play it up. Yeah, clean it out, wire, insulate, drywall and paint but keep some of the character in your color selection (don't fight the era, go with it.) Love the pit - I'd research a good heavy duty basement type gray sealer to keep it in nice shape. Those interior stairs are cool, maybe sand and stain them? Not sure if a wood color or a colored type semi transparent stain to go with the old school cool of that garage.

Man, this thing is gonna be great. Huge congratulations!

red92s · May 24, 2010

How do you get into the pit with a car over it? If I have to shimmy under there once the car is parked, it's not much better than wriggling around on the ground messing with the oil pan. I rarely ever have someone willing to help me with car stuff.

e-tek · May 24, 2010

red92s said:
How do you get into the pit with a car over it? If I have to shimmy under there once the car is parked, it's not much better than wriggling around on the ground messing with the oil pan. I rarely ever have someone willing to help me with car stuff.

ya just pull the car half-way over. I have a pit (bigger) in my 2 car and I pull 2/3 way across. Lots of room to get in and out. Though I definitely prefer my lift!

LOVE that vintage compressor - hope you restore it!!

Dan in Pasadena · May 24, 2010

e-tek said:
...LOVE that vintage compressor - hope you restore it!!

I forgot to mention that before. Totally agree. Restore it with cool colors, copper tank with the green patina, etc. That thing is maybe the coolest thing the former owners left to you.

ct96ek · May 25, 2010

bazzateer said:
That's a cool space. As well as all the 'building' work you have planned you must do something about the mice. They'll get into literally everything and being non-potty trained they'll piss and poo over it all. Not to mention chewing through your electrical wiring causing fires and eating the upholstery in any cars parked in there.

Poison's good as they take it back to the nest and share it with the others. Alternatively, get a cat, keep it in the garage and only feed it when it catches a mouse - it'll soon learn.

I am removing all of the nests then blocking all possible locations for a new nest. AND LOTS OF POISON!

michakaveli said:
Nice place... That's a cool project as well!

Thanks it is going to be a great project!

Rockaholic555 said:
lots of potential there.

I am glad other people can see the potential!

AP2TUDE said:
That space really has a ton of character; so much potential as well. Just make a plan of what you want to do, where you need to start, and stick to it. It is too easy to get caught up in doing little things here and there so you feel like you are making some progress, but sometimes getting the big stuff like sheetrock and electrical done absolutely first is really worth the wait.

Good Luck. Can't wait to see how it progresses.

Now that I have it stripped down I can make a good plan for what needs to be replaced and what can stay. I always stick to my projects.

red92s said:
As I mentioned before, I'd love to have a space like that. Tons of potential for a small-ish but very functional workspace.

Nice air compressor!

It is a little small but I will make good use of the space. I am glad they left the compressor.

Kevin54 said:
Lots of potential and lots of work. First thing I would do is strip all of the excess wood off of the inside walls and get back to the bare bones. It looks like wood was nailed up everywhere across the studs to hold various items over the years.

The oil pit only looks to be about 40" deep. Not really deep enough to be useful unless you wanted to sit under the car. It could easily be filled in with stone and a concrete floor pinned to the existing floor

The tin style ceiling would look good in there like you posted. The loft does not look like it is really tall enough to stand up in and if it were mine, I would be half tempted to rip it out and add some storage shelves in the lean-to. By removing the loft, it will open up the inside to other possibilities like possibly a lift in the future.

All in all, great bones for a future Man-Cave.

I am already ahead of you on stripping the excess wood. You will see in the next post. I want to try using the pit before deciding if I should fill it in. The storage space is small but I am pretty sure the beams need to stay where they are in order to hold up the building, so even if I took out the attic I wouldn't gain headroom.

Romanova said:
Entrance to pit of evil?
"It puts the lotion on its skin or it gets the hose again!"

Not quite deep enough for hostage taking

Dan in Pasadena said:
Man, I'm ill....too, apparently. That's one of the first things I thought of.

"Character" - EXACTLY. That is exactly what you've got all over other with bigger garages. I'd say play it up. Yeah, clean it out, wire, insulate, drywall and paint but keep some of the character in your color selection (don't fight the era, go with it.) Love the pit - I'd research a good heavy duty basement type gray sealer to keep it in nice shape. Those interior stairs are cool, maybe sand and stain them? Not sure if a wood color or a colored type semi transparent stain to go with the old school cool of that garage.

Man, this thing is gonna be great. Huge congratulations!

Thanks I like the character as well. I think the stairs might have to be redone because I need to move the main support beam over towards them. I definitely plan on keeping some old school cool.

e-tek said:
LOVE that vintage compressor - hope you restore it!!

.

Dan in Pasadena said:
I forgot to mention that before. Totally agree. Restore it with cool colors, copper tank with the green patina, etc. That thing is maybe the coolest thing the former owners left to you.

I am going to restore it for sure. It needs a cleaning, some new fittings, a new hose and some paint

First-Time Homebuyer's Garage 16x29

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Banned

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

MEMBER EMERITUS

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member