30x32 or 24x40???

[msgross]

Hi gang, New guy here that's getting started on my detached garage. If I stay below 1,000 sq ft then my township doesn't require a permit. So I'm looking at these two sizes (960 sq ft), 12' walls for a future lift, 10x10 doors.

I'm leaning towards 30x32 since I don't want this things to look like a bowling alley beside my house.

here is a rough idea of the finished product.


I have a storage shed for the mower and other items. This will hold my project truck and my car, to inlude compressor, welder, workbenches and overhead storage.

 

[msgross]

The attached pdf shows the detached barn location with the alternate location in blue.

 

[andgott]

I just built a 24' x 48'. I had to go long and skinny due to the constraints of the building site, to fix the max. square footage that I could on the land available. I think, from a practical standpoint, having the building a little wider would have been nice- Originally I wanted a 30 x 40 but as the excavation progressed it became clear that wasn't going to work without spending a LOT more moving dirt.

One thing that I did, and it might help you, is I made a 3-d model of the building in sketchup, then put all the 'stuff' that I planned to have in the building in it to see how it fits. There are pre-made sketchup models out there for just about anything you could want, and the program is free and really easy to use. The model will let you play with layouts to see what fits and what doesnt, and will give you a great idea of how the space will 'feel' when done.

I've got two 'rows' inside- boats and truck, two deep, and there is PLENTY of room, but having the extra width makes the space more accesible than the depth does, at least in my opinion.

Consider bigger doors- too... I thought I was going to put a 10' wide door in, but changed to a 14' x 10' door, and I'm glad I've got the extra width. The additional cost was minimal (About $200), and well worth it.

I did 12' walls as well... Mine was 'pole barn' construction, and the builder did a full 12' under the trusses, which meant poles a bit longer that 12' from ground level, but again the cost up front for that was marginal as the posts were alreadly a bit on the long side and he had to trim them down. This way I have 12 clearance inside, rather than 11' 6" or so... I might put a lift in down the line and this will make a difference!

As far as location, Mine is set about 100' or so from the house. In some ways, it would be nice to be closer, especially on cold days, but being farther away keeps noise/smells/dust down at the house. Remember, though, you'll have to spend more $$$ to run utilities, etc. from the house, too, which might be a deciding factor if you are on a super tight budget...

 

[msgross]

true... placing it in the back of my property will increase electrical and a driveway... big $$$$ compared to making it look more like the house with vinyl siding and shingles.

Good info, thanks. I want to be able to work on the project truck without having to move the car out everytime so wider is better.

Another downside with longer is that my property slopes up the further back you go so more dirt and elevation to deal with.

 

[Bsj04]

I just built a 26x40 and I wanted it deep enough for 2 cars. The 24x40 could hold up to 4 if needed. Not sure about the 30x32. I also have it in my mind it would be easy to seperate a body from frame during a restoration in the 40' length area, lift body and roll frame back and you would still be inside.

 

[1966chevytrucks]

Never go with 24 wide. I grew up with that and you can hardly open the doors never mind working on anything comfortably.

 

[msgross]

good info, thanks.... If I do 12' walls then I won't need the depth to add a lift with scossor truss'

Thanks for voting gang... more to follow

 

[RebelAlliance]

Great thread! I'm also trying to figure out the best size to go with.

I've been going through the forum looking at pictures with garages that are full and getting their dimensions to get a visual idea of what to expect.

 

[borgdog]

Personally I would do the 24x40 as for me that works better. I currently am in a 20x40 with the back 18' walled off (half openable) into a wood shop area. I would love the extra width of a 24 just for ease of getting into and out of the car, but I don't do much work on cars (see above wood shop). I guess it depends on what you are doing, and I'm guessing with a lift in the plans you work on cars so 30x32 might work better for you.

 

[NUTTSGT]

What's entailed with getting a permit in your location ? Does it open it up for needing inspections or is it just a filing a form and paying a small fee ?

I personally would just go over the limit with a 28 x 40, especially if you decide to put the doors in the long wall.

 

[msgross]

I need a building permit for the electrical and over 1,000 sq ft so I guess it doesn't matter if I bust the footage. One of the builders that i'm looking at has prices on their website. bumping from 30x32 ($8450) to 30x40 ($9250) is much. That doesn't include concrete, larger doors or overhangs of course. 30x40 is starting to sound better... I mentioned it to my neighbors and was a little surprised that one of them didn't seem "thrilled" at the idea... so be it, nothing they can do once it's built. Also looking to stay full metal now based on price.

 

[MacTexas]

I voted for 30 x 32. I have had a 24 x 36 and 32 x 32 a based on experience 32 x 32 is better.

 

[Shady Oaks Garage]

30 x 32

 

[thickhead]

How about three bays wide with a 36'w x 28'd?

You could park 4 cars with two lifts and still have a full free bay to work in.


EDIT. Nevermind, I vote 24x40 with doors on the long side.

 

[MoparTrucks]

I voted for 30 x 32. I have had a 24 x 36 and 32 x 32 a based on experience 32 x 32 is better.

Agreed. I built a 24'x32' pole barn shop a few years ago and though I really like it I sure wish I had the scratch at the time to go wider.

To the OP, you mock up to see if everything will fit and it will look great (thats what I did) but once you move in and things start piling up, work benches start getting built etc you will find that 24' is a bit tight.

 

[msgross]

I ended up going with 28x36 with doors on the gable end due to my site layout... Putting tray truss' in the back for a lift.

thanks for voting though

 

[joed2323]

I was just going to reply why not go 28' x 36'

Its the best bet for what your trying to do...

28' is much roomier over 24', 4 feet makes a big difference, some would say still go wider, but this is a good compromise

Im also going 28x40 or 28x36 as well