How do you guys do it?

[brian lee]

i havent read thru the all the posts, but i put plywood in my attic at my old house. when we had one built 2 years ago it has 2 2car garages i had the builder plywood the attic above one of the garages. all kinds of storage when you do this


sent thru smoke signals directly out the top of my teepee!!!

 

[RickP]

For kayaks and other toys, you can hang them from the ceiling. Harken Hoister is a great system that makes it easy to lift heavy stuff safely.

 

[scarpozzi]

I second the yard building. I actually have a rule about keeping gasoline and other combustibles in the garage as well. So I keep my lawn equipment outside unless I'm working on it.

As for garage storage, it's important design the proper lighting and try to maximize overhead storage where possible. If you can hang kayaks from the ceiling or bikes on the wall, it will really open up floor space. Recycled kitchen cabinets work great for storage.

 

[911mike]

First try extending the back of the garage. Cheapest way to go.
Next would be increasing the trust load and you can buy garage lift that are fairly cheap. I have a friend with a 4 x 6 and I think he paid under 2 grand.

The rest is common sense stuff like shelving or racking.

Good luck

 

[Krodad]

Have you considered a room under the garage? Actually not a big deal, and you will be excavating anyway for the footings. If the site works out right, it can be a walk out and you can have double steel doors down there or a roll-up door and that can be your solution for the space...lawn mowers, snowmobiles, etc. can go down there if you like.

You can do this with steel pans and pour the garage slab, or go with one of a few insulated form versions for the concrete deck.