Building my own garage

[Mitt5902]

So as the title states I’m planning on building a 50’Lx40’Dx14’H garage here in central pa. It’s gonna be a post construction. I’m doing all the work myself with the help of some family and friends over the next few months. Planning on doing 3 ply posts vs 6x6(savings of almost 3k) spaced 8’ on center with trusses on 2’, 16’x10’ doors, vinyl siding and asphalt roof(wife’s request so it matches the house). So now you guys know the basics. I’m planning on doing a small loft area in the back corner(workout stuff and possibly compressor setup) am I crazy not going 16’ high so I can figure on having 8’ below and 7.5’ up top? Haven’t figured out out how much that’ll change my materials(I assume only going 2 foot higher is gonna be less than 1,000.00).

Heat is the other thing I’m not sure what I wanna do(heat pump,mini splits,oil furnace) Would love to swing the radiant floor heat but between converting our current attached garage to living space, putting a roof on the house and having a little one this year I gotta save money where I can.

Garage is gonna be a basic hobby shop for me from wood projects to fixing vehicles and equipment. A lift and bathroom will be added down the road. Any other items that are a must need that I should consider doing?

Attached pic is a basic setup of what I’m looking at doing.

 

[billconner]

Don't know how deep loft is but rather than raise entire building I'd look for a way to just raise trusses in that section. Scissor trusses or raised tie trusses are two options. Based on image and low pitch (?) the raised tie might be more effective. I guess you have to compare cost of 2' all around versus 4 or 5 more expensive trusses.

Wish you well!

 

[eegger]

radiant floor heat !!

Put the pex tubing in at least, that would be less than $800 but you would also need the 2in insulation, that's more like 2-3K

 

[CraigStu]

One problem w/ more height is how to keep the heat from warming the top half and not the lower half where you are. I am w/ billconner on different trusses just over the loft area. If you can put up w/ some posts inside you might do a different type construction entirely just for that area while keeping the exterior roof looking the same. Depending what you plain to do in the loft, think of it like the second floor of a cape cod house. Center has plenty high ceiling but they taper down at the ends. You might have 5ft high walls at the ends. Perfect place for the compressor, storage cabinets or shelving, some types of exercise equipment.

 

[Sturgeon]

I wouldn't be able to do 16' without a lift but if your thinking second floor 16' would be mandatory, would think? What ever heat/ cooling you do your going to need ceiling fans, or what ever to move that air. Money's tight I understand, just try to cover ALL your bases when it comes to wiring, even if your not sure if your going to use it, try to to do as much prep work in case you need it in the future. Having help is great, just make sure your the layout person. Remember, pictures or it didn't happen.

 

[nadogail]

You can Rough In your plumbing and Hoist prior to your concrete work you should reduce you later installation expense.

 

[thammel]

When you rough in plumbing, plan for shower, toilet and sink. Don't leave the shower out; if you do you'll regret it later.

 

[billconner]

Is bathroom in loft or on main floor?

 

[Mitt5902]

radiant floor heat !!

Put the pex tubing in at least, that would be less than $800 but you would also need the 2in insulation, that's more like 2-3K

Wish I could. Priced out about 5k in materials, extra 1,400 to bring in a pump truck to pour the floor then I gotta spend 5-10k for a boiler to run it all

I wouldn't be able to do 16' without a lift but if your thinking second floor 16' would be mandatory, would think? What ever heat/ cooling you do your going to need ceiling fans, or what ever to move that air. Money's tight I understand, just try to cover ALL your bases when it comes to wiring, even if your not sure if your going to use it, try to to do as much prep work in case you need it in the future. Having help is great, just make sure your the layout person. Remember, pictures or it didn't happen.

Def fans for sure and I did residential electric back in the day so I know that outlets need to be everywhere lol. One thing I like that the guy did that put the garage on the house they put outlets all around the garage and it sure is nice!

When you rough in plumbing, plan for shower, toilet and sink. Don't leave the shower out; if you do you'll regret it later.

My buddies dad did a shower in his garage about 5 years ago and I thought dang that’s a great idea I’m def gonna do that. Turns out I’ve thought about all the times I said “man I really could use a shower out here” I think maybe 1 or 2 times in 4 years asked my buddies dad how often he has used his and he said never but his other son used it two or 3 times lol

Is bathroom in loft or on main floor?

It would be on the main floor

You can Rough In your plumbing and Hoist prior to your concrete work you should reduce you later installation expense.

Plumbing will be roughed for sure lift is gonna most likely end up being a moveable 4 post. I know it limits how you do some jobs but between my family and my wife’s family then add in our friends and we can have anywhere between 30 to 50 people for holidays and parties throughout the year so having the ability to put a lift back in the corner and not having a 2 post being right in the way is a big thing for me.

 

[nadogail]

Wish I could. Priced out about 5k in materials, extra 1,400 to bring in a pump truck to pour the floor then I gotta spend 5-10k for a boiler to run it all

Def fans for sure and I did residential electric back in the day so I know that outlets need to be everywhere lol. One thing I like that the guy did that put the garage on the house they put outlets all around the garage and it sure is nice!

My buddies dad did a shower in his garage about 5 years ago and I thought dang that’s a great idea I’m def gonna do that. Turns out I’ve thought about all the times I said “man I really could use a shower out here” I think maybe 1 or 2 times in 4 years asked my buddies dad how often he has used his and he said never but his other son used it two or 3 times lol

It would be on the main floor

Plumbing will be roughed for sure lift is gonna most likely end up being a moveable 4 post. I know it limits how you do some jobs but between my family and my wife’s family then add in our friends and we can have anywhere between 30 to 50 people for holidays and parties throughout the year so having the ability to put a lift back in the corner and not having a 2 post being right in the way is a big thing for me.

The Radiant Heat Tubing must go in before the slab is poured, but the Boiler can wait until you are ready.

 

[Sturgeon]

Wordered about shower idea? Maybe if you had a renter but that would entail more plb.. Ran my plugs low , nothing worse than extenion cord working loose, or tripping on it.

 

[eegger]

Wish I could. Priced out about 5k in materials, extra 1,400 to bring in a pump truck to pour the floor then I gotta spend 5-10k for a boiler to run it all

add boiler later. just get the pex in. plus the insulated floor will be nice and have less water/summer sweat issues. You've only got a few chances to get the shop of your dreams.

My buddies garage has a big blower furnace and when it kicks on, its blowing on you and you don't know if your hot or cold, depending where your are. I put in radiant and it's quite and has same cozy consistent temp everywhere. I love it.