194ft2 Motorycle Workshop Single Car Garage

[freedomgli]

My wife has graciously given up her parking spot so that we may convert the unfinished 1-car garage in our townhouse into a finished workshop. It will be primarily used as a space to build and maintain my motorcycle, but configured in such a way that it can still be used to park a single car in the event of severe weather. Unfortunately I don't have any before pictures that show just how small this 1-car garage is with the car parked inside. The nominal dimensions are 10'8" wide by 18'9" deep by 7'11" tall.

First I modeled everything to scale in Google SketchUp to determine if all my belongings will fit and also to play around with various layouts. I'm moving from a 3600 ft2 space that I shared with one other person to a 194 ft2 space that is dedicated for me. It will be nice to finally have all my stuff consolidated in one place that isn't a 45 minute drive away from where I live.


3971Garage7-3 by addlightness, on Flickr


3971Garage7-4 by addlightness, on Flickr


3971Garage7-5 by addlightness, on Flickr


3971Garage7-1 by addlightness, on Flickr


3971Garage7-2 by addlightness, on Flickr


3971Garage8-1 by addlightness, on Flickr

We got 3 estimates from contractors we've worked with in the past and we're happy we could choose our friend's dad for the job. His company did a great job with our deck in 2011 so we know he'll do quality work. And because the weather is still kinda crummy and the busy season hasn't started yet he was able to get in right away and start work.

They ran 2 new electrical circuits from the panel: a 20amp 110v GFCI and a 50amp 220v for the welder/ air compressor. They also installed 5 basic flourescent lamp fixtures (Lithonia C232MV 4-ft General Purpose Striplights, 2 x 32W T8 Sylvania bulbs, Single Ballast). They also did lots of spackling to fix the drywall. Once it's sanded it will be primed and painted basic egg-shell white. The masonry wall will also get a primer/sealer and the same egg-shell white paint.

In progress:

elfa by addlightness, on Flickr


elfa by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 1 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 2 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 3 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 4 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 5 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 6 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 7 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 8 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 9 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage in progress 10 by addlightness, on Flickr

 

[Hondarider]

Your wife sounds like a keeper!

 

[HSpencer]

That will be a real nice cycle shop. Looks like great plans and a good start. Keep us posted. The one car garages are taking top spots this year!!!

 

[55cadillacking]

I'm looking forward to watching, yet another, Single-Car makeover! There has been quite a string of great 1-car projects to follow lately. Are the painters going to paint around the rack rails?

 

[freedomgli]

Thanks for the kind words. GJ is a welcome refuge for so many of us garage junkies to share ideas and experiences. While a single car garage isn't ideal it can be made to work under certain circumstances.

The garage got some paint and some trim and it is very bright inside now. I had priced out some RaceDeck flooring and as nice as that stuff is I decided to leave the floors as-is and put that money towards a Handy Motorcycle Lift instead. This isn't our dream home and we'll probably be moving within the next 1.5 - 2 years so I had to be mindful of the budget. It's always so hard to decide how to spend limited discretionary funds across multiple projects/ hobby interests!

Anyhow, the contractor thought it would be nice to install some cheap baseboard trim. It's a little strange floating above the non-existent flooring but in person it makes the space appear more finished and helps protect the drywall from minor bumps with the tool cart. And I'm not about to spend a bunch of time and money doing interior quality trim work in my workshop so it'll have to do.


Garage painted 1 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 2 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 3 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 4 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 5 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 6 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 7 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 8 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 9 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 10 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 11 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 12 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 13 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage painted 14 by addlightness, on Flickr

The overhead garage door looks really crappy now compared to the fresh white paint on the walls! The exposed side has seen better days so when the weather improves I will sand and paint the exterior of the overhead garage door in HOA approved beige and I'll probably paint the interior side the same color to match. It seals pretty well as-is but when I paint the door I'll go ahead and replace the weatherstrip along the bottom edge so it's in good shape.

Just waiting for the electricians to come back to fix the 3-way switch as they didn't bother to test it properly before leaving last time so one of the switches acts (improperly) as a master cut-off switch. D'oh! This weekend I can start moving my workshop into the new space, hanging wall art, fire extinguishers, etc. My contractor is generously lending me one of his trucks so I can move all my stuff in one trip. What a nice guy!

 

[Derrickwade]

Looking good, ill be following this thread for sure!

 

[ZRX1040]

Looks nice. Wish i had a dedicated bike space. Do you already have the lift? Just replaced mine with a new K&L MC625R that I'll be sinking into the floor.
Doing a complete makeover soon as it warms up a bit.

Looking forward to seeing your finished project.

 

[aps63]

Great progress so far, keep the pictures coming.

 

[freedomgli]

Do you already have the lift?

No, I don't have the lift yet but I really want(ed) a Handy Sport Lift because of the scissor action, it's relative portability and I know it'll hold it's value well if I ever decide to sell. But now that I check the specs I see the minimum height of the Sport Lift is 7.5", which poses a challenge as I want to be able to park the car on top of my lift in a pinch. I know that my GTI only has ~ 5" ground clearance and I can't drive one side of the car onto the lift to get the necessary ground clearance because I would exceed the 750lb weight capacity. So it's back to the drawing board. After seeing Derrickwade's service platform I might just have to make my own.

In my next garage I'd love to have both scissor lifts that are sunk into the floor and a two post lift so I have flexibility depending on the task at hand.

 

[freedomgli]

Just replaced mine with a new K&L MC625R that I'll be sinking into the floor.

I checked out those K&L lifts. They look really nice! Sadly, they're a bit above my budget right now.

 

[dubber]

Nothing like a tight single to get those creative juices flowing. Good luck with the project. At least your hose spigot is outside and you can leave the hose outside! Are you able to get move the recycling and garbage out and to another spot?

Edit: And just painting that garage door will be a huge and easy improvement.

 

[freedomgli]

The trash/recycle can eventually be moved to the back of the townhouse underneath the deck as soon as I make a small brick patio out there so they're not sitting on bare earth. The trip to the curb will increase from 10ft to 40ft but it's worth it to free up space. And since I'm the one who takes the trash/recycling out it's no big deal to me!

 

[freedomgli]

And yes, the hose lives outside in warmer months. It's just about time to turn the spigots back on. It's nice to be able to wash the car right there in the driveway if I want.

 

[dubber]

The trash/recycle can eventually be moved to the back of the townhouse underneath the deck as soon as I make a small brick patio out there so they're not sitting on bare earth. The trip to the curb will increase from 10ft to 40ft but it's worth it to free up space. And since I'm the one who takes the trash/recycling out it's no big deal to me!

Excellent, little savings like that really help in a tight spot.

 

[Derrickwade]

http://www.cycleworld.com/2009/03/01/product-powerstands-racing-power-platform/

Perhaps folding table would suit your needs.

 

[ryanp77]

Nice progress interested to see how it finishes. I have a three car garage which one is supposed to be dedicated to my bike but right now there is a ton of **** thrown in there

 

[Jay Sco]

Fantastic planning. And already clean as a laboratory.

 

[freedomgli]

The builder finished the job and he even lent me his stakeside work truck so I could move my workshop from MD to VA. Yesterday got 80% of my stuff moved. Unfortunately, I threw my back out in the process.

My muscles got real tense as I took the last step down off the ladder I was using to get up and down from the truck bed. Typical that something so routine, so minor would be the straw that broke the camel's back (or more accurately, my back). I've had some minor back troubles in the past. A sedentary office job hasn't made it easy to stay fit. Combined with brief spurts of physical exertion increases the risk of re-injury. Hopefully it'll be better with a day of rest.

My super awesome wife came to my rescue with some lunch and some Aleve and helped me finish the job of loading up the truck. And a friend walking her dog by the house offered to help us unload since she skipped her normal workout at the gym yesterday. So the three of us make quick work of unloading the truck. Now I just need to spend a week or three getting organized before I get the move the rest of my stuff and start hanging garage wall art.

 

[ZRX1040]

I checked out those K&L lifts. They look really nice! Sadly, they're a bit above my budget right now.

I have no afiliatioin and dont want to break any forum rules... but before you buy a lift check out bestbuyautoequipment.com They smoked everybody on price and delivery and have a very nice selection. The K&L was on "monthly special" last month for $1600 delivered. Pays not to be in a hurry sometimes.
Previously I had a 1500lb Harbor Freight unit that's no longer available, and before that a old Handy a dealer had tossed out which I rebulit the cylinder/bearings etc. Right now I consider the K&L top of the heap and since I'm going to go through all the trouble to put it in the floor why not go all out. Ranger RML750HD was actually my first choice due to the llifting height but the front dropout on the K&L along with the excellent build quality won me over.
If your in need of parking clearance consider putting it in the floor or there are a couple of units that could store more easily like the Kendon. My old HF unit had a little shop dolly to roll it around.

 

[dubber]

Sorry to hear about the injury but your day had an upside; working with the ladies hahaha.

 

[Thruxton]

Welcome to VA! Your shop is really well thought out, and I particularly like the wire shelving, I need to add some of that to hold small pieces of metal stock. Also, very nice renditions of the plans. What software are you using?

And about your back- had a disk removed in 1990 after (literally) blowing it apart. It fixed the problem, and it stays fixed because I religiously (more or less) stick to a PT schedule that I began as post-op therapy. A good PT person could help you a lot, I'll bet.

Good luck with the move and all the rest, I'll look back for more pics!

 

[freedomgli]

If your in need of parking clearance consider putting it in the floor or there are a couple of units that could store more easily like the Kendon. My old HF unit had a little shop dolly to roll it around.

The K&L sure are nice but they're overkill for my needs. My bike weighs <275lbs wet and my ceiling is only 8' high and I can't sink the lift in this garage so that it's flush with the flooring (but that is in my dreams for the next garage). My latest thinking is to make a lighter version of the parallelogram lift popularized by AFAB using square tube steel or maybe even aluminum instead of heavy angle iron. I've got a 4' x 8' sheet of 12ga sitting on my floor that I need to do something with.

 

[freedomgli]

Sorry to hear about the injury but your day had an upside; working with the ladies hahaha.

Also, very nice renditions of the plans. What software are you using?

Google SketchUp because it's free and easy to use and looks good with minimal effort.

A good PT person could help you a lot, I'll bet.

Sorry to hear about your back. I know that losing weight and strengthening my core muscles is the only thing that will help my problems from getting worse. Fortunately, the injury is very minor compared to what I've seen others suffer from and I'll bounce back. It's feeling 50% today. By this Friday I won't even remember it.

Good luck with the move and all the rest, I'll look back for more pics!

Thanks! It'll be nice to finally have all my stuff in one place where I live. I've been in numerous garages the last decade but they were never in the most convenient locations. When I lived in DC my garage was in Springfield. When I lived in Alexandria my garage was in Rockville then Upper Marlboro. Now all my stuff is finally where I want it, how I want it.

 

[freedomgli]

Moving day

Moving day by addlightness, on Flickr

Organization in progress

Garage moving in 1 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage moving in 2 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage moving in 3 by addlightness, on Flickr


Garage moving in 4 by addlightness, on Flickr

It's a disaster zone right now but everything will eventually get sorted out.

 

[p912s]

It's a disaster zone right now but everything will eventually get sorted out.

With your stuff there it should help to tweak your design, making sure you thought of everything.

 

[andyaus]

Great job finishing up your "1cg" Wow having to drive 45min to work on your bike would be such a buzz kill. Now at least you'll not only have an extra 1.5hrs to work on your project, youll also be at home so your wife can see you! Trust me "happy wife happy life"

I just picked up a new mclift and it has given such motivation to get things done strangely enough?

Now that you have the storage shelving in there would it even be possible to get a cr in? if not, get a full sissor table you'll l9ve it

keep the updates coming. cheers andy..

 

[andyaus]

do the ton

just incase you haven't come across this bike build site, although your fairing looks familiar ?

 

[freedomgli]

do the ton

just incase you haven't come across this bike build site, although your fairing looks familiar ?

Yep! http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=9574

 

[andyaus]

That explains that

 

[freedomgli]

Slowly putting workbench together and because of my bad back I spent a minute doing some light duty tool box organizing.


Pliers disorder by addlightness, on Flickr


Cheap dish rack by addlightness, on Flickr


Tools for the job by addlightness, on Flickr


Bend straight and then cut out center by addlightness, on Flickr


Throw this part away by addlightness, on Flickr


Keep this part by addlightness, on Flickr


Grind edges smooth by addlightness, on Flickr


Pliers organized with room to spare by addlightness, on Flickr


Sockets and socket wrenches by addlightness, on Flickr


Hammers by addlightness, on Flickr


Wrenches by addlightness, on Flickr


Wrenches organized by addlightness, on Flickr

 

[freedomgli]

Work bench assembled and leveled

Work bench assembled and leveled by addlightness, on Flickr

 

[dubber]

A+ for that dish rack idea, pure genius. Now help yourself and get that huge garage/recycling box out hahaha

 

[spazegun2213]

A+ for that dish rack idea, pure genius. Now help yourself and get that huge garage/recycling box out hahaha

I was thinking the same thing for that dish rack, that is a great idea!!!

 

[freedomgli]

The garage is getting there slowly but surely. Amazingly it all fits!


I added double drawer slides to my main rollaway tool cabinet and the rolling tool cabinet that resides under the workbench. The drawers feel a bit heavier now but are MUCH more solid feeling. You have to order 1 left and 1 right slide for each drawer.


I also added bolt-on double drawer slides for workbench cabinet. Craftsman didn't pre-drill a second set of holes to accommodate double slides on these drawers like they did with my rolling tool cabinets so I had to very carefully measure and drill holes to mount the slides onto the drawers. The cabinet frame is already drilled for self-tapping sheet metal screws. These drawers benefited the most from the double slides as they're so deep and can swallow heavy objects. You only have to order one part number for each drawer. It comes with a left and right inside the plastic package. Now I have double what I need!


Some garage art to give the place the right ambiance. This poster of Gary Nixon perfectly captures how much fun motorcycling can be.


One day I'd love to own a Ducati Superbike. This inspires me to keep working hard towards my goals! Here you can just see my sheet metal storage tucked against the wall next to the workbench.

 

[freedomgli]

Now I just need to figure out small parts storage, paint the overhead garage door inside and out, and do something to clean up the storage wall. I thought about getting some plywood and making door fronts to hide the storage. I could paint the doors or stencil them with some artwork so the place doesn't look so cluttered. Problem is keeping cost down. IKEA has some really cool looking doors for their PAX wardrobes but I'd need too many of them to finish the storage wall. I also thought about some vinyl banners. I could get nice artwork printed on them to create a wall mural. You can even get retractable banners, but the cost goes up. Still brainstorming this one.

 

[dubber]

Looks great, and you have a lot packed in there. An enclosed storage option such as the Pax will really help eliminate the "cluttered" look.


Hey is that the Griots Magnetic paper towel roll holder?

 

[Derrickwade]

looks awesome. I love the workbench

 

[ekraft84]

Looks nice. Wish i had a dedicated bike space. Do you already have the lift? Just replaced mine with a new K&L MC625R that I'll be sinking into the floor.
Doing a complete makeover soon as it warms up a bit.

Looking forward to seeing your finished project.

Good lift table for sure. It's what I used in my recent project.

 

[ekraft84]

Looks great. Nice Pit Bull stand!

 

[freedomgli]

Hey is that the Griots Magnetic paper towel roll holder?

No, it's the cheapo Harbor Freight version
http://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-paper-towel-holder-69321.html

Not sure I'll keep it. I needed it in my last shop but I don't want it scratching up my tool box.