Old Moparz
Well-known member
Haven't posted much, but I read a lot on this site. I have a few photos & a floor plan showing my own garage. It seems that no matter how big they are, they're never big enough. I also keep making changes to small things inside, like the layout of benches, shelves & tools, but this spring I will make sure I have the whole thing under control. I knew the garage would be for 3 cars, but I can fit 4 inside in a pinch. It doesn't leave much room for working on something, but that problem will be solved very shortly.
I am in the process of installing 2 - four post lifts to free up the work area again. This will allow me to finish placing the work bench, parts washer, compressor, tool chest & shelves in a permanent location. The second floor has been a big plus for storage of parts, furniture, toys & whatever else we don't want in the house. I have a ladder to get to it right now, but maybe later this year I'll add the stairs & an exterior door on the side of the 2nd floor. It'll make bringing the larger things up & down a lot easier.
It's basically a post & beam building for the first floor, & stick built on the second floor. I had to raise the yard about 4 feet on the left with a retaining wall & ended up bringing in about 150 cubic yards of fill & crushed stone to level off the area. The floor is 5" thick, I have 60 amps with a sub panel coming from the house underground. I ran a cast iron pipe to the septic tank & capped it inside to hook up at a later date. I also have a sleeve with a cap for a future water line.
I thought I'd be completely done a long time ago, but we had a little girl right after I built it. She's 5 now & I figure it's set back the finishing touches by about 4-3/4 years.
I will never tackle a project this big alone ever again, but it was well worth the savings. The whole project, (1997) has totalled about $15K & would have been much more with a contractor.
Current Layout (Rear wall is staggered for property line & septic tank clearance)
Started Contruction 1997 & Finished in 1 Year
Second Floor Looking Front to Back
Steel "I" Beams to Avoid Using Columns
Finished With Cedar Siding in Front, Vinyl on the Rest
I am in the process of installing 2 - four post lifts to free up the work area again. This will allow me to finish placing the work bench, parts washer, compressor, tool chest & shelves in a permanent location. The second floor has been a big plus for storage of parts, furniture, toys & whatever else we don't want in the house. I have a ladder to get to it right now, but maybe later this year I'll add the stairs & an exterior door on the side of the 2nd floor. It'll make bringing the larger things up & down a lot easier.
It's basically a post & beam building for the first floor, & stick built on the second floor. I had to raise the yard about 4 feet on the left with a retaining wall & ended up bringing in about 150 cubic yards of fill & crushed stone to level off the area. The floor is 5" thick, I have 60 amps with a sub panel coming from the house underground. I ran a cast iron pipe to the septic tank & capped it inside to hook up at a later date. I also have a sleeve with a cap for a future water line.
I thought I'd be completely done a long time ago, but we had a little girl right after I built it. She's 5 now & I figure it's set back the finishing touches by about 4-3/4 years.
I will never tackle a project this big alone ever again, but it was well worth the savings. The whole project, (1997) has totalled about $15K & would have been much more with a contractor.Current Layout (Rear wall is staggered for property line & septic tank clearance)
Started Contruction 1997 & Finished in 1 Year
Second Floor Looking Front to Back
Steel "I" Beams to Avoid Using Columns
Finished With Cedar Siding in Front, Vinyl on the Rest
Building it yourself makes it even better. I understand how family responsibilities can slow down a project. Loft idea is neat.