Decided the time was right

[b737mechanic]

]To build my garage/shop.

I retired two years ago when I turned 60. Since I did retire early, I was worried about having enough saving to make it. Of course that was when the economy started it's decline (along with my savings). So I waited until I felt more secure, but a couple events made me change my mind.

Recently my nephew passed away much too young, and thinking about all the projects he had put off until better times, made me realize NOW is a better time.

That along with a best in the business family owned house framing crew needed some work, made the decision for me.

So here is my shop so far. It is 30' by 42' and will have 12' ceiling. I'll have a 18'X8' and a 9'X8' garage door. The windows are 3'0 by 6'0, the bottoms of the windows will be at 8'.

I've enjoyed following everyone else's build, I am really enjoying my own.

Before

Foundation work started
\

Yesterday's progress picture with the Corvette (the reason for the detached garage).

 

[firebird 97]

Nice garage.. more details on the vette please

 

[700jfm]

Nice garage.. more details on the vette please

Nice vette.. more details on the garage please. I'm Just being a smart *** Firebird. Or dumb ***. (either one)

I see it's going to be brick, It's looking real good. Are those lam beams I see? Where are they going, I think I see the headers are already in.

 

[theroyz71]

Very nice so far. Can't wait to see the rest of the build. Beautiful car too.

 

[b737mechanic]

My vette is a 61, I've owned it since 1968. A few years ago I had the frame modified to accept C4 Corvette suspension. It now has power disc brakes, and power rack and pinion steering so it handles and stops really well. It is a blast to drive and I try drive it as much as possible. A year or so ago I installed a ZZ4 crate engine and a 5 speed overdrive transmission, which completed the handling and stopping package.

The glu lams will span the 30' length, they will break the ceiling joists into 3 sections, so joists will only be approx 14' long. Decided to not use roof truss as they were more expensive than using the glu lams.

 

[700jfm]

My vette is a 61, I've owned it since 1968. A few years ago I had the frame modified to accept C4 Corvette suspension. It now has power disc brakes, and power rack and pinion steering so it handles and stops really well. It is a blast to drive and I try drive it as much as possible. A year or so ago I installed a ZZ4 crate engine and a 5 speed overdrive transmission, which completed the handling and stopping package.

The glu lams will span the 30' length, they will break the ceiling joists into 3 sections, so joists will only be approx 14' long. Decided to not use roof truss as they were more expensive than using the glu lams.

Will you be useing the attic space?

 

[wagonmaster]

Looks great! Love the C1 as well..Wish I still had my '59 Fuelie!

 

[Bib Overalls]

Nice looking project. Keep the photos coming.

 

[b737mechanic]

Will you be useing the attic space?

I will put folding attic stairs for access, but will not use it for any major storage.

Just realized I didn't say anything about bricks, the front facing wall by restrictions will have to be 100% bricks that must match my house, with the remaining walls I'm required to have bricks only 36" high. Will use Hardi-plank siding above the brick.

Thanks for the pictures of your build, it helped inspire me to get started.

 

[700jfm]

I will put folding attic stairs for access, but will not use it for any major storage.

Just realized I didn't say anything about bricks, the front facing wall by restrictions will have to be 100% bricks that must match my house, with the remaining walls I'm required to have bricks only 36" high. Will use Hardi-plank siding above the brick.

Thanks for the pictures of your build, it helped inspire me to get started.

Your welcome and thanks. It's been alot of good times, even with the back-tracking. I've been takeing a little break for now. (got it dryed in) But hope to start back in a cupple weeks.

 

[hardtop]

Good looking Vette.

 

[b737mechanic]

Good looking Vette.

Thanks, here is my current favorite picture of it. My niece and I are going for a long drive last fall. The weather was perfect, my niece was thrilled for the opportunity to drive it. A day like that makes up for all the time working ( & cussing) on it.

 

[b737mechanic]

It rained yesteday (Monday) so here is today's progress.



Lifting the glu lams into place

Ceiling joist all hung.

 

[bookman51]

Yes, I retired early and built my shop (still working on finishing up the 40 x 72 pole building). There is a point in ones life when time becomes more important than money. Nice to have money, but not point if one does not have time. Enjoy the shop and the Corvette....and life!!

Bookman

 

[700jfm]

For me the framing is the best part of the build. Love the way it's looking.
Makes me want to go start another garage.

 

[Fins/413]

Nice Vette I especially like the colors. The small entrance on the 45 degree wall is neat.

 

[b737mechanic]

Wednesday's progress.

Rafters going in

Back of garage rafters are complete,some wall sheathing on.

While the guys are working on my new garage, this is my project in my current woodworking shop (garage with all the cars moved out). The 2 sections will be joined together for a 12' set of cabinets for a friends garage.

 

[TexasT]

Congrats on yours.

You are right. The time is now. I was talkin with one of my cousins a few years ago. We are both just over 40 and he enlightened me to the fact that time is limited. We each have about 20 or so productive years left to accomplish what we want. At one big project a year that is only 20 projects. I gotta get going on mine.

 

[b737mechanic]

Friday's pictures.

Rafters are complete, wall sheating is done.

Cornice work has started.

 

[b737mechanic]

Framing is complete, ready for roofing and bricks

12 foot ceiling make the inside look huge

Roofers are due today, bricklayer next week.

 

[jocool1585]

Looks to be an awesome shop! Congrats!

 

[MDH9252]

With glue-lams that big....you'll never have to look far for a place to hook a chainfall to!!! Beautiful place!

 

[b737mechanic]

Shingles and vents installed. Shingles match the house shingles.

 

[b737mechanic]

Started laying brick today, going with a "landscape ledge" detail feature.

For an accent using Austin stone by the door, house has the same detail.

Also garage door were installed today with two Liftmaster 3800s.

 

[marty_p]

Fabulous space! Also, great space maximization locating your walk door in the corner.

Keep those pics coming, and thanks for inspiring the rest of us to get off our rears and make it happen as well!

 

[dan_evv]

Looks GREAT!!!

What roof decking did you use, looks like it has a foil backing?
Don't see to many garages with stick framed roofs.. I like it

Dan
Hope to start my shop soon also.

 

[b737mechanic]

Looks GREAT!!!

What roof decking did you use, looks like it has a foil backing?
Don't see to many garages with stick framed roofs.. I like it

Dan
Hope to start my shop soon also.

I decided to use radiant barrier decking on the roof because I don't have plans to heat and cool the garage. I think the radiant barrier works well, I know it is used widely in my area.

The crew that framed my garage was three brothers and one helper, they have been at it for many years. They are true craftsmen, absolute phenomenal with a circular saw. One guy had all the rafters cut and stacked ready to put up, in just a couple of hours. They do not like roof trusses, and more important to me, trusses were going to be more expensive. I'm going to hate covering up their work with drywall.

 

[b737mechanic]

The exterior is finished, bricklayers finished yesterday.

The exterior is finished except for painting, and I am working on that with my scaffold made from extra lumber.

The progress will really slow now, because I've used all my build funds, and will have to finish the interior as I can afford it.

 

[wtfovr]

I hate for this to be a first post of mine and I hate even more to ask but what do you estimate your expenses at so far? I only ask because I live in your neck of the woods, okay Haslet. I am thinking either extend my current 25'x37' attached or build a stand alone.

Thanks

 

[jonny01blaze]

Wow, Nice work on your build, I really like the corner man door and the brick and stone work is awesome. Good luck with the finishing touches but enjoy having it!

 

[bgwilly31]

Very very nice.

I love all the details. Be sure to post pics when you fill it up!

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

Damn nice!

 

[b737mechanic]

I hate for this to be a first post of mine and I hate even more to ask but what do you estimate your expenses at so far? I only ask because I live in your neck of the woods, okay Haslet. I am thinking either extend my current 25'x37' attached or build a stand alone.

Thanks

It is around 1250 sq. ft., I was required to have at least the amount of brick I used. So the concrete slab was $5.50 a sq. ft., the driveway was around $3.50 per sq. ft. Lumber (including windows and regular door) was $8000, to have it framed was $7000. Roofing was $120 per square installed. Bricks were around $200 a cube and it tooks 8 cubes. Bricklayer charged $350 per 1000 bricks, and $6 a foot for the ledge all the way around. The garage doors and openers was $2600.

That was probably more detail than you wanted. I went a little over my budget of $34,000 to get it finished on the exterior with nothing on the interior. I haven't even run electric service to it yet.

Now is a good time to do any building, I had no trouble getting contractors. Everyone showed up when they said they would, none required any prepayment, and all did excellent work.

 

[wtfovr]

It is around 1250 sq. ft., I was required to have at least the amount of brick I used. So the concrete slab was $5.50 a sq. ft., the driveway was around $3.50 per sq. ft. Lumber (including windows and regular door) was $8000, to have it framed was $7000. Roofing was $120 per square installed. Bricks were around $200 a cube and it tooks 8 cubes. Bricklayer charged $350 per 1000 bricks, and $6 a foot for the ledge all the way around. The garage doors and openers was $2600.

That was probably more detail than you wanted. I went a little over my budget of $34,000 to get it finished on the exterior with nothing on the interior. I haven't even run electric service to it yet.

Now is a good time to do any building, I had no trouble getting contractors. Everyone showed up when they said they would, none required any prepayment, and all did excellent work.

Thanks that actually helped. I have 375sqft of extra garage going in. No electricity, no interior sheet rock, no driveway, to include the demo of a 25' long 9' tall brick wall and they are quoting me right at $9800.

 

[nate379]

Good deal using that OSB. The mill my Dad works at makes it... keep them in buisness!

They went from running 24/7 since 1983 (when it opened) to 4 days a week now and layed off lots of folks.

 

[N8]

Also garage door were installed today with two Liftmaster 3800s.

Do you have any more info on this? Is this designed specifically for taller bay doors?
Thanks,
Nate

 

[mattgg1]

It is around 1250 sq. ft., I was required to have at least the amount of brick I used. So the concrete slab was $5.50 a sq. ft., the driveway was around $3.50 per sq. ft. Lumber (including windows and regular door) was $8000, to have it framed was $7000. Roofing was $120 per square installed. Bricks were around $200 a cube and it tooks 8 cubes. Bricklayer charged $350 per 1000 bricks, and $6 a foot for the ledge all the way around. The garage doors and openers was $2600.

That was probably more detail than you wanted. I went a little over my budget of $34,000 to get it finished on the exterior with nothing on the interior. I haven't even run electric service to it yet.

Now is a good time to do any building, I had no trouble getting contractors. Everyone showed up when they said they would, none required any prepayment, and all did excellent work.

I've got one additional question for you regarding costs...

If you were to have used brick one the entire exterior (full brick wrap), wow much extra would it have cost?

Thanks.

 

[b737mechanic]

I've got one additional question for you regarding costs...

If you were to have used brick one the entire exterior (full brick wrap), wow much extra would it have cost?

Thanks.

During my dealings with the brick salesman I found that brick comes in "cubes", a cube of the brick I used had 504 bricks. Each cube delivered was about $200. Roughly I think it would have taken another 8 cubes to finish everything. So I would estimate $1600 for the brick and $1500 for the bricklayers.

 

[b737mechanic]

Progress has been slow, but finally have made some.

Exterior paint is complete.

100 amp electric service is complete as well as some of the plugs and light boxes.

The area I live in is a limestone escarpment, there is a layer of limestone about 10 inches down, when digging for the foundation they had to go through the layer of limestone. So I recycled some of the rocks on the garage stoop.

 

[b737mechanic]

Do you have any more info on this? Is this designed specifically for taller bay doors?
Thanks,
Nate

Sorry Nate, I didn't notice your post until just now.

My doors are 8' high, the high lift rail kit allows the door when raised to be only 1' down from my 12' ceiling. That is necessary because I have plans to install a 2 post car lift.

When I ordered the doors I specified I wanted the high lift kit and of course it is more expensive.