Compare a typical house plan vs. Typical garage plan

[Lelandwelds]

Look at any house plan: Closets rob space from livingrooms. Pantries poke into garages. Bathroom towel storage makes a bump into closets. Bathrooms squeeze into, well, everywhere.

Look at a garage: shoebox. Rectangle. Square.

I suggest we are missing something here. A recessed built in toolbox floating next to your lift. Or, spare oil, air filters, brake pads, and everything for every vehicle without an extra step at eye level. Or, a steel or wood stock storage cubby at a right angle next to your sometimes third car, sometimes fab area? How about a desk that no one leans a broom against? A sink that doesnt collect **** constantly? How about anything you want a few steps out of a vehicles path?

F#$¥ the Gladiators and Listas! Angle iron and sheet iron is cheap!

My own plan includes an extra holiday kitchen, full time patio, yard tool storage, and flammable storage in lean to s on each side. Easy to fit the above in.

 

[RWorth]

May be I haven't had enough coffee yet, but I totally missed the point of your post????

 

[58Yeoman]

The house I grew up in didn't have built in closets. My sister had a wardrobe and dresser, and the boys had a clothes rack and dresser. No one wants anyone to see their stuff anymore, so everything is hidden. I remember when my first wife and I built our first house in 74, and the kitchen cabinets at the stores even had "garages" to hide kitchen appliances. Plus people have way more stuff today than they did then.

 

[Fishingfoolemjak]

The garage is what we make of it... only limits are imagination and money. Money is what eludes me....

 

[roscoe2000]

Sq foot Vs Budget vs want list.......with only one can come out ahead.

 

[bczygan]

I get what you mean....and ENTIRELY agree!

Garages are typically designed as plain Jane multipurpose boxes that we just load up with whatever we have.

Proper design should work the other way around.

Take the functions and make the spaces and structure fit them in every respect.

A house could be designed the way we build garages. Build a box, and then just stuff it with everyone and everything.

What makes houses more complicated is the need for fixed locations for kitchen, laundry and baths.

Houses are designed to make the spaces interesting and entertaining for the humans living in them, with windows for views, changes in materials, detailing of trim, separation of functions etc. etc. And they are designed to have exterior interest, curb appeal and a relationship between the interior and exterior spaces.

Garages are typically designed either as a storage space for vehicles and stuff or a blank, windowless factory like space ready for shop equipment to be arranged.

Stark differences.

For many people that is an easy way to create work or storage space. Build a box and figure out how to arrange things in it later. It does allow for rearrangement as needed.

And as a work or storage space it doesn't need windows or views. If you are concentrating at a task, you don't need distractions. Go ahead and make it like a factory.

If I had the choice, I would do it differently. I would design work and shop spaces to fit their uses. They would be designed around the tasks performed in them, while still maintaining flexibility.

But I would go further. Make the work spaces as pleasant and pleasing to be in, as other parts of the house. As a homeowner, NOT operating a business, my uses are purely hobbyist. So no production schedules. Work can be inefficient. Work spaces for different tasks can be located away from each other. The production line can be broken up and dispersed.

We don't have kids anymore, and seldom if ever entertain or have visitors. We intend to continue that way. So our house and lot are entirely at our disposal for any uses we might desire.

Lets look at the house side for a moment. Houses have spaces defined for different tasks and uses, just as a shop or garage should. Places to sleep, eat, bathe and entertain ourselves, as well as storage related to these activities. All housed in a structure that is pleasant.

The lot or property, can also be a place for different tasks or activities and uses.

There are other things that are important to many people, like curb appeal and showing off.

I would like to mix it up.

More later. Gotta go shopping for T'giving.

Bill

 

[Lelandwelds]

Garages are typically designed as plain Jane multipurpose boxes that we just load up with whatever we have.

Proper design should work the other way around.

Take the functions and make the spaces and structure fit them in every respect.

A house could be designed the way we build garages. Build a box, and then just stuff it with everyone and everything.


Houses are designed to make the spaces interesting and entertaining for the humans living in them, with windows for views, changes in materials, detailing of trim, separation of functions etc. etc. And they are designed to have exterior interest, curb appeal and a relationship between the interior and exterior spaces.

Garages are typically designed either as a storage space for vehicles and stuff or a blank, windowless factory like space ready for shop equipment to be arranged.


And as a work or storage space it doesn't need windows or views. If you are concentrating at a task, you don't need distractions. Go ahead and make it like a factory.

. I would design work and shop spaces to fit their uses. They would be designed around the tasks performed in them, while still maintaining flexibility.

Make the work spaces as pleasant and pleasing to be in, as other parts of the house. As a homeowner, NOT operating a business, my uses are purely hobbyist. So no production schedules. Work can be inefficient. Work spaces for different tasks can be located away from each other. The production line can be broken up and dispersed.

So our house and lot are entirely at our disposal for any uses we might desire.

Houses have spaces defined for different tasks and uses, just as a shop or garage should. storage related to these activities. All housed in a structure that is pleasant.

The lot or property, can also be a place for different tasks or activities and uses.

When I take on a big project, I argue both sides and run down all the details. Somebody always points out the holes and often adds a twist to the project. It is usually made better for everybody connected.

I believe garages for most people are a big closet, a junk drawer, and a dumping ground. I dont feel the need to add any of that to my property. I have come to believe this forum is where a fringe minority of garage users hang out who actually USE their garages and think of them as a destination, a focus.

When I look at these photos and read these posts, I see something going on I cant quite put a name on. Many people are re organizing things repeatedly, putting every machine on wheels, changeable benchtop inserts, receiver hitch mounts, or swiveling fliptop storage/workstations. Others are moving vehicles and other things completely outside so they can tackle some of their other routine projects. Some just complain and say that something will change someday. Somehow.

It all feels similar but like everybody is describing a different part of the same elephant. I dont think peoples garages really fit what they are actually used for and everybody just kind of overlooks it and makes do. Seems like a strange waste for a purpose built building.

 

[lakeroadster]

Cheap.. is relative, based on your location and access to said materials.

Back when I was work in fab shop's for 30 years I'd have agreed with your statement:

F#$¥ the Gladiators and Listas! Angle iron and sheet iron is cheap!

Now that I am retired and 1200 miles away from those fab shops, not so true.

Angle iron and sheet metal are way overpriced at the big box stores, and the local fab shops don't want to deal with walk in bargain hunting customers.

Having just had a barn built and remodeled our attached garage I have a lot of lumber to build things from.

Again.. it's based on your location and access to materials.

At least that's been my experience up here in the mountains.

 

[bushmechanic]

Makes me want to map out what I think is a good home/garage layout.

That might be fun.

 

[John in OH]

Look at any house plan: Closets rob space from livingrooms. Pantries poke into garages. Bathroom towel storage makes a bump into closets. Bathrooms squeeze into, well, everywhere.

Look at a garage: shoebox. Rectangle. Square.

I suggest we are missing something here. A recessed built in toolbox floating next to your lift. Or, spare oil, air filters, brake pads, and everything for every vehicle without an extra step at eye level. Or, a steel or wood stock storage cubby at a right angle next to your sometimes third car, sometimes fab area? How about a desk that no one leans a broom against? A sink that doesnt collect **** constantly? How about anything you want a few steps out of a vehicles path?

F#$¥ the Gladiators and Listas! Angle iron and sheet iron is cheap!

My own plan includes an extra holiday kitchen, full time patio, yard tool storage, and flammable storage in lean to s on each side. Easy to fit the above in.

I follow what you are saying and it makes sense. I just think you would have to be designing your own custom home to get added features as you describe. No builder ... unless he is really high-end .... will put any extra features in a house that he doesn't think will provide an adequate ROI.

Do you have a copy of your garage plan?? I'd love to see what you designed.

 

[Lelandwelds]

May be I haven't had enough coffee yet, but I totally missed the point of your post????

The garage is what we make of it... only limits are imagination .

Part of what I am saying is simple.

For our houses, we take inexpensive sheetrock and lumber and carve out space from the next room to make something interesting and useful. More importantly, we put it exactly where it is most convenient. We put a lot of thought into the space.

For our garages, we build a shoebox. If we need four feet around a lift, we move the entire wall four feet. It is still a shoebox but we may have added four additional feet where it wasnt needed. Yet, everyone complains they should have built a bigger shoebox.

To make this unimaginative building nicer and add some storage space, we then buy $5k (or $50k) of matching toolboxes or cabinets and stick them on one end along a wall. I think the house approach may be better and even less expensive. Lots of garages have other rooms to borrow space from.

 

[benjamintmiller]

We also spend $100-200 / sq ft on houses, and $30-50 / sq ft on garages.

There are standard workflows for a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or bedroom that most adults know and follow. Most people don't even have a toolbox, so why should we build a nook for it to go into?

At BEST, you could make the case for some shelving to be built into garages to stores Christmas decorations and outdoor power equipment.

 

[lakeroadster]

Part of what I am saying is simple.

For our houses, we take inexpensive sheetrock and lumber and carve out space from the next room to make something interesting and useful. More importantly, we put it exactly where it is most convenient. We put a lot of thought into the space.

For our garages, we build a shoebox. If we need four feet around a lift, we move the entire wall four feet. It is still a shoebox but we may have added four additional feet where it wasnt needed. Yet, everyone complains they should have built a bigger shoebox.

To make this unimaginative building nicer and add some storage space, we then buy $5k (or $50k) of matching toolboxes or cabinets and stick them on one end along a wall. I think the house approach may be better and even less expensive. Lots of garages have other rooms to borrow space from.

Garages aren't a good investment, from a real estate perspective. So we keep our tools and stuff in toolboxes and cabinets and move them with us, when we move.

Anything "built in" / attached to the building typically stays. In that case all your creativity and imagination will be handed to the next buyer of the property.. for pennies on the dollar.

Plus... it's pretty darn nice to be able to move the toolbox or tool rack, etc. to the space in the shop you are working.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I follow what you are saying and it makes sense. I just think you would have to be designing your own custom home to get added features as you describe. No builder ... unless he is really high-end .... will put any extra features in a house that he doesn't think will provide an adequate ROI.

Do you have a copy of your garage plan?? I'd love to see what you designed.

I am a dinosaur and my computer skills aren't up to task. The plan is evolving.

This is off topic and I dont want to hijack my own thread but....

Have you toured a 2000 home planned community? They stage it in five phases. They tie you to five captive participating builders. Each has five architect designed models with materials and color palette choices already grouped together. Each is compatible with the "community " and fits in a dollar range. They promote the hell out of "upgrades" which are already designed and a computer click away. You just check off the boxes on the shiny four color brochure.

The ROI is pretty good on added upscale features if you can cookie cutter them. (Even if the cookie cutter is dressed up, well marketed, and well hidden.)

 

[yeldogt]

I'm not a fan of all the roofs. Wasted space ,,, not very attractive

We have had a progression of bad design starting in the late 90's -- even the McMansions from the early 00's are already very dated.

Actually -- I don't like most of what has been built since WWII.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I'm not a fan of all the roofs. Wasted space ,,, not very attractive

We have had a progression of bad design starting in the late 90's -- even the McMansions from the early 00's are already very dated.

Actually -- I don't like most of what has been built since WWII.

Agreed. I really dislike "Mid Century Modern".

I like new houses here and there. I like odd stuff like dogtrots, farmhouses, and medieval H houses. But, once you add closets, square footage, and electricity they're not the same. Some of the mexican and middle eastern walled courtyard houses are really nice.

Garages havent changed since buggy whips went out ( except for size.)

 

[bczygan]

Let me continue....

There are an infinate number of variables in design. There are hundreds of questions to answer and endless decisions to be made.

There are scores of requirements to accommodate, both external and internal.

There are so many ways to do things, that it boggles the mind.

The way I make order out of chaos, is to find out all the existing conditions. The lay of the land, literally and figuratively.

Once I see all of what there is that exists, I can start making lists of what there needs and wants to be.

This is where the program starts to get concrete. Usually there are precepts that give you goals and methods.

From here, it's just a matter of juggling all these things as a design concept starts to gel.

Bill

 

[matt_i]

Takes a lot of planning to get all of the custom features designed in two or three views. Bake those into drawings and give to a builder and as mentioned the price per sq ft is going to be $$$.

Then something changes like you get a bigger toolbox or get a better drill press. Then the most carefully designed thing is out the window.

I made a detailed layout of how I want to use the shop but also am trying to future proof as well as possible. Which means leaving the space available to be completely reconfigured if necessary, and hopefully still have utilities where I need them.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I'm not a fan of all the roofs.I.

I am a fan of all the roofs. Each building needs one.

We also spend $100-200 / sq ft on houses, and $30-50 / sq ft on garages.

Most people don't even have a toolbox, so why should we build a nook for it to go into?

At BEST, you could make the case for some shelving to be built into garages to stores Christmas decorations and outdoor power equipment.

Garages aren't a good investment, from a real estate perspective. So we keep our tools and stuff in toolboxes and cabinets and move them with us, when we move.

Anything "built in" / attached to the building typically stays. In that case all your creativity and imagination will be handed to the next buyer of the property.. for pennies on the dollar.

Plus... it's pretty darn nice to be able to move the toolbox or tool rack, etc. to the space in the shop you are working.

Despite what the tax man thinks, I built my house for what Y'all consider " garage money". If the next owner doesn't have a pot to piss in or a toolbox to nook in, it is not my concern.

Yes, I am a fan of general purpose shelving and ornament storage. You need a place to store lawn equipment. I am pro toolbox and proudly pro tool rack.

I do not agree if I move I will miss a walk in closet, built in nook, or hand crafted shelf or take a loss on value or creative effort. (I sort of miss a sweet linen closet I had in 1982? Are we kidding?)

I am saying just building a shoebox because you drive a shoebox or because shoeboxes are common is a little short sighted. I think a little thought in where we dump concrete and pile wood and steel will get us better results than just building a shoebox and wishing for a bigger shoebox.

And, if you move, you can still take tools and toolboxes with you. Even if they were stored in a garage with a couple of bumped out walls and a different shape.

 

[ard]

Great thread, really like some of the inputs.


IMO the limits are, in order:
1. Imagination
2. Money

and maybe
3. experience on the part of the builders.. (so many garages seem to be built by 'box specialists'...)


I will add that there are many things that can be done to make interioprs and exteriors more interesting, that cost nothing or next to nothing- yet they seem to get skipped on garage builds.



.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I will add that there are many things that can be done to make interioprs and exteriors more interesting, that cost nothing or next to nothing- yet they seem to get skipped on garage builds.



.

I havent figured out what "it" is yet. But many of the "builds" (garages and shops doesnt do em justice) are looking for something. Some have found a piece of the puzzle; 100 fc lighting without hot spots, 5S style elimination of wasted steps, industrial level filtration/automation/tooling, or artwork worthy of at least a minor museum. I dont know but it feels like some kind of "sum is greater than the parts" thing is going on.

I blame the "Twelve Gauge Garage" guy. It's been keeping me up nights.

 

[kbs2244]

It is the difference between a garage and a shop.
Style aside, 99.99% of garages are for overnight parking of the DD.
Drapes on the window may be needed but that is all.

The OP describes a shop.
A very different need.

 

[RWorth]

I think the evolution of ones garage is different for everyone because everyone has a different course in life. If we were all born 40 years old with the wisdom to match we'd all have the perfect shop. But life doesn't happen that way. The size of my garage was dictated by the size of the lot I could afford when I was 30 with a wife and 3 kids. So now I'm 65, have no room to expand so I have to get creative with what I have to work with.

 

[2level]

The shoe box garage mentality is mostly about spending priorities, and the fact that women tend to make the majority of home buying decisions. More shoes equals shoe box garage?!

I designed my garage/shop with separate rooms -- a dirty room for grinding, cutting, sanding, blasting, polishing -- a urinal wall -- a materials room -- a heavy parts room -- and a bathroom. Possible conversion of the upstairs to living space was also part of the design.

The shop matches the existing house, but compromises were made due to set back regulations, budget, lack of knowledge, ect. Came in under budget of $30 per square foot / 75k with electric, plumbing, lighting, cabinets, benches, insulation, heaters, drywall, and paint, but this was 8 years ago. And I farmed out less than 500 hours of labor, while contributing over 1,000 hours of my time.

 

[bczygan]

Another note.

Labels matter.

Calling a space "Storage" or "bath" or "unfinished" or "shop" or "Garage" on a set of plans, has ramifications when submitting them for approvals. Many times I have labeled a space in a way that made it innocuous, even though I knew what the true use would be.

And likewise, if you label a space with a particular word, it has connotations that are standard for that word. For instance, "Dining". What does that space mean to you? Is it a large formal space with sideboards, an adjacent butlers pantry etc.? Or is it a small eating nook with a banquette?

Labels and words matter, and how you define the uses makes a difference.

When I design spaces, my first question is what is the use?....What is the function?

I try to use phrases like "A place to eat", "A place to sleep", "A place to park a car out of the weather". Then I try to further define the function by asking more questions. Does the car need just protection from rain? If so, a carport might suffice. Does it need a space where minor repairs can be accomplished. Does it need heating or air conditioning? What tools, accessories and supplies go with it? How will storage of these items be accomplished?

You see, it is a series of questions and answers and choices, that defines the project and design.

Do all these individual functions need to be arranged in certain ways, in relation to each other? In large part, yes. You don't want the only bathroom to be at the far end of the house from the bedrooms, for instance.

But rules are made to be broken.

Do you need a formal dining room or a formal living room? Not necessarily. Do bedrooms need to be full service rooms with TV's clothes closets, end tables and dressers? They may, or may not. You could have a spartan space with just a bunk, and a communal dressing room with all the other functions. It depends of the occupants and their needs.

Our homes, garages, shops and lots are largely formulaic. Partly this is because the average person moves way more often than he plans to. It's easier to resell what buyers expect to buy.

But there is no reason you can't do exactly what you want.

One gripe I have, is when people pick out a plan from a book, and then plop it down on a lot. It makes no sense to me. The house seldom has any relation to the lot, the terrain, the views, the weather, the latitude, the neighborhood or anything else indigenous to that particular place.

Any building I would design, would be sensitive, and respond to all these things.

Do you need a simple box for a garage or shop? No. Is it OK? Sure.

But if I was designing spaces for myself, the shop and garage functions would be defined in detail, and would relate to each other, and the other functions of the house and lot in more intricate ways.

I find it funny that a guy has to install a bath and kitchenette and entertainment area in a shop, when those functions already exist as spaces in other parts of the residence.

I have a small house (1,250SF) and the downstairs powder room is right next to the garage, and serves it. The nearby kitchen, living room and dining room serve as entertainment and eating and food prep. Our whole house is a man cave....and a woman cave for that matter.

I don't like the modern "open" floor plan kick. Functions need to be defined better than that, with separations of various kinds.

I would have certain shop functions more integrated with other home functions, and would have them accommodate my use with more comfort. No reason to work on a project in a factory like cell, stark and windowless. I want heat and air and views of nature outside and close connection to restful functions of the rest of the house. I'd like to look up from my work and see a garden out an expanse of glass. A deck with relaxing chair and table could be right outside a sliding glass door, as a place to sit and take a break and ruminate on the next step in the project.

You see where I'm going with this.

Design for how you want to live, not for convention or to impress the passerby with "curb appeal". On a busy street, I might design my lot with the front of the structure being a blank wall with only 2 openings, for entry for vehicles and people.

Start thinking about ALL the possibilities.

Bill

 

[Lelandwelds]

I designed my garage/shop with separate rooms -- a dirty room for grinding, cutting, sanding, blasting, polishing -- a urinal wall -- a materials room -- a heavy parts room -- and a bathroom. Possible conversion of the upstairs to living space was also part of the design.

I looked but did not find your garage build. Except for that living space part, I think we share some viewpoints. Have you considered sharing a bit?

When I design spaces, my first question is what is the use?....What is the function?


You see, it is a series of questions and answers and choices, that defines the project and design.


But rules are made to be broken.

It depends of the occupants and their needs.


But there is no reason you can't do exactly what you want.


Any building I would design, would be sensitive, and respond to all these things.

Do you need a simple box for a garage or shop? No. Is it OK? Sure.

But if I was designing spaces for myself, the shop and garage functions would be defined in detail, and would relate to each other, and the other functions of the house and lot in more intricate ways.

I find it funny that a guy has to install a bath and kitchenette and entertainment area in a shop, when those functions already exist as spaces in other parts of the residence.

I have a small house (1,250SF) and the downstairs powder room is right next to the garage, and serves it. The nearby kitchen, living room and dining room serve as entertainment and eating and food prep. Our whole house is a man cave....and a woman cave for that matter.

Functions need to be defined better than that, with separations of various kinds.

I would have certain shop functions more integrated with other home functions, and would have them accommodate my use with more comfort. No reason to work on a project in a factory like cell, stark and windowless. I want heat and air and views of nature outside and close connection to restful functions of the rest of the house. I'd like to look up from my work and see a garden out an expanse of glass. A deck with relaxing chair and table could be right outside a sliding glass door, as a place to sit and take a break and ruminate on the next step in the project.

You see where I'm going with this.

Design for how you want to live, not for convention or to impress the passerby with "curb appeal". On a busy street, I might design my lot with the front of the structure being a blank wall with only 2 openings, for entry for vehicles and people.

Start thinking about ALL the possibilities.

Bill

My last house was 1100 sf 8'3" ceilings (not 8' 4.5"!) on .25 acres. I had 14 people living there for almost 3 years. It was a maintenance nightmare.

New house is 3000 sf with 1400 sf of porch and 10' ceilings on 4 acres. (16' sidewalls in greatroom.) Just 3 of us and one foster kid live here now. I may be over compensating.

I have realized I want a private escape that doubles as an inviting entertainment space for 2 or 20. I want a secured storage space which feels airy. I want a living room /clubhouse with cutting torches and a crane. I hate clutter, filth, and tight spaces. I hate stuff disappearing when I am not around. It feels good to say it aloud.

I have looked and considered some wild buildings. Gotta love the internet. Not for me! Boiled down, I want reduced cleaning and maintenance with a few alcoves or bumpouts for reduced steps and increased clearance. While limiting access and functioning well for whatever is asked of the space. Without becoming a white elephant.

 

[2level]

Have I considered sharing my garage build? Yeah, but Photobucket is broken and I'm on dial-up right now. How about; I paint a picture with words. What would you like to know about my build?

 

[speed bump]

The more things I do in a building the less having it optimized with difficult to change additions becomes a positive. Think about a house with a built in media console from 15 years ago. Filling a hole setup for a 60 inch tube tv and VCRs, DVD players and a cable box when all I have a is 70 inch smart TV is a pain.

Now if I decided to build a purpose built shop for a finite period of use I would agree with you.

 

[jrod60]

Those nooks and pantries are still eating floor space though. If you want a cubby hole for your toolbox so it's flush with the wall then you're basically just bringing the entire rest of the wall into the garage.
If there were no closets or built-in nooks in houses they would be shoeboxes as well, but they'd have more useable floor space than one with closets and nooks.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I will add that there are many things that can be done to make interioprs and exteriors more interesting, that cost nothing or next to nothing- yet they seem to get skipped on garage builds.



.

It is the difference between a garage and a shop.
Style aside, 99.99% of garages are for overnight parking of the DD.
Drapes on the window may be needed but that is all.

The OP describes a shop.
A very different need.

Somebody just put me out of my misery if I have to pick out curtains!

You're right. I did not realize I use both labels interchangeably. I should take some earlier advice and label it by intended use. The "only space I have to do traditionally male dominated hobbies and store the tools needed" just doesn't roll off the tongue the same. I keep coming up blank when I google "I want a living room /clubhouse with cutting torches and a crane", too. You're right. I do comparatively little "mechanic-ing" in my garage.

Have I considered sharing my garage build? Yeah, but Photobucket is broken and I'm on dial-up right now. How about; I paint a picture with words. What would you like to know about my build?

I am in the same tech wasteland and I havent learned much computer skills yet. Your place sounds just like what I need. (Except for the living space and bathroom part. I dont want kids moving back home again.)

The more things I do in a building the less having it optimized with difficult to change additions becomes a positive. Think about a house with a built in media console from 15 years ago. Filling a hole setup for a 60 inch tube tv and VCRs, DVD players and a cable box when all I have a is 70 inch smart TV is a pain.

.

I am thinking " general purpose specialization ". For your example, the bigger TV would swallow the knick knack shelves on either side and the tape storage drawer below. The overall function and size doesnt change.

Those nooks and pantries are still eating floor space though. If you want a cubby hole for your toolbox so it's flush with the wall then you're basically just bringing the entire rest of the wall into the garage.
If there were no closets or built-in nooks in houses they would be shoeboxes as well, but they'd have more useable floor space than one with closets and nooks.

This is so wrong I have had to return and read it a few times to make sure.

The square footage is unchanged. The closets and nooks just use space more efficiently ( Study the Pretty Good House and Small House movement to see what I mean.) If I stick a room air conditioner out a window to bring its face even with a wall, I dont cry " Oh, no! I have moved the wall into my room." I have just moved the part I don't need to access out of the way. It didnt even change square footage.

 

[Charlie51]

A garage is a typical "low road" building--easily adaptable for the needs of a variety of users. There s a good reason why that simple rectangular building has stood the test of time. Read "How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built" by Stuart Brand

 

[Lelandwelds]

A garage is a typical "low road" building--easily adaptable for the needs of a variety of users. There s a good reason why that simple rectangular building has stood the test of time. Read "How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built" by Stuart Brand

I saw part of that on PBS years ago (I think) He was arguing my side. He said the best buildings were made out of common materials and tweaked to do what was needed. He was not a "build it like we always have because we always have" guy!

 

[Charlie51]

I don't know if it was on PBS or not. Yes, the "best" buildings are made of common materials, peaked roof, low maintenance, and "tweaked" easily by the users--not the architects or specialists--to fulfil their needs. It seems that what you've been describing with alcoves and bumb-outs and ins traps the user into whatever you are designing for him (or her).

 

[Lelandwelds]

I don't know if it was on PBS or not. Yes, the "best" buildings are made of common materials, peaked roof, low maintenance, and "tweaked" easily by the users--not the architects or specialists--to fulfil their needs. It seems that what you've been describing with alcoves and bumb-outs and ins traps the user into whatever you are designing for him (or her).

Well, I am the user and I am trying to avoid the trap. Think abouts the freestanding typical 24 x 24 garage. Nice roomy two car garage until you add shelves or a workbench on both sides flanking the overhead doors. That loses between 32" and 72". Now add a bicycle or some lumber and brooms or boxes of tile or whatever. It is now a real struggle to park two cars.

Six feet away from the door there is dramatically more clearance. Why should a bottleneck at one point make the entire wall unusable? Why not bump out to near the limit of the rafters and get rid of the bottleneck?

I was actually thinking of floating toolboxes or fastener storage flush with the wall like a window air conditioner. Or, extra room around a two post . Or, a tandem two car 24 x 40 with a car lift near the center to avoid daily driver parking issues. An extra 2 or 3 foot near the overhead doors would make detailing with the car doors open far easier.

It seems dumb to move an entire 40 ft wall because you need it 36" wider for a 10 ft stretch.

 

[Charlie51]

...so add the workbench or shelves on another part of the garage so you don't lose the 32 to 72 inches where it matters to you. Organize simply in some other way. If you put a bump-out in a wall for the toolbox, now your toolbox is permanently set at that one point...and if you decide it needs to be somewhere else in the garage, then what? How about if you decide to buy a larger toolbox and it won't fit your current bump-out? Keep it simple.

 

[Lelandwelds]

We also spend $100-200 / sq ft on houses, and $30-50 / sq ft on garages.

There are standard workflows for a kitchen, living room, bathroom, or bedroom that most adults know and follow. Most people don't even have a toolbox, so why should we build a nook for it to go into?

At BEST, you could make the case for some shelving to be built into garages to stores Christmas decorations and outdoor power equipment.

Takes a lot of planning to get all of the custom features designed in two or three views. Bake those into drawings and give to a builder and as mentioned the price per sq ft is going to be $$$.

Then something changes like you get a bigger toolbox or get a better drill press. Then the most carefully designed thing is out the window.

I made a detailed layout of how I want to use the shop but also am trying to future proof as well as possible. Which means leaving the space available to be completely reconfigured if necessary, and hopefully still have utilities where I need them.

Great thread, really like some of the inputs.


IMO the limits are, in order:
1. Imagination
2. Money

and maybe
3. experience on the part of the builders.. (so many garages seem to be built by 'box specialists'...)


I will add that there are many things that can be done to make interioprs and exteriors more interesting, that cost nothing or next to nothing- yet they seem to get skipped on garage builds.



.

One of my in-laws spent $15/ Sq ft building his 30 X 30 shop. He did all the work himself except concrete. He did barter a bit. (The appraisal district has it down for $40/ Sq ft)

It is a very nice building exactly suited his interests. He is very private and (so very much )not a garage guy so "no photos".

I ( and the typical GJer) have a similar skill set. The "too expensive" argument is bogus. I get that most guys are dealing with an existing building or a draconian AHJ but I am surprised the more typical garage isnt demonstrating a bit more creativeness than the basic shoebox.

Why should I see more interesting stuff on the wife's remodeling shows than from the guys who actually possess the skills to pull it off? Have you seen the work being done in these ho-hum shoeboxes? I see some impressively skilled work everywhere I look.

 

[sberry]

Because it's so much easier and more effecient to move the wall and fill the extra space, 4 more ft than to build in tiny custom spaces. Put in cabnits after the fact. Tailor as needed with extra space.

 

[sberry]

I boxed it and customized it after. Way more economical than building in every detail. Allows for multi purpose use. I am so glad I didn't engineer a perm paint booth. The convertible aspect left opportunity for other use that became more prevelent than paint.

 

[sberry]

One of the features of mine is its universal use. That is a feature. Easiest way to add specialty features is to park them along the wall.
Only a limited amount of fixed features some by trial and error.
I change the use of the doors with the seasons.