20x20 Detailing Garage

[nicobkn]

Hello everyone!

My name is Nicolas aka Nico and I run a detailing business as a side job here in Montreal, Canada.

I'm currently doing a trade in electricity and will graduate pretty soon, may 2013.

My parents just moved (yeah I still live at home ) and my dad gave me permission to do whatever I want to the new garage. I've thought about many different ideas for it and luckily everything is going according to my plan.

The new garage is ~20 x 21 double garage which is nice size for the city I live in. I've decided to redo the whole thing and will add new lighting, a sink, new heating, new flooring, new paint, etc etc.

For those of you that would like to check some of my work:


2010 Full Paint Correction & Engine Bay Detail




Mercedes Benz C Class Full Interior Detail





2012 VW GTi Winter Prep + Extras

​

Here are some pictures of the new garage right before we moved in

My plan is to organize all of my detailing equipment against one wall, that way I will have enough room to work on cars, like so :

( Sorry about the bad quality pics)

As you guys can see I have two large work benches, one metal cabinet and one tool box. I'm really lucky, everything fit perfectly in there!​

 

[nicobkn]

First upgrade

I have four fluorescent lights in the garage, each one has 4 lamps. I wanted to replace some of them as the lamp were burnt. I removed the old lamps and replaced with new ones but they weren't lighting up. It turned out some ballast were not good. The t12 ballast are kind of obsolete now so getting new ones was not really an option. I wanted to buy t8's instead but they were kinda pricey compared to just buying a new light fixture.

I decided to look for some on kijiji and luckily enough I found some "used" ones that were pretty much new. They seller lived 10 mins away from home so I drove there and picked up the stuff I needed for $30, which is what a t8 ballast goes for brand new over here.

 

[nicobkn]

T8 Upgrade!


I started by removing the old T12 lamps

T12 Ballast exposed. Those things were so heavy compared to the new T8s

Removing the sockets

Good bye T12s

T8s Installed! all I had left to do was to install the ballast cover and new fluorescent lamps

Right side: T8s, Left Side T12s

Everything done

 

[nicobkn]

I made a sketch of what there garage would look like once I finish all the new electrical. Just to give you guys an idea there is only 3 receptacles and 4 lights fixtures in the garage right now.

I'm installing a sub panel since the main panel is pretty full and will not allowed me to add the extra circuits.

[

 

[nicobkn]

Picked up some goodies the other day!

I finally have everything I need to start working in the garage! Picked up a roll of 14/2, 25 meters of 12/2, 20 meters of 10/2 and 10 meters of 6/3.

New electrical begins!

This is the area where I ran the power for the sub panel

After a bit or work this was the result

Once that was ready I ran the circuit for the fridge

And also for the new ceiling heater

I also did some plumbing! The new sink will go here, will also add some lighting later.

Hot and cold water ready! I'm just missing the drain'

​

 

[nicobkn]

More progress done today! Added two more circuits. First one is a 20A for the compressor and second one is a 240v/30A in case I get a bigger compressor in the future.

I closed the ceiling

Added a support for the new heater and "finished" all the wiring as well.

I then continued with the new two circuits

20A on the left. 30A on the right side

I also added a support for the air hose reel

Receptacles finished! 20A on the left, 30A on the right.

 

[nicobkn]

I added another receptacle on this wall for a total of two new receptacles

I had to make a large hole above the door in order to run the new circuit

I then started working on this wall ( This one will have the work benches). I will add 4 new receptacle here

Gyprock removed

From a different angle

I had to pull some of the insulation out to drill the studs

Different angle

And finally another side of the shop. I also added two new receptacles here.

I also picked up the sink

​

 

[nicobkn]

I added another light in the ceiling

Went from here

To

And from this

To

Here are two new pictures! Planing on doing the drywall this weekend and maybe some paint, we will see!

One of my good friends came over to give me a hand installing some gyprock sheets. He worked in the field for over two years and it definitely shows in his work!

I also decided to add anotrher 240v circuit right here in the middle

Gyprock installation

​

 

[55cadillacking]

Wow, you really tore that place up! I will be watching your progress since I am a novice detailer and I bet I'll be able to pick up some cool tips and tricks from you. Best of luck as you continue your project. How long are you planning on living at home, though? Aren't you worried you'll put all that work in and then want your own space?

 

[Mike14k]

Great work....

 

[Cemoto]

I know they are dead, but seeing those wires on an aluminum ladder made me cringe.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Few things here. First off, your parents are BAD *** to let you setup the garage any way you want! I would have LOVED to be able to do that when I was younger!
They're likely looking into the investment, because once you move out, the garage with all the power, heat and water will be theirs to enjoy

On the sink, make damn sure your heat doesn't fall below freezing. More importantly, make sure it doesn't fall below freezing in the sink cubby. I would be nervous with a sink that close to the garage door and the heater on the other side of the garage.
The furnace in my garage blows towards the garage door, so it's actually hotter by the door when it's running, but when its off for any period of time, that spot gets cold fast. I always keep the heat at 40* all the time unless in working in the garage.
Nice work so far! I think I would just plan for more lighting and movable task lighting for your line of work. Detailing takes special lighting, the more the merrier.
Also, be careful with that our swinging door. Wild hate to see one of those fancy cars in the garage with the doors open and someone comes blasting through it and dings the door. (EDIT, kinda looks like you took care of that already)

Keep it up and keep us posted as you make progress!

 

[upndown]

Looking good! Considering the amount of time you'll be spending in that garage, I would HIGHLY recommend installing safety cables in those extension springs. Would hate to see one of those springs dancing all over a customers car or your head for that matter

 

[Gamble]

You have no idea how good you have it. We need conduit for EVERYTHING over here. What a pain!
Looks good so far.

 

[dubber]

Very cool. Is the arrangement that you can never let pop's car get dirty heheh.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

I'd suggest getting rid of those door springs and replacing them with a torsion spring setup. JMO

 

[Honest Bob]

Nice work!

 

[xXSanderXx]

Nice pics, what kind of camera do you use?

 

[mikefromme]

Take it easy with the drywall next time sparky. Not gonna make many friends in the trades tearing things up like that.

 

[nicobkn]

Thanks to all for the awesome comments! I've been really busy, that explains the lack of updates.

Wow, you really tore that place up! I will be watching your progress since I am a novice detailer and I bet I'll be able to pick up some cool tips and tricks from you. Best of luck as you continue your project. How long are you planning on living at home, though? Aren't you worried you'll put all that work in and then want your own space?

Thank you

Well if everything goes well and I manage to find a long term job ( electrician jobs are kinda insecure at the moment) I could probably move out next year. If I ever need to detail cars I'll keep doing it at my parents

Not really worried about the money I'm putting into it as I'm really enjoying the process! Also like I previously said I'll continue detailing here. Lastly, I don't think I will be able to afford a place with a garage lol.

Great work....

Thanks! I've been spending a lot of time in the garage but it's coming out exactly how I had it planned!

I know they are dead, but seeing those wires on an aluminum ladder made me cringe.

Haha you are right! I should invest in a real ladder

Few things here. First off, your parents are BAD *** to let you setup the garage any way you want! I would have LOVED to be able to do that when I was younger!
They're likely looking into the investment, because once you move out, the garage with all the power, heat and water will be theirs to enjoy

On the sink, make damn sure your heat doesn't fall below freezing. More importantly, make sure it doesn't fall below freezing in the sink cubby. I would be nervous with a sink that close to the garage door and the heater on the other side of the garage.
The furnace in my garage blows towards the garage door, so it's actually hotter by the door when it's running, but when its off for any period of time, that spot gets cold fast. I always keep the heat at 40* all the time unless in working in the garage.
Nice work so far! I think I would just plan for more lighting and movable task lighting for your line of work. Detailing takes special lighting, the more the merrier.
Also, be careful with that our swinging door. Wild hate to see one of those fancy cars in the garage with the doors open and someone comes blasting through it and dings the door. (EDIT, kinda looks like you took care of that already)

Keep it up and keep us posted as you make progress!

Thanks! My parent are indeed pretty cool folks, we get a long pretty well!

I'm not that worried about the sink, the garage is heated during the winter

As for the lighting I'll be building some portable LED lights for that extra touch!

Looking good! Considering the amount of time you'll be spending in that garage, I would HIGHLY recommend installing safety cables in those extension springs. Would hate to see one of those springs dancing all over a customers car or your head for that matter

Thanks for the tip! I'll look into it!

You have no idea how good you have it. We need conduit for EVERYTHING over here. What a pain!
Looks good so far.

Thanks !

Very cool. Is the arrangement that you can never let pop's car get dirty heheh.

Haha yeah I'll try! I have a pretty busy schedule, I even have a hard time keep my car clean.

I'd suggest getting rid of those door springs and replacing them with a torsion spring setup. JMO

As mentioned earlier, I'll look into it thanks!

Nice work!

Thanks !

Nice pics, what kind of camera do you use?

At first I thought you were being sarcastic as most of these pics are from my phone . I have a Nikon D90. I personally believe that my pics are not that good really. I just registered to an online course

Take it easy with the drywall next time sparky. Not gonna make many friends in the trades tearing things up like that.

Yup you are right I'm actually spending a lot of time patching the wholes. What would you have done mister?

 

[nicobkn]

March 22nd​

New update guys!

Well I've been putting a lot hrs into patching the holes and I'll most likely finish tomorrow, can't wait!

Will try to start priming on Saturday and hopefully will finish painting everything next weekend.

Here are some pictures! Keep in mind some areas have 1,2,3 or 4 coats of plaster.

Almost done this wall!

Will post more pictures tomorrow ​

 

[roche]

Nice work!

 

[dubber]

Keep it up!

 

[HSpencer]

This is a super remodel! Love that fan forced electric heater. Keep on posting!! Good job.

 

[mysteed]

Very nice! Obviously you've been planning this for a while & the results show it.

 

[CNGsaves]

Turning out great . . . but, man that is lot of work cutting out all of the ceiling just for electrical runs??

Doesn't the attic of garage have access?? If it doesn't then first thing I would have done is put in attic ladder and do all that electrical work from the topside.

Other suggestion is get all that paint or heavy things down from rickety shelving that could possibly fall off. I'd hate to have big dent or mess on one of those primo Porsche rides in the garage while you're working on them.

Keep up the hard work . . it's paying off!! More pics, we love em.

 

[nicobkn]

Nice work!

Thanks!

Keep it up!

Thanks! Your garage is looking good, was just reading the thread the other day. I had a mk3 vr too!

This is a super remodel! Love that fan forced electric heater. Keep on posting!! Good job.

Thanks!

Very nice! Obviously you've been planning this for a while & the results show it.

Thanks!

Turning out great . . . but, man that is lot of work cutting out all of the ceiling just for electrical runs??

Doesn't the attic of garage have access?? If it doesn't then first thing I would have done is put in attic ladder and do all that electrical work from the topside.

Other suggestion is get all that paint or heavy things down from rickety shelving that could possibly fall off. I'd hate to have big dent or mess on one of those primo Porsche rides in the garage while you're working on them.

Keep up the hard work . . it's paying off!! More pics, we love em.

The answer is pretty simply, their is a bathroom above the garage ,the shelves are already off the wall.

Thanks!

 

[nicobkn]

New update!

Went shopping today! Picked up the thinset for the porcelain tile and the paint (acrylic).

Big thanks to Dakota00, he's been giving me a bunch of useful tips for my new floor

Thinset + latex additive for the exterior.

Acrylic exterior paint & primer

My father gave me hand with the sink install. We had some issues with the sink's height so he built a little platform for it

I still have to connect the drain and water pipes. Tile is going over the OSB



The new floor, 12"x24" Porcelain Tile

​

 

[marty_p]

Wow, great beginning! Keep us posted...

 

[sreno]

Good work, man!

I think you did a fine job on the drywall.

Sometimes people don't take into account the fact that you're wearing the hats of four or five trades doing all your own work. We learn as we go.

We end up in the same place but with a roll of cash leftover for toys!

I've got a buddy or two who say they would not do what I've done here or there and maybe they're right. Then I go to their house and all their work is done by someone else and their car sits out in the rain. Not impressed.

But they allow the impossibility of perfection stop them from doing the work. They may be smarter but they may just be lazy.

Shawn

My Eastern Townships build:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28505

 

[NCAudi]

Great job, that's shaping up to be an amazing garage. subscribed to see your continued progress and final results.

 

[sexymopar]

salut, belle job, vraiment beaucoup de transformation, je me suis aussi intsallé une chaufrette au plafond comme la tienne mais je marche avec un thermostat a roulette capable de suporter 5000w, je vois que tu a un low voltage digital, comment tu as patenter ça?

 

[Kevin54]

What was the issue with the sinks height?

Also, seeing that the sink is back in a corner by the garage door, any fears with the water line freezing? The reason I ask is that I have a sink by the back mandoor of the house garage. Even though we don't heat the garage, it never gets below 40 in there, but by the back door, I have had one or two times the water line or faucet itself was froze along with the water in the trap. No damage, but an inconvenience.

Also if you get water in your garage, have you ever had the problem with the water to running to the corners instead of running straight out the door?

When you tile the platform, I'd make sure that you have things sealed really well so you won't ever have a problem of water getting under the platform.

Looking forward to seeing the tile installation. Make sure you get some good before and afters while standing in the same spot.

If you don't mind me asking, what did the tile cost you for the garage? And what size are they, 1' x 2' ? It's going to look sharp when you get it done. Since you do detailing, do you have any plans to do something with the lower half of the walls for waterproofing, or will you not wash cars in the garage?

 

[CNGsaves]

Wow, your vision of what you want is turning into reality. Nice work planning out the electrical outlets and finishing up all that taping and mudding sheetrock!! Were you already skilled at taping and mudding?? That is turning out real nice!!

Since you're in Canada, I'd worry about the sink freezing up. What I'd recommend is cutting off legs to sink and attaching to wall with a small section enclosed with all the parts contained that might freeze (ie water lines, P trap, etc) so you could improvise a small heater in there - - - thus, it would become a warm space in case you forgot to turn on the big heater or it failed.

The "heater" below sink could be as simple as incandescent bulb light fixture in there running a 60w bulb to keep that area warm during the winter. During winter, flip the switch on so little compartment light keeps that area warm. This would allow you to NOT heat the big space of garage if you wanted to save some money.

 

[Kevin54]

Wow, your vision of what you want is turning into reality. Nice work planning out the electrical outlets and finishing up all that taping and mudding sheetrock!! Were you already skilled at taping and mudding?? That is turning out real nice!!

Since you're in Canada, I'd worry about the sink freezing up. What I'd recommend is cutting off legs to sink and attaching to wall with a small section enclosed with all the parts contained that might freeze (ie water lines, P trap, etc) so you could improvise a small heater in there - - - thus, it would become a warm space in case you forgot to turn on the big heater or it failed.

The "heater" below sink could be as simple as incandescent bulb light fixture in there running a 60w bulb to keep that area warm during the winter. During winter, flip the switch on so little compartment light keeps that area warm. This would allow you to NOT heat the big space of garage if you wanted to save some money.

Excellent idea there. It would also let you build in that space solid so you don't have legs and such to clean around. Quite a few people build that style of sink into a countertop.

 

[CNGsaves]

Excellent idea there. It would also let you build in that space solid so you don't have legs and such to clean around. Quite a few people build that style of sink into a countertop.

Thanks Kevin54. With your idea of building around sink, maybe could frame the sink in 2x4 which would be used to attach to some spacers/support on wall so there would be backsplash space. This would put sink out further in room to be used easier, plus have space behind sink to build some storage cabinet for cleaning supplies.

Framing around sink could go down about a foot or so and be closed in to maintain heat. With this hanging sink method, all the floor would be open underneath so not kicking that box on floor.

 

[Magneto]

Nico,

Very nice work. I'm getting ready to build my workshop from the ground up this summer just south of you. I may have to tap into some of that electrical knowledge of yours.

Mag

 

[nicobkn]

Wow, great beginning! Keep us posted...

Sure! Thanks

Good work, man!

I think you did a fine job on the drywall.

Sometimes people don't take into account the fact that you're wearing the hats of four or five trades doing all your own work. We learn as we go.

We end up in the same place but with a roll of cash leftover for toys!

I've got a buddy or two who say they would not do what I've done here or there and maybe they're right. Then I go to their house and all their work is done by someone else and their car sits out in the rain. Not impressed.

But they allow the impossibility of perfection stop them from doing the work. They may be smarter but they may just be lazy.

Shawn

My Eastern Townships build:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28505

Thanks for the kind words! I don't really feel as I've been "attacked" by the drywall job. Is not finished yet. To be honest, it looks pretty freaking good!
I spent a good amount of time this morning sanding one of the walls, did a few touch ups and it's good for primer!

I'll check your build !

Thanks again

Great job, that's shaping up to be an amazing garage. subscribed to see your continued progress and final results.

Thanks!

salut, belle job, vraiment beaucoup de transformation, je me suis aussi intsallé une chaufrette au plafond comme la tienne mais je marche avec un thermostat a roulette capable de suporter 5000w, je vois que tu a un low voltage digital, comment tu as patenter ça?

Merci beacoup! Ca te prends un relay de 24V a 240V. Dans le fond il faut que tu alimentes ton relay avec 240v et ensuite tu vas prends du filage LVT de ton relay jusqu'a ton thermostat. Pour faite te connections sur le relay c'est quand meme facile, juste suis le manuel de fabricant! Si t'as d'autres questions laisse moi le savoir!

What was the issue with the sinks height?

Also, seeing that the sink is back in a corner by the garage door, any fears with the water line freezing? The reason I ask is that I have a sink by the back mandoor of the house garage. Even though we don't heat the garage, it never gets below 40 in there, but by the back door, I have had one or two times the water line or faucet itself was froze along with the water in the trap. No damage, but an inconvenience.

Also if you get water in your garage, have you ever had the problem with the water to running to the corners instead of running straight out the door?

When you tile the platform, I'd make sure that you have things sealed really well so you won't ever have a problem of water getting under the platform.

Looking forward to seeing the tile installation. Make sure you get some good before and afters while standing in the same spot.

If you don't mind me asking, what did the tile cost you for the garage? And what size are they, 1' x 2' ? It's going to look sharp when you get it done. Since you do detailing, do you have any plans to do something with the lower half of the walls for waterproofing, or will you not wash cars in the garage?

Hi! The main issue with the sink was the drain. The drain where we tied in was a bit higher than in the garage.

I don't think i will experience any issues with the water freezing,the back and right walls are interiors walls. Also the heating will be on all winter.

The garage has a main drain right in the middle, I think it can be seen in the first pictures.

I will document every single step of the tile installation . I got a really good deal on the porcelain, I paid $1 sq/ft which I've never seen before. All the places I went to see where $3-$5 sq/ft for similar quality. Yup, its 1'X2'.

Lastly, for the walls I purchase acrylic exterior paint which is supposedly the best for waterproof. We will see how that's works. if I notice any issues with that I'll cover half of the walls with a sheet of thick plastic I saw at home depot.

Wow, your vision of what you want is turning into reality. Nice work planning out the electrical outlets and finishing up all that taping and mudding sheetrock!! Were you already skilled at taping and mudding?? That is turning out real nice!!

Since you're in Canada, I'd worry about the sink freezing up. What I'd recommend is cutting off legs to sink and attaching to wall with a small section enclosed with all the parts contained that might freeze (ie water lines, P trap, etc) so you could improvise a small heater in there - - - thus, it would become a warm space in case you forgot to turn on the big heater or it failed.

The "heater" below sink could be as simple as incandescent bulb light fixture in there running a 60w bulb to keep that area warm during the winter. During winter, flip the switch on so little compartment light keeps that area warm. This would allow you to NOT heat the big space of garage if you wanted to save some money.

Thank you very much! Yes I've done some mudding in the past. My father and I renovated the basement in the old house and we had to do a lot of patching. I think I've been getting a lot better, it's all about practice!

Thanks for the idea! If they ever freeze I'll get a mini heater to heat the pipes/drain.

Excellent idea there. It would also let you build in that space solid so you don't have legs and such to clean around. Quite a few people build that style of sink into a countertop.

As of right now it doesn't really bother me, I'll look into it!

Thanks

Thanks Kevin54. With your idea of building around sink, maybe could frame the sink in 2x4 which would be used to attach to some spacers/support on wall so there would be backsplash space. This would put sink out further in room to be used easier, plus have space behind sink to build some storage cabinet for cleaning supplies.

Framing around sink could go down about a foot or so and be closed in to maintain heat. With this hanging sink method, all the floor would be open underneath so not kicking that box on floor.

Thanks for the tips! Could you provide me with a similar build on the forum?

Nico,

Very nice work. I'm getting ready to build my workshop from the ground up this summer just south of you. I may have to tap into some of that electrical knowledge of yours.

Mag

Thanks Mag! I'm not even an apprentice yet so my knowledge is very basic but I'll gladly help you out!

 

[jvitez]

C'est magnifique! I'm very impressed with all the work you did by yourself in such a short time. It's also nice to see Canadian equipment: Rona branded items, made in Canada Siemens subpanel, Iberville electrical pieces, and a Ouellet heater, non? I wish I could pay Hydro Quebec rates, then I'd use electric heat for my garage too. But for what you pay, and being in the electrical trade, it makes no sense to spend a whole bunch more money to go NG for you.

I've been perusing Canuck detailing websites, as I'm looking at my end-of-winter vehicles sorely needing a thorough detail. Too bad you're so far away or I could give you a bunch of work!

Thanks for posting. I'm looking forward to pics of your finished garage! Well done!

 

[nicobkn]

C'est magnifique! I'm very impressed with all the work you did by yourself in such a short time. It's also nice to see Canadian equipment: Rona branded items, made in Canada Siemens subpanel, Iberville electrical pieces, and a Ouellet heater, non? I wish I could pay Hydro Quebec rates, then I'd use electric heat for my garage too. But for what you pay, and being in the electrical trade, it makes no sense to spend a whole bunch more money to go NG for you.

I've been perusing Canuck detailing websites, as I'm looking at my end-of-winter vehicles sorely needing a thorough detail. Too bad you're so far away or I could give you a bunch of work!

Thanks for posting. I'm looking forward to pics of your finished garage! Well done!

Hi!

All the work started at the beginning of Feb, so its been almost two months. I guess you are right, I've done a lot since I mostly work in the garage during the weekends.

Everything you named is correct, except to the heater. Initially I was going to buy an Oullet heater, but when I was ready to go get it the guy at the counter told me it was going to be $600 just for the heater ( was previously quoted around $400), so I headed to the local Canadian Tire and picked this one up for $270.

If you'd like to, you can ship your cars my way, it will be my pleasure to return them back in pristine condition !

Thanks!