Here we go! Input needed!

[500knots]

Getting quotes for a contractor built garage. I will do interior electric, insulation and have drywall done after I finish the rest.

What I need from ALL of you guys is suggestions on things:
- Best things you DID when you built your garage
- Things you WISH you would have done if you could do it again

I'm all ears and want to be prepared and have my ducks-in-a-row BEFORE we start construction etc.

My plan is to keep a log as I go with pics on here so you all can keep me strait!
Thanks in advance!

 

[LennyTheLizard]

Build it bigger!

 

[Oldbear]

Figure out what I needed for plugs, lights, etc - and then add more. Plan ahead for fireplaces and ventilation.

 

[71virgil]

Not get in a hurry to do 1 thing and "worry about it later".
I didn't plan to insulate my shed, I've wired it twice. My workbench is 20 some feet long...I've built it twice. I think building a house would be easier than a garage or shed.

 

[Al Bundy]

No question, build it ******. Decide how big is plenty of room for you then double it. Or just do like I did and figure out what a good size is and realize two years later it's only half of what I could use.

 

[ConCretin]

Not trying to bust your chops because I always enjoy them but there have been a bunch of these threads with lots of good ideas - might want to search for em.

 

[500knots]

Thanks for the input!!

I have basically narrowed it down to around a 26X40. I WANT much bigger, but my limitless dreams are $$$ limited.

Question: can I rough the plumbing and cap it off to run water and septic later ... and it still pass code? Generally (I know code is different in other areas (Im in N.MS) Will they allow that?

 

[budss396]

I would consider a Gambrel roof instead of a shed in the back and 3 dormers in the front

 

[lessersivad]

- "Best things you DID when you built your garage"

Had it built with enough heighth for a lift

- "Things you WISH you would have done if you could do it again"

Installed an insulated garage door.

 

[the_saint]

Build it bigger!

Build it bigger!

I am going through the building process right now, and the following are my thoughts.

Build it bigger.

Figure out where the electrical panel will be located (if you have one in the garage). The location of my panel (dictacted by the city) is not where I expected and it is where I was expecting to put some cabinets.

What direction will it face? will the pad in front of the garage get sun? to help with drying up rain, or melting snow?

Do you want drains?
Are you adding a lift? Make sure the lift area is not sloped, or will impact where you can place a lift.

How tall is the ceiling? Mine are 12' but I would have made them 12' 6" to accommodate more options.

Good luck.

I am already planning my detached garage, and hoping to plan it properly!

 

[Daddy454]

Best thing I DID-had someone else build it for me.
Best thing I WISH I did-what else........made it bigger.