Building a new garage...need advice

[radelow]

Hi everyone! New to the board. I am doing a remodel on the house we just purchase and as part of that we will be building a new garage for the house. Below is an image of the latest siteplan. We are limited in the dimensions we can do because of property setbacks etc. but I wanted to get some feedback. We have three cars plus I do a lot of work myself so I am incorporating a lift into the design. FYI I am doing 12 foot ceiling. Here are my questions.

1. Four post versus Two post lift? I am planning four post because the primary job of the lift it for storage. I keep my weekend "fun" car on the lift.

2. Do you think the dimensions will be functional for the garage? Especially the ability to work in the garage? I was planning on having closets and worktable space in the back as well as a work island in front of the cars (but not too close to prohibit working in the engine bay.

3. Suggestions regarding running air. Should I run above ground or put it into the slab? Seems like the slab would be a good idea because you would never have to worry about it.

4. Any other suggestions of things I should look at during the design? I like the idea of the double doors because it opens out into our backyard where we BBQ and stuff. But it also takes up a lot of storage space (I will have limited storage space on the sides because of the last of width.

Thanks for anything else you can provide!!! I will be uploading photos as we move forward in design/construction!

 

[Stuart in MN]

Do the setbacks restrict you on the width? 24' wide would be nicer, if you can do it. I'd keep the air lines above ground, otherwise it will be difficult to drain moisture from them. Ideally the air tank should be the lowest point, so all moisture drains back to it and you can periodically let the moisture out from the bottom of the tank. If the main purpose of the lift is storage I'd go with a four post model, you can still use it for maintenance but you'll want a sliding crossbeam (available from most of the lift manufacturers) to accept a jack in case you need to get the wheels off the ramps.

 

[radelow]

Thanks for the input!!! My neighbors property line is on the east side of the garage so there is a finite setback requirement there. On the west side there is our guesthouse which limits our ability to expand that way. In the future i'll probably pop the walls off and connect the two to increase my total square footage (can't do it now as we have someone living there). Thanks!

MARK

 

[NUTTSGT]

With a garage that narrow, I'd put that lift in the back corner. You'll be trying to pull in and out and have the front post of the lift right there.

BTW, your measurements are off 1/4" front to back.

 

[rickairmedic]

With a garage that narrow, I'd put that lift in the back corner. You'll be trying to pull in and out and have the front post of the lift right there.

BTW, your measurements are off 1/4" front to back.

I agree switch the window and door on the right side of the garage and put the lift in the right rear corner it will be easier to get other cars in and out that way without that post in the way. . I also wonder if you could make it deeper without any issues 40' deep would allow you plenty of room for drivers up front with the lift in the rear corner and still plenty of room for storage.



Rick