2 Car Tandem Garage

[Spuzzum]

Hi everyone!

I've just discovered this site the other day, and let me tell you, it couldn't have come at a better time!

About 6 months ago my girlfriend and I bought a 1140 sq/ft (plus garage) townhouse here in Vancouver British Columbia for $295k (I know, real estate prices are unreal here...) and we have a 2 car tandem garage that I have yet to really do anything with. Currently we park both our cars in there, but I have street parking available for my car. That leaves me with a pretty decent amount of space as you can see in the attached picture.




So here it is, my blank canvas. It's small, it's a multipurpose room, and it's all mine. The only thing that can't move is the freezer or cat box - I need to keep those ice cream sandwiches frozen and I my cat needs a place to miss when she poops.

With that in mind, I have a few things I would like to ask before I begin my quest for my new guy domain.
!) Given the fact that this is a small space and it won't be used for a specific purpose, should I try and maximize the amount of objects on casters?
2) I would like to add a workbench - anyone have any ideas on how I can maximize my space? Any other 'tandem garage' owners out there that can share their ideas?

I suppose this is enough questions for now, but I’m sure I’ll have more as the days go on!

Thanks in advance!

 

[Spuzzum]

Gah... posted this in the wrong section. Sorry 'bout that...

 

[boiler7904]

Welcome to the site.

To answer your questions.
1. Casters are your friends in small spaces where flexibility is key.
2. Maximizing space kind of depends on what you plan on doing in your garage.

What are the kinds of activities you want to be able to do in your garage and what do you know you will have to store in the garage. Answers will also depend on the ceiling height you have to work with.

 

[Mr. Welsh]

What keeps the cat from running outside?

 

[Spuzzum]

Welcome to the site.

To answer your questions.
1. Casters are your friends in small spaces where flexibility is key.
2. Maximizing space kind of depends on what you plan on doing in your garage.

What are the kinds of activities you want to be able to do in your garage and what do you know you will have to store in the garage. Answers will also depend on the ceiling height you have to work with.

I am really interested in having a space to 'tinker' around. I'd like to have enough space to store what little tools I have, a miter saw, vice, and a computer on my workbench. I also want to make sure I save enough room for both cars if, for whatever reason, I have to park both inside.

 

[Spuzzum]

What keeps the cat from running outside?

The cat is a chicken.. She wants nothing to do with the outside world.

 

[Kevin54]

Looks like you kind of have a dilema. The 11' wide spot is too narrow to work on a car in so you have to drive thru to where it is 14' wide. So that pretty much leaves the 11' for looks. I would definately put things on casters. Or have a large enough roll-around that would give you a work surface and then go for aesthetics. Overhead storage would not be a problem if it were towards the back and the rear right wall. I would utilize that space. Have a tiled floor, some red or black overhead storage with diamond plate, small flat panel tv (wall mount), etc.

 

[JMURiz]

I agree, casters might be your best friend to make the space work however you need it to at the time. If you wanted a full-time workbench put it in the back right corner area. Also high mounted cabinets on the back wall and the right-side wall would be nice for out-of-the-way storage. I think if you do that it'll seem like you have much more space.

Also paint it a light color semi-gloss paint that'll brighten up the space.

Best of luck and post pics when you get a chance.

 

[chet]

I would build a small workbench beside the freezer. how high is the roof? make a shelf up high down the longside and store stuff up off the ground. I have a tandem garage like you but its 20' wide(less with bump outs for doors) x 40' deep

 

[burnout]

You should check out 89Vert's garage , if you want to see how to utilize a smaller space . It's one of my favorite's.