Cozy Garage

[jeep63]

Beautiful property OP. I'd have that tree behind the garage moved closer to the shoreline, away from the back of the garage and push the back wall of the garage out at least 8'. And get rid of the hip roof and go gable on front and rear, to gain more attic storage space. Might even put the compressor up there.

What about the basement garage on the other end of the structure?

There have been superficial conversations with the Minister of Finance regarding expanding the garage. This area is quite protective re Tree removal. We did a lot of tree work before we moved in and the tree guy was surprised the county approved our plans. He could not start until the forestry inspector walked the property and approved the removal and trimming plans. Anything larger than 1" diameter requires a permit to remove. I did learn I can trim trees without worry, but removing is a big process involving approval. There are people who report on you sometimes, and I don't know about the people across the water from me property. As to the basement garage, that is basically my shed.

Looks to me like it will work out for you. Not the perfect setup for sure but a doable setup. One thing I'd do is wait til L or HD have paint on sale, buy some off white and rent a sprayer. Getting the top of the walls and the ceiling lighter will make a huge difference. I am sure you are aware but just in case, you will be subject to many restrictions because you are on the water. So check w/ them before even removing a tree and definitely before adding to the garage.

I am learning it is doable. I am first going to string up 10 4' led shop lights across the ceiling to brighten the space. I like the darker bead board, but if it is still too dark I will paint it white. You are right about the restrictions due to being on the water.
Nothing will happen until summer anyways since we are just settling. I can at least do basic maintenance again, and some projects if they come up. Getting the compressor wired up and my new air lines run is my next priority.

 

[Maxcustody]

I feel your pain...............However, Beautiful house and location, Congrats! I know exactly what you are dealing with. We moved 10x in the last 23 years and owned houses every time. We have had many different scenarios over the years. 2 car, 3 car, 30x72, 25x50 to our current 2 car L shaped garage. The only thing you can do is find the best layout and storage that will work with what you have. Over the years we downsized many times and it was just a fact of life every time we transferred.

It looks like a nice size garage and I am sure you will find what works for you. I found a lot of planning is better than just making a change. Saves time when you find a better solution or find it does not work.

 

[jeep63]

I feel your pain...............However, Beautiful house and location, Congrats! I know exactly what you are dealing with. We moved 10x in the last 23 years and owned houses every time. We have had many different scenarios over the years. 2 car, 3 car, 30x72, 25x50 to our current 2 car L shaped garage. The only thing you can do is find the best layout and storage that will work with what you have. Over the years we downsized many times and it was just a fact of life every time we transferred.

It looks like a nice size garage and I am sure you will find what works for you. I found a lot of planning is better than just making a change. Saves time when you find a better solution or find it does not work.

Thank you!

Yes, I've been almost over-planning the layout. I think I have it dialed in, but I'm sure after a more involved project, say new clutch where I have to drop the ******, I'll really see.

 

[PoorUB]

Getting the compressor wired up and my new air lines run is my next priority.

Any possibility of hiding the compressor in the basement of the house? It would give you four square feet more.

Of course if the noise would be an issue if won't fly.

 

[jeep63]

Any possibility of hiding the compressor in the basement of the house? It would give you four square feet more.

Of course if the noise would be an issue if won't fly.

Yeah, noise is a deal killer for this approach. I do think where I placed it is the best option. I’m adjusting slowly and the setup is slow. Every weekend I make a bit more organizational progress. I hope to hang the shop lights this weekend; this alone will improve things as the two current fluorescent lights barely do anything.

 

[jeep63]

Well more tinkering today…. Added 10 4’ led lights. I’m thinking one more row down the center with another 3 should do the trick. I moved a bunch of spare parts up to the attic and there is room for more. garage holds the heat so so. i have to run both heaters but it stays comfortable and it is in the 20s outside.





i put a box fan in the corner and it moves the heat around nicely.
taking a playoff break to watch some games now.

 

[jeep63]

Small projects yesterday…. Changed oil in my Jeep and replaced shocks on my truck. Truck not fitting with the door closed makes for a cold project in the winter…. If the shock bushings were not shot and clunking I would have waited until spring.

I had both kerosene heaters cranked on high. It was tolerable, but makes me long for the additional 8-10’ I want to add to the rear.

Plus the last bolt on the last shock was seized to the sleeve. Of course my compressor is not wired yet because I’m waiting for the sub panel to be installed. I’ll have to dig out my grinder or sawzall to finish. I doubt the dremel will work. Lol

 

[PoorUB]

You have a higher tolerance for pain that I do!

I did commercial HVAC for years. Roof tops at -20F. I am done with working on stuff in the cold!
Could I put on shocks in the cold? Sure! Will I ? No way! Time to take out the credit card and pay someone!

I couldn't even deal with the dual kerosene heaters! For some reason those heaters make me ill almost instantly. I got carbon monoxide poisoning years ago and it seems my tolerance for it is very low.

Years ago when we bought this house my wife knew a decent garage was a requirement. We looked at many nice homes with not much garage and my wife knew to not even think about it!

Sorry, nice house, but with a tiny garage I would have never bought the place, or the construction crew would have been there on move in day and built a bigger one!

 

[yeldogt]

Interesting lot ---- are they rocks ? Maybe you need space for a back hoe !!

I feel your pain --- it seems no matter how much you look or spend ... you can't have it all. Your garage has a nice Chesapeake look ... that's for sure. I'm a location guy -- wanting a great spot normally comes with small lots or some other building restrictions --- it seems I'm always trying to design and build something that others tell me can't be done. Don't discount a rear bump out w/o foundation on the back for work space and maximize any possible "shed" allowance. Getting the little used stuff out of the garage pays space dividend. I built thin wall cabinets on the back on one garage to hold all my garden tools and my winter/ summer tires and related auto stuff. Around me the most interesting and valuable properties are the ones with various "outbuildings" and barns/sheds/ spring houses ..... writers cabins. The only problem is you can't replicate them based on crazy zoning and other land use rules.

I spent a lot of time in St. Michael and Oxford years ago .... my parents had a boat there. We built a house west of Cambridge when I was in DC .... very remote ... Blackwater being there as well.

 

[jeep63]

You have a higher tolerance for pain that I do!

I did commercial HVAC for years. Roof tops at -20F. I am done with working on stuff in the cold!
Could I put on shocks in the cold? Sure! Will I ? No way! Time to take out the credit card and pay someone!

I couldn't even deal with the dual kerosene heaters! For some reason those heaters make me ill almost instantly. I got carbon monoxide poisoning years ago and it seems my tolerance for it is very low.

Years ago when we bought this house my wife knew a decent garage was a requirement. We looked at many nice homes with not much garage and my wife knew to not even think about it!

Sorry, nice house, but with a tiny garage I would have never bought the place, or the construction crew would have been there on move in day and built a bigger one!

There are so many upsides to this property that I can wait to dial in the garage. As to the kerosene heaters, I find that using K1 is the key to no fumes. The smell only gets to me when they are almost out of fuel. Plus this garage is not what you would classify as air tight, so the exchange of air is sufficient to prevent build up of carbon monoxide.

For me this garage is not as nice as my last one, but nicer than the previous 2, and I rebuilt an entire Jeep in one of those older setups.

I'm making it work.

 

[jeep63]

I’ve decided to make this my “build thread”…

My progress is slow but steady. I finished the sound system just the other day.




The Harman Kardon boom box works great via a bluetooth to 30 pin ipod connector. I stream spotify from my phone. The bass is surprisingly good from this.

Everything in this garage is mini-sized compared to my last one. From the space available, to the tv, fridge and stereo; all are compact. Only the toolbox, compressor and workbench remain the same size.

 

[jeep63]

As I prepare for the garage sub panel install, I’m fixing some damage from a generator issue. From what I can tell the PO used to keep a generator in the corner of the garage with a manual interlock setup. There is a 6 awg wire from the garage to the biggest manual interlock switch I have ever seen in my basement. At some point during use the generator exhaust appears to have melted the slat wall badly and warped the floor tiles where it sat.




While working with the electrician on my plans, we found the interlock is not even hooked up any longer. There is now a whole house generator fed off propane and setup with an automatic transfer switch and load control module. I suspect that was installed after the melting incident.


Since the cable is there and not in use I’m planning to use it for a 50 amp sub panel. This is not a lot but it will only have my compressor on it initially. There is already a 20 amp breaker feeding the existing lights and outlets. I can add more outlets off the sub panel now. should fit my needs.

I also found these GarageTek tiles do not have the same connection design as the current GarageTek tiles. I ordered replacements and trying to install them last night I discovered the difference. The colors also do not match. The tiles are stamped GarageTek too. The current tiles appear to match the GarageDeck tiles in both connecting manner and color. I wonder if there was a split in the company and GarageDeck kept the design and GarageTek had to change. I’m going to order a GarageDeck tile to test it out.

I did find a set of spare black tiles and replaced those so the floor is a bit better but i really need to replace 4-6 gray ones to get it all smooth and flat there.

 

[jeep63]

I emailed GarageTek about the floor tiles not lining up. Surprise, they changed the design! Bigger surprise, they are sending me free wall panels to replace the damaged ones, and free floor tiles in the proper color (still sell, but do not list on website). I guess there is a warranty on the wall panels!

I'll post up pics after I replace the damage, but this is an unexpected surprise.

 

[jeep63]

Yesterday a box of wall panels and a box of floor tile arrived; all free of charge. Hopefully next weekend I'll get it installed and snap some pics.

 

[jeep63]

Just wrapped up the wall panel replacement. It went well and once I clean the “old” walls it should be much brighter.





I think i’ll place the compressor here.

 

[jeep63]

Fourth shock is finally replaced. Took a grinder to lower shock mounting hoop to remove shock and then again on the sleeve to get it to separate from the bolt.

 

[jeep63]

Sub panel is in. The ‘scale’ remains consistent with this garage. 50 amp sub panel. Have 30 left for expansion.

Next step is to secure the compressor to the floor and route the airlines.

 

[captain14]

Looks like a great property. I really enjoy the bead board ceiling. I have that in my attached screen porch. As other have said, consider a small compressor shed to remove the noise from the workspace.

Where do the kerosene heaters live when you’re not using them in the winter?

 

[jeep63]

Looks like a great property. I really enjoy the bead board ceiling. I have that in my attached screen porch. As other have said, consider a small compressor shed to remove the noise from the workspace.

Where do the kerosene heaters live when you’re not using them in the winter?

Thanks. The bead board ceiling is a nice touch; it is also in the breezeway between the house and garage, and in the screen porch. We like it as well.


This will be our 'first' spring at the house, so I'm not yet sure where I'll put them or the kerosene containers. I'm not carrying them up into the attic, and there is no room for them in the 'basement garage' where I store my tractor and mowers, as well as my hard top. I may store them in the basement area I'm using to store my camping gear and jeep doors. I have a few spots left where they will be out of the way and under some shelving.

 

[jeep63]

I've started laying out my air lines. I'm going with the MaxLine 3/4" line this time. I have fallen into the "rabbit hole" of after coolers, and I'm drowning in information overload. I think I'll just build a vertical zig-zag of copper after the compressor to help remove the water. I've got my plan so hopefully I'll set the compressor this weekend and start running the lines. I miss not having air on demand.

 

[jeep63]

Spent this AM cleaning out the attic space in this garage of the old uninstalled insulation; I laid what need to be and chucked the rest. Cleaned the floor and stored some old jeep flares, control arms, and a tow bar. I added a switch to the attic lights as they used to come on when I turned on the shop lights. It was a nice effect inside the cupola, but I do not want to attract more bugs up there. I do plan to add an outlet with some color changing lights placed inside the cupola so I can turn them on via a remote for the seasons: Red/Blue for July 4th, Green on St. Patrick's Day (I'll likely miss this one), Red/Green for Christmas, etc...

I also installed one of those sticky traps for wood boring bees in the hope I capture some of the Mud daubers that apparently like to nest inside the bell in the cupola.

I'm still waiting on my 3/4" regulator and long jumper hose so I can start the air line setup.

 

[niget2002]

I feel you on the Air Cooler rabbit hole.

I think I've about convinced myself to put one of these between the pump and the tank with a filter before the tank:

cooler:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XONT3E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

filter:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TMPXQR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Texas humidity is good for adding water to the tank

 

[jeep63]

MD is quite humid too. I keep waffling back and forth. I just want my compressor back operating. i snaked a drain hose outside that may have to do for now

 

[nadogail]

My lot is 25 feet wide and we have to maintain a 3 foot setback from the property lines. The exterior of my garage is 18 feet wide giving me an interior width of about 17 feet. A 22 foot wide garage is not possible in my neighborhood unless I buy the adjoining property and get it replatted, my nearest neighbors houses are commanding a price of almost 2 Million Dollars.
A wider garage is out of the question, fortunately I am happy with what I have.

 

[jeep63]

My lot is 25 feet wide and we have to maintain a 3 foot setback from the property lines. The exterior of my garage is 18 feet wide giving me an interior width of about 17 feet. A 22 foot wide garage is not possible in my neighborhood unless I buy the adjoining property and get it replatted, my nearest neighbors houses are commanding a price of almost 2 Million Dollars.
A wider garage is out of the question, fortunately I am happy with what I have.

Yes, these are all first world problems and certainly not important in the grand scheme. I’m finding workable solutions to most every issue I imagined would arise. This smaller space is turning out to be just fine for my needs. Once I finish running the air lines I’ll be back to enjoyment mode! Honestly this has been fun laying out the space and even getting some small projects done along the way.

 

[bbxlr8]

Thanks for keeping us posted on the progress. I find I eventually adjust my thinking to the space and then optimize - you have done a great job of that.

BTW Beautiful property (& jeeps)

The tree thing would drive me crazy My twp here in PA has similar "rules" but I have found that relaxed after you are there for a while.

 

[jeep63]

Since I'm now treating this like my 'Garage build', I'm adding my air setup pics and future plans...

I installed RapidAir's MaxLine 3/4" setup, and I am pleased with how easy it was and how it all works.

I have a drop right by the garage door; one in the middle of the ceiling where I'll be hanging my hose reel, and a double next to my workbench. One will be mostly for a coil-hose with blower to blow off workbench and projects, but I can connect anything that I want; the other is hooked to a second regulator and dryer for painting.







I also went all in with an after cooler setup.

I ordered a popular cooler used for this purpose...
After cooler

And, I picked up some 8AN-3/8 NPT fittings to help plumb it in. I need to order a water separator and then hook it up.

This should really help with the MD humidity's affect on the compressor.

 

[zmotorsports]

Missed this thread until now.

You had me at Jeeps and you have a couple of nice ones.

Subscribed.

 

[jeep63]

Missed this thread until now.

You had me at Jeeps and you have a couple of nice ones.

Subscribed.

Jeeps are a lifestyle, or is it sickness?! Lol; I'm not sure sometimes.

I was a straight-up YJ guy for 25+years until about 2 years ago. I'm actually looking at a 91 Sahara on Saturday. It will be a resto-mod for weekends and car shows. My 2013 is my wheeler and DD, but since I work from home it does get driven that much.

 

[finn]

I think you’re going to survive just fine with your new place, and having a house on the water is well worth the tradeoff in garage space.

We went from 19x20 to 21x37, to 32x54, then added a 48x75. A couple of years ago we bought a winter place and are now down to 20x20 for six months.

The first order of business was to realize that there’s no room for clutter, so just resolve that garbage cans, bikes, etc need an alternative home. Then, accept the fact that if the old Ram crew cab needs work, the Cherokee sits outside. Otherwise, the truck sits outside in the sun, and the Cherokee gets the garage. The side loading door makes parking both inside impractical on a daily basis.

The compressor was downsized from an 80 gallon to a 26 gallon. Even though the footprint isn’t that much different, the smaller compressor fits under the wall shelving, increasing the usable space (vertical), and reducing claustrophobia.

After three winters here, I’m finally get used to the small space. It’s been hard to resist dragging home Arizona rust free projects, though. Just don’t have the room.

 

[jeep63]

I for sure have reduced clutter and have nearly nothing on the side floors. As many have mentioned, the front wall is the best place for everything. I do find this slat wall stuff pretty handy, and I have a log of shelving up high on it. There is a whole bin of hooks and other assorted brackets for hanging more stuff on the walls.

Now if I can get rid of the 'non Jeep' vehicle in the garage it will be perfect!

 

[jeep63]

Hose reel is up and connected and I’ve repurposed an old hose reel hose as a loose hose near the garage door drop.

 

[captain14]

Coming along nicely!

I still enjoy seeing the Beadboard in the garage. Gives it that period look.

 

[DeeDubz]

Nice garage op. I dig your house man. I told my wife when I retire id like to have water front property. We ll see how that goes. The garage fills up pretty quick. How do you like those air lines? I thinking about adding that to my shop. Nice compressor got the same one.

 

[jeep63]

Nice garage op. I dig your house man. I told my wife when I retire id like to have water front property. We ll see how that goes. The garage fills up pretty quick. How do you like those air lines? I thinking about adding that to my shop. Nice compressor got the same one.

@DeeDubz

Thanks, we were fortunate to find it when we did. I recommend it if you can, it is like being on vacation every day, waking up to the sunrise over the water!

The lines are great!, I did have to redo one of the 90 degree fittings due to a leak, but that is on me. When I took it apart, I found a burr inside and that cut the o-ring. The compressor is great and very quiet. My next project is to build an 'after cooler' for it to deal with all the MD humidity.

 

[ole442]

Yes, I'd like to see the after cooler install. Ohio is very humid also!

 

[jeep63]

Yes, I'd like to see the after cooler install. Ohio is very humid also!

I hope to get to it soon!

 

[jeep63]

So technically I have 2 garages. The second one is at the opposite end of the house and opens to the back yard. It is affectionately called The Basement Garage. It is accessible from a basement man door, and via a garage door to a ramp up to grade. it is used as our shed.

Today I picked a new to me tractor for moving my car hauler around the parking area and for future gravel lane work.

 

[captain14]

Good for you. Did you get any attachments for it besides the belly mower deck? Any history?

 

[jeep63]

Good for you. Did you get any attachments for it besides the belly mower deck? Any history?

Just the deck came with it. It was owned by a Church and used to plow their lot/move their property. The deck has seen some hits on the front roller mounts; one has been repaired, and the other is half cracked to the point where I'll have to weld it too soon. There are cosmetic issues, but it is going to work well for my use-case, and I'm planning to fix all the cosmetic issues: New grill, replace hood stickers, new tires. I may look into a loader for it, but that is a ways off.