Got Mine! 24x32 Detached Garage

[S4cruiser]

I'm finally starting a thread...even though construction is 2/3rds of the way complete. I'll try to start in the beginning...

The wife and I purchased this house about 18 months ago, knowing it would need lots of work to make it into what we wanted. Unfortunately there was no garage so all cruiser (Landcruiser...I have an addiction to the older ones) and garage stuff was moved from the house we had been leasing to storage...one never realizes how much cruiser **** they have until one is forced to move all of it.

Before moving in, over the course of 2-3 months, we renovated almost the entire inside of the home (floors, kitchen, plumbing, windows, trim, HVAC and duct work, electrical, paint, etc. etc.) We did a majority of the work ourselves (minus plumbing) and saved tons of money!

One of the main reasons we purchased the house was for the lot and location. The house was also good, size wise for our current family and has sufficient space if (or when) we plan to expand. Lot is fairly flat and elevated compared to other parts of the neighborhood which was key since we planned to install an inground pool.

Pool and the majority of landscaping (props to Jason for putting together a plan and design for us) was completed last summer (pool was first of the wife's list). Once we had a chance recover financially, I had my sights set on building the garage this spring. In hindsight, I should've started the prep work (i.e. dealing with the bank) a couple months sooner as that sh!t is always a hassle and takes twice as long as planned.

Plans for the garage are mainly so I can work on toys and build ****. It will be at the back corner of our lot so I doubt the wife will park her car there daily...which leaves lots of space!! Hopefully once I get the space to work completed, I'll actually finish the 40 that's sitting in storage, ha!

More pics and details comming soon!

 

[S4cruiser]

Design wise, the garage will be 24x32 (width x depth), one story with the garage door on the 24' gable end. Plans call for an 18x9 insulated garage door and one man door on the right side.

12' walls for a two post lift. I had originally wanted to go with Mohawk's System 1 lift but $8k is a bit much . Ended up choosing Bendpak's XPR-10-LP and very excited (included in price of garage)! Slab was poured 8" thick (i measured to be sure), rebar 2' on center and massive footings. It is actually over engineered for the space but figured "what the hell", right?

Roof will be a 6/12 pitch with the front 1/3 of the garage (above the garage door) will be attic trusses and the rest 2/3 are scissor trusses (to give it a vaulted feel). The lift will be placed in the back left corner, leaving the back right side of the garage as space for work benches, etc.

Vinyl siding exterior (nothing special) and entire garage will be insulated and sheetrocked. Will have a separate meter with 200amp breaker box. Right now, the plans call for 4 220/230 outlets and tons of regular 110s.

Compressor will likely go inside the garage on an elevated pedestal. Planning on this 2 stage compressor (included in price of garage) as I've read tons of good reviews and should have more than enough juice for anything I'd want to run air tool wise.

5 transom windows and 3 double hungs to let in natural light. I'll also be installing a couple wall / ceiling mounted fans and exhaust fan to keep things relatively cool and any smoke cleared out...

Couple pics of the space before we moved in and throughout the past 18 months. Also couple pics of the new slab that was done yesterday...4 concrete trucks and they DESTROYED my driveway!!

Not our boat...wasa neighbor's that was 'storing it' on the lot...

 

[S4cruiser]

There was a small lull after the slab was poured...but materials did get dropped off. (this is still in the past...not caught up yet to current day).

Hope to see much more progress soon!

Edit: I did split some wood. Two shagbark hickory trees!

We were greeted with some progress after being in DC for a Mercedes / German carshow over the weekend of May1st. I was hoping for more but I think the weather was not the best here on Thursday afternoon and Friday.

The walls are going to make this sucker very TALL...

More progress! Should be dried in by end of day tomorrow (May5th) or Wednesday...

 

[S4cruiser]

Steady progress forward (May 5th)...

 

[S4cruiser]

It is seeming bigger and TALLER than what I anticipated, but I'm sure the more I look at it the less shocking it will appear.

Next up on my list is lighting and outlet placement...

Lighting exterior - one light above the man door and one massive flood above the garage door (thinking FloodZilla style so it will light up a huge area).

Lighting interior: I'm planning to go with two bulb 4' T8 fixtures and thinking 18 fixtures should do it. That would give me ~100 lumens sq/ft assuming a balast that is 88% efficient and photometric efficiency of 75%. I looked at both LEDs and T5HO as options however the LEDs were slighty more total cost (purchase price and annual usage) at 10 years (this was also leveraging a low priced LED option - Costco plug-in version). The T5HO were slightly less 10 year total cost but I don't think my ceiling height is tall enough to gain the benefits of these versus the downside of glare. I used a resource from the Lighting forum to understand all this...

When it comes to outlets, I'll have 4 220s; one plug in the front left corner near the garage door for welding outside, one plug in the back wall centered, and then one hardwired for the compressor in the back left corner and finally one hard wired for the lift on the left wall. I considered adding a 5th plug for plasma cutter, etc but figured I'd likely not be welding and cutting at the same time in the back of the garage and I already have an extension cord for the welder that I can run from the front plug.

Regular plug outlets will just get spaced throughout the garage all at work bench height.

I ordered a variable speed shutter mount exhaust fan that will be installed in the rear gable for fume / exhaust control. The specs indicate it can turn over the entire garage air in ~5 minutes.

Also ordered an air king 24" oscillating ceiling mount fan that will be installed in a switched receptacle. Moves 5600 cfm so that should help keeping the air moving.

 

[S4cruiser]

May 13th...

Uncle was out of town for a few days for his daughter's graduation at Appalachain, but they have still managed to make some more progress.

Electrician is close to being finished roughing in the wiring, should be done today with inspection tomorrow. Framing inspection should also happen tomorrow...then house wrap, windows, siding and insulation can start.

Shingles going on today!

Vinyl siding is a pewter gray, white trim and cedar shake style in the gable (see pic below).

Should be fairly complete in a couple weeks depending on weather!

Ordered ceiling mount fan --> http://www.build.com/air-king-9374/s385440?uid=441391
Ordered flood light...hope the neighbors won't be pissed --> http://www.rabweb.com/product.php?product=FXH150XQT
Ordered exhaust fan (with variable speed wall switch) --> http://www.industrialfansdirect.com/LFI-S12-EVD.html
Purchased wall lighting as well (two for the garage door and one for man door) --> http://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-...ll-Lantern-HSP1691A/203273428?N=5yc1vZc7qqZp4

 

[S4cruiser]

Yesterday and today (May 17th) were very busy with lots to show!

I rented a walk behind skid steer (Toro Dingo) and graded the garage area. I ended up with lots of extra dirt...looks like I'll be paying someone to come and haul it away. Today the siding guys showed up at 7:45 and didn't leave until 7:00 tonight. They got tons done but won't be back until windows are installed...which have been ordered just not here yet (I hear they should be in on Tuesday).

 

[S4cruiser]

One of the features I wanted to eventually incorporate into my space was air lines run throughout and multiple outlets. I hadn't thought much about it yet and planned to just run it at a later date which would've meant something mounted directly to the sheetrock.

I did some reasearch the past couple days (May 17th) around 'inside the wall' mounted systems. After a bit of contemplating, I took the plunge installing the RapidAir system (http://www.rapidairproducts.com/rapidair.asp). The feedback on garagejournal was positive.

Nice thing is Northern Tool carries the kits and and most accessory pieces. A quick trip last night and I had what I needed to install everything. The system is pretty slick with each outlet including a condensation port / drain. The connectors use a similar design as the 'shark' type plimbing connectors.

I'll end up with five outlets; one at the compressor (for a hose reel), one center rear wall (for plasma cutter), one over workbench (for coiled / slinky air line), one on the left wall (near the lift post) and one just inside the garage door.

Install was fairly straightforward and fairly simple just time consuming drilling studs, pulling hose and putting up nail plates. There was also some work to get the plumbing just right near each outlet so everything will go together correctly after they hang sheetrock.

Here is what it will look like finished (not my pic)

 

[S4cruiser]

Windows and insulation installed! May 24th.

Siding should be completed tomorrow and drywall will get hung either tomorrow or Tuesday. Garage door later this week.

Next big hurdle will be getting the power company off their @ss and trench/lay conduit and wire.

 

[S4cruiser]

Almost all the sheetrock was hung today (May 26th)...I imagine they will be back tomorrow to finish hanging and start mud/taping. I don't envy those who finish sheetrock for a living. My finishing skills are way to amateur for how particular I am.

 

[S4cruiser]

Ok - all caught up!!

Current day...

Getting closer!!!

Sheetrock is done and finished/sanded. I painted the ceiling and around outlets last night...neck is sore and legs too (from climbing up and down scaffolding). I'm sure it was much easier than waiting till after the lights are installed.

Electrical should be trimmed out today and final inspection tomorrow/Thursday...then Duke has 10 days to trench/install the new service line. Garage door should also get installed today.

Ordered lift and compressor last night. I also plan on coating the flooring this weekend. I went with a densifier/stain protectant that will get burnished in. After it's complete, it should resemble the concrete flooring in the big box stores (i.e. Lowes, Home Depot, etc.). This also gives me the fredom to apply other coatings in the future (epoxy, clear sealer, acid stain, yada, yada, yada). Here is the product --> http://www.legacyindustrial.net/products/densifiers/hd40-concrete-stainguard.html

Pics!

 

[GDPossehl]

Looks good! Nice and tucked away in that corner.

You mentioned paying someone to haul away that dirt. Why wouldn't you just spread it out back there? Or you could keep some to amend for garden soil since you seem to be a gardener.

 

[rarebreed]

S4cruiser, this is exactly what I am looking to build. I would like to go 36' deep, but have to compromise on the cost to please the boss. Anyway, if you don't mind me asking, how much is the final cost to have this built?

From the comment about Appalachian it seems you are in the Carolinas?

 

[Movover]

Awesome build.. you will get real use to the height in there! One question, what was the reason for the loft in the front? I cant see how you would use it for storage at the moment or is it just for looks ?

 

[S4cruiser]

Looks good! Nice and tucked away in that corner.

You mentioned paying someone to haul away that dirt. Why wouldn't you just spread it out back there? Or you could keep some to amend for garden soil since you seem to be a gardener.

That was my first thought however there really isn't anywhere for it to go. I don't want to damage any of the trees either...should only cost a couple hundred bucs to have hauled off.

S4cruiser, this is exactly what I am looking to build. I would like to go 36' deep, but have to compromise on the cost to please the boss. Anyway, if you don't mind me asking, how much is the final cost to have this built?

From the comment about Appalachian it seems you are in the Carolinas?

Yeah, I'm in the Raleigh-Durham area. Total cost is which includes the lift and compressor. I paid for the lighting myself but the electrician will install. I also will handle paint and trim work (windows, doors, etc.). My uncle is the contractor and only charged my 10% over his cost.

Awesome build.. you will get real use to the height in there! One question, what was the reason for the loft in the front? I cant see how you would use it for storage at the moment or is it just for looks ?

I took the idea from a build on here (Xander's I think). The garage door needs somewhere to open flat so no need for vaulted in the entire garage. I'll end up using it for storage of items that I don't use much but don't want to discard.

 

[Gentle_Ben]

I love this project, and your yard. I would love to have a pool just like that.

 

[dubber]

Great build and awesome documentation during the process. You are right about that Lot, looks like a great spot to add the things you wanted. And fully fenced!

 

[zmotorsports]

Very nice looking setup.

Subscribed.

Mike.

 

[captain14]

Good build here.

Yes save the soil. You will need it later.

That was a question I had about the loft too.

Do the gable window open or are they fixed?

Can you place you general location in your information? It will help with getting your questions answered by someone who is familiar with your area.

 

[vr4joe]

Really nice build! This should come out great!

 

[bczygan]

Very nice build!

You can make that dirt gradually disappear on site. Get positive drainage around the garage.

 

[S4cruiser]

That was a question I had about the loft too.

Do the gable window open or are they fixed?
.

No it's fixed. The opening in the rear gable is for a shuttered exhaust fan. Figured I might as well take advantage of any/all storage space available. The less things stored against the wall of the garage the better!

 

[S4cruiser]

Get positive drainage around the garage.

Yeah, once the power company lays cable, I'm installing gutters tied into drains and french drain/slotted pipe around the entire building.

 

[GDPossehl]

Or perhaps gutters tied into a rain barrel/cistern with a drip hose into the garden rows? Then an overflow drain.

 

[Sunbimmer]

That is a really nice place you got there love the pool. Please show us what you're doing with the inside.

 

[RickP]

Great garage build - and you got it done pretty quickly considering the work you were doing yourself. I like how you ran the RapidAir system through the walls - that's how I'm running air from my garage to the basement. Once you get your compressor in, I'd be interested in what you think of the finished piping system - are there enough outlets and does it hold pressure overnight.

 

[S4cruiser]

Garage door was installed last night and ceiling lighting too! The pictures don't do the brightness justice...it's like daylight!!

 

[GDPossehl]

Impressive. I normally don't care for the look of fluorescent fixtures, but you made that look damn good!

Are you planning to pave the driveway or lay some more gravel down? I kinda like the gravel look you have going and it's better for ground water infiltration. It adds a bit of rustic charm. Oh... and cheaper too!

 

[S4cruiser]

Impressive. I normally don't care for the look of fluorescent fixtures, but you made that look damn good!

Are you planning to pave the driveway or lay some more gravel down? I kinda like the gravel look you have going and it's better for ground water infiltration. It adds a bit of rustic charm. Oh... and cheaper too!

Thanks!

Definitely going to top dress with more washed 57s. The concrete trucks destroyed the existing driveway...there were like 2-3' ruts. The concrete guys did a decent job smoothing it out.

 

[S4cruiser]

The pics don't show much for yesterday's progress but electrical work continued and we should be ready for final inspection Friday. I also found time last night to get paint on the walls (painted the ceiling Monday night) and plan to finish the corners with a brush tonight.

I also plan to run window/door trim and baseboards this weekend. Lift is scheduled to be installed on the 23rd. Coming together very nicely!


Exterior lights...my massive RAB flood light should be installed today.

Should have tons of room to expand electrically

 

[Gentle_Ben]

Garage door was installed last night and ceiling lighting too! The pictures don't do the brightness justice...it's like daylight!!

I know what you mean, my garage is bright enough to perform surgery in, but every time I take a picture my camera adjusts the lighting and makes it look darker.

Just looking at how they mounted your garage door opener, would you not have been better off going with a jackshaft opener like a liftmaster 8500 to avoid having your opener mounted past the lower ceiling like that?

 

[S4cruiser]

Just looking at how they mounted your garage door opener, would you not have been better off going with a jackshaft opener like a liftmaster 8500 to avoid having your opener mounted past the lower ceiling like that?

Uh...yes, and I'm having that discussion now with the installer. It may just be left as is for now and I'll redo it later with a jackshaft opener...it works fine, now just not ideal.

 

[HemiRamOn22s]

nice setup i would def. redo the opener as others have suggested. Since your panel is drywalled in i would of ran some spare circuits up into the attic so you could access them later.

 

[keperkey]

Nice build. What was your reasoning for going 24' wide instead of wider? I am thinking 26' or 28' wide for my 32' deep. I am also trying to figure out what to do about the roof. I would like to go 12/12 pitch to match the front gable of my house, but at 28' wide that makes the center peak very tall especially with 12 foot ceilings. I like your combination of storage trusses and vault. I intend to do the same.

 

[S4cruiser]

nice setup i would def. redo the opener as others have suggested. Since your panel is drywalled in i would of ran some spare circuits up into the attic so you could access them later.

The garage door is getting changed to a jackshaft opener. The installer was super cool with it and is doing it for no additional charge.

It would've been smart to run some extra circuits up there... Oh well it only sheetrock patching!

Nice build. What was your reasoning for going 24' wide instead of wider? I am thinking 26' or 28' wide for my 32' deep. I am also trying to figure out what to do about the roof. I would like to go 12/12 pitch to match the front gable of my house, but at 28' wide that makes the center peak very tall especially with 12 foot ceilings. I like your combination of storage trusses and vault. I intend to do the same.

Thanks - I chose the size mainly based on my space. I didn't want to lose any more trees...we cut down some for the pool and then two more for the garage. I probably could've done 26' wide but didn't really want to have the slab any closer to a big oak tree (it's currently 9-10' from the trunk) and wanted to keep the building 8' or so off our fence. Code here calls for 5' setback if the mean height of the room is 15 feet and 10' setback if higher. With the 6/12 pitch, it's exactly 15' mean height. Also our house as a very low pitch ~4/12 so we didn't want the garage to drawf the house .

 

[S4cruiser]

Busy couple of days! I got the windows, door and walls trimmed out Friday evening, caulked, filled nail holes and painted Saturday, then wrapped things up and started cleaning today. I ended up going two-tone on the walls. It took a good amount of extra prep time...but I'm very happy with how well the lines turn out!

Got the walls taped off this evening and plan to clean the floors real good tomorrow night. The garage door guys are actually out there now (late Sunday night) swapping out the chain opener to a jack shaft style motor.

I had to order special floor buffer 'burnishing' pads as HD doesn't carry them. Hopefully they'll be in mid week so I can finish the floor and start moving stuff in!

Final electrical inspection passed on Friday and should have power within 10 days! Final building inspection tomorrow! This all wrapped up quick.

 

[S4cruiser]

Garage door opener got switched out last night...much better now

 

[dubber]

/\ Nice work. You would have really regretted not doing it. Especially at the stage you are at.

 

[HemiRamOn22s]

you have made us all happy. haha nice work!

 

[Gentle_Ben]

Congrats on the liftmaster 8500, you will love it, especially if you add the internet control unit so you can use your phone to open the garage door.

This has got to be a record for fastest garage project from breaking ground to mostly completed structure.