Jkaz Garage

[Jkaz]

Just bought a new house and got this awesome garage. The guy who owned the house before had a limo repair business so this garage is rather large at 18' 5.5" x 23' 4" for the workshop alone. The garage has a total of 3 stalls. 2 in a separate main bay, and 1 in a workshop bay. It has a 100amp box, heated and insulated, fully lit with about 12 fluorescent fixtures. It is quite impressive as is but I definitely have plans to improve and modernize. My first project will be to get this baby sheetrocked and painted then reinstall fixtures to improve aesthetics. After that I would like to put in the floor and set up the rest of the space with the regular fillings (cabinets, toolchest, etc.). I'm a first time homeowner and I don't have a lot of experience so any tips along the way are always welcome! Thanks for checking it out!

Here are some before pics! I will post as progress is made!

Single Bay View1

Single Bay View2

Single Bay View3

 

[info2x]

Looks good!

 

[Coyote Red]

Man, I don't know if I would switch out drywall for what appears to be very nice plywood. No real experience, but I would think you could find a nice light finish (semi transparent stain perhaps), and it would look great.

 

[Thruxton]

I would put the sheetrock over the plywood (it's what I have done in my shop)- you get rock's good appearance, plus more durability, and for lightweight items you can screw right through the rock into the plywood.

 

[gumbudah]

Hehe thats the endpoint for many people!!! Some whit paint would brighten it up bigtime! I agree, with thrux, put drywall over the plywood. I think thats the best solution out there for a residential garage.

 

[Wingnut65]

Welcome to GJ, Jkaz. First post is a build thread. Awesome!

I agree with the others, a coat of paint is all that place really needs to get it going. If you want drywall, put it over the plywood and you will never need plastic wall anchors.

Drywall would be a lot of work and money that can be spent elsewhere. Also, with all the cabinets, benches and other items, the wall material isn't even noticed. Some are just painting OSB sheets on their walls. Have you noticed what the wall material is on other shops with a stripe down the wall? Just a thought...

Good Luck on your build!

 

[NUTTSGT]

It looks like you have a nice start to a great garage, congrats on the purchase. I'd be very happy with that place as a first garage.

You'll soon notice the on going debate in this place over wall coverings....drywall/metal siding/OSB/plywood, it can get heated at times. If that was my garage, I'd paint the walls and be done with them. If you drywall, you may notice some cracking if you don't heat the space during the winter.


Keep us posted my friend.

 

[iatros]

Those walls will look great with just a coat of paint! Save your money for the other projects you've listed.

Being in MN, maybe some sort of heating/insulation? (I've heard that's an issue with you Northerners... definitely don't need that being in FL )

Congrats on the new purchase, it's a great first garage. So much incredible potential. Look at the other builds on this website, you will get a ton of inspiration and come up with your own flavor.

 

[Apdl]

That is huge for mpls!
I have a tight two car and I am getting power to it today
so jelly

 

[Tom Fuehrer]

Jkaz - welcome from another Minnesotan. Great garage space you have there.

Looks like South Minneapolis, correct? I'm a Roosevelt High Grad.

Tom

 

[Jkaz]

Awesome input guys, I really appreciate it!

For me, I guess I want a cleaner look (my ocd habits) in the garage and I can get some 1/4" drywall for pretty cheap so it really wouldn't cost that much. I have plenty of time and friends to help so the effort isn't going to bother me either. I just wonder with the temp. changes if I would have a lot of cracking or if it would be negligible, don't want to constantly be mudding and painting. Will do some research on this.

While I do agree there is nothing wrong with plywood and painting it, I would rather not have wood walls, just a preference thing I guess.

The workshop portion IS heated and insulated (the previous owner was smart).

 

[Maulerman]

Just a question. What is in the enclosed space in the corner? A bathroom?

 

[Jkaz]

Just a question. What is in the enclosed space in the corner? A bathroom?

The wall has the circuit box on one side and it used to be a workspace with a table across the length of the space. I took the table out and put a junk bar there. It won't stay that way, I don't plan on keeping that bar as is. The actual wall with the box on it is pretty flimsy, it wasn't attached to the ceiling so I may end up re-building that part. The bar weighs a ton and I didn't want to move it for the picture lol.

 

[LoanRebel]

cool start to a garage that has tons of potential... congrats & good luck

 

[Wingnut65]

One suggestion with the drywall over the plywood... offset the joints of the drywall and the plywood. That will basically give a plywood backing to span the joints in the drywall. Not sure if some liquid nails on the back would help to reduce any cracking in the joints.

I just went back and looked more closely... Man, you have a couple outlets in there! That is impressive.

 

[Jkaz]

One suggestion with the drywall over the plywood... offset the joints of the drywall and the plywood. That will basically give a plywood backing to span the joints in the drywall. Not sure if some liquid nails on the back would help to reduce any cracking in the joints.

I just went back and looked more closely... Man, you have a couple outlets in there! That is impressive.

Thanks for the tip, I will be sure to do that! There ARE quite a few outlets, 23 to be exact. Each wall including the ceiling has a separate spot on the circuit board. I am replacing the outlets as well, to switch colors as well as learn some basics about DIY. I hope to have some pics after this weekend, should have most of the drywall up and taped/plastered.

 

[Nighttrain]

Jkaz welcome to GJ, I agree the sheet rock will look great. You have a very nice garage and looks like most of the big work is done for you (electrical, insulation etc). Keep us posted!

 

[dittle fart around]

How cool to have a dirty and clean bay. I'm with most here that drywall is overkill, but then I probably wouldn't paint it either. Great garage, who cares what the house looks like I'd spend my time in the garage.

 

[rickairmedic]

That is an awesome space for a first garage I wish mine was that big . I will agree with others I wouldnt bother with drywall just paint the plywood semi gloss or gloss white and be done with it .


Rick

 

[tinbender 66]

You're a lucky guy to score a garage like that on your first house! My first house I had to fold the mirrors in on my truck just to get it through the door. I see TONS of potential there.

 

[Jkaz]

How cool to have a dirty and clean bay. I'm with most here that drywall is overkill, but then I probably wouldn't paint it either. Great garage, who cares what the house looks like I'd spend my time in the garage.

Yeah, the extra bay is a nice addition for sure. There is also drop down stairs for attic storage!

That is an awesome space for a first garage I wish mine was that big . I will agree with others I wouldnt bother with drywall just paint the plywood semi gloss or gloss white and be done with it.

Rick

Thanks, I honestly want a more clean feel though. Plywood just doesnt do it for me. Haha!

You're a lucky guy to score a garage like that on your first house! My first house I had to fold the mirrors in on my truck just to get it through the door. I see TONS of potential there.

Totally! The best part was that the wife picked the house out, I just kept looking behind towards the alley during the showing thinking "I know where I'll be living!"

 

[magnusk750]

Sheetrock is fragile, if you dont like the looks of the plywood, have it mudded, perhaps even two times, and painted. With not very big efforts you can have it shine and still be much sturdier than sheetrock.

 

[Jkaz]

So it's been a while since I updated! Here are some pix! Enjoy! Rented a lift to do the ceiling, got all the sheets up in a single day. Finish plugging some screws in, tape and mud, then on to paint!

Replacing the outlets I ran into an issue when I hooked them up, maybe someone can help me. I have these three switches. The far left controls all the outlets on the ceiling which had fluorescent fixtures plugged in, the middle controls 2 light fixtures and the far right controls the outside light as well as a shed light for a different part of the garage.

That being said, here is the wiring, I had to buy a 3-way switch but I'm not sure it's hooked up right because I can't get the switch to activate power to all the ceiling outlets and turn the fluorescent lights on. The 2 fixture switch (middle switch) won't work either. The only one that turns on is the far right. Is it possible I bought the wrong switch type? The switch that I replaced was an older switch that had a different layout, so it is quite possible that I just have a wire misplaced.

Other notes:

Not sure if anyone recommends something to put near the space heater to act as a ceiling. Something that obviously can withstand heat (concrete board?)

I will be putting trim on the top portion to cover the drywall gap.

More pix when I get it painted! Then hopefully epoxy coat this winter/spring!

-Jkaz

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

I am with you, the drywall is the way to go, and is killer with the "extra bonus" of plywood under there. Man, just think.... EVERYWHERE you want to mount something, you will hit solid wood!

For the heater, I am pretty sure they make a special board for wood stoves that should work.

 

[Jkaz]

I am with you, the drywall is the way to go, and is killer with the "extra bonus" of plywood under there. Man, just think.... EVERYWHERE you want to mount something, you will hit solid wood!

For the heater, I am pretty sure they make a special board for wood stoves that should work.

For sure, I agree. It really wasn't too much work. Plus when I finish, it will have a nice clean look. I will have to check into the board.

 

[scarsia]

nice garage...

 

[DaleJR88Fan]

Nice score on the first time garage. Did you ever figure out your three-way switch problem?

 

[Jkaz]

Nice score on the first time garage. Did you ever figure out your three-way switch problem?

Yeah, I did. The switches were all linked together therefore I had to put the outlets back in the correct order, each outlet was reliant on the previous in the chain in order to receive power. Don't know what the term is for that but then again I'm not an electrician either.

 

[Jkaz]

UPDATE TIME!

So.. I should have the walls and ceiling fully primed by the end of this week! Not sure what finished color I'm going to end up going with. Next step is to have the epoxy put in. Will put in the next update when that is finished!

Going through the drywall process has been very tedious.. nevertheless rewarding. If you have the patience and capital it will ultimately add value. I was more concerned with aesthetics and I can say I am not disappointed so far. Not sure if I want solid or spackled walls yet. There are some slight imperfections but I am by no means a perfectionist. Also as a few of you have mentioned I will have mounts and shelving all over the place so it won't really matter. Let me know what you guys think. I have yet to figure out a final layout for my wood-working, tools, etc. I am also planning on putting a bar in!

 

[Jkaz]

Probably the last shot before the floor gets put in. Finished priming and put some of the lights back up. Trim and additional painting next.

 

[Swanson]

Yeah, I did. The switches were all linked together therefore I had to put the outlets back in the correct order, each outlet was reliant on the previous in the chain in order to receive power. Don't know what the term is for that but then again I'm not an electrician either.

Fairly certain that's called daisy chaining.

 

[gregburt]

Nice work on the drywall, definately improved the look, not to mention it does give you somewhat of a better fire rating than the plywood. In my part of the country, they would have required 5/8" minimum on areas connected to a living space. Several members of the forum have had fire issues in the past, so this "rare" event should not be overlooked. I would suggest putting most things on casters so you can rearrange whenever you like.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Looks great! I am going through a similar garage drywall situation. It is dusty hard work, but in the end it will look great!

For paint you might consider a darker color on the bottom to conceal dirt, and use semi-gloss to make clean-up easier.

This is what I am doing.

Builder's grade off white on top, and a custom color to match my tile down below. Then I will black stripe it inbetween.

What are you doing to your floors?

Jim

 

[dare23]

Drywall looks great, brighten up the place. Will look even better painted. You hav all the extra space to the side so awesome. Lots of room for a nice bench and tool box. Bonus being heated!

 

[Jkaz]

Fairly certain that's called daisy chaining.

Thats what I thought! Thanks!

Nice work on the drywall, definately improved the look, not to mention it does give you somewhat of a better fire rating than the plywood. In my part of the country, they would have required 5/8" minimum on areas connected to a living space. Several members of the forum have had fire issues in the past, so this "rare" event should not be overlooked. I would suggest putting most things on casters so you can rearrange whenever you like.

Yeah that is what I planned, I like the versatility. Something to be said about being able to move things and re-arrange things to your liking.

Looks great! I am going through a similar garage drywall situation. It is dusty hard work, but in the end it will look great!

For paint you might consider a darker color on the bottom to conceal dirt, and use semi-gloss to make clean-up easier.

This is what I am doing.

Builder's grade off white on top, and a custom color to match my tile down below. Then I will black stripe it inbetween.

What are you doing to your floors?

Jim

I'm actually going with this product most likely:
http://rocksolid.corecommerce.com/Pro-Series/ROCKSOLID-Full-Chip-Add-on-Kit-TAN.html
I will most likely go with a multiple colored wall as you stated, it is a good idea and I've seen a lot of setups with that scheme. I like what you've got going on there, great work! What made you decide on going with tile? How easy was/is the instal?

Drywall looks great, brighten up the place. Will look even better painted. You hav all the extra space to the side so awesome. Lots of room for a nice bench and tool box. Bonus being heated!

Definitely! Couldn't have asked for anything more!

 

[Wingnut65]

That is a world of difference from when you bought the place. Congrats on all your hard work. It really shows.

For the paint, consider the two color option that many have done. I didn't want to paint the whole place and have it in the back of my mind that I should have 2 tone paint. Not disappointed that I am going that way either.

I didn't see when you plan on hitting the floor, but check the instructions regarding slab temperatures that they require for their product to set correctly. Just a thought. If it's too cold, start on the bar instead.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I'm actually going with this product most likely:
http://rocksolid.corecommerce.com/Pro-Series/ROCKSOLID-Full-Chip-Add-on-Kit-TAN.html
I will most likely go with a multiple colored wall as you stated, it is a good idea and I've seen a lot of setups with that scheme. I like what you've got going on there, great work! What made you decide on going with tile? How easy was/is the instal?

Thanks!

I went with VCT for a couple of reasons. They are cheap, I have about $200 in my 20X20 floor. They are very easy to install, even alone, and you can walk on them right away. They look good with just a mopping, and replace easily if damaged.

The down sides are they are not as tough as bare concrete or epoxy, and if you install poorly they may come up with agressive tires being turned on a stationary car.

For me they are perfect. I use my garage for a studio when filming, and I also use it for motorcycle maintenance. They will look good, hold up under use, and be easy to clean with minimal staining.

If you plan heavy work, other solutions are probably better.

Jim

 

[takeiteasy]

I didn't see when you plan on hitting the floor, but check the instructions regarding slab temperatures that they require for their product to set correctly. Just a thought. If it's too cold, start on the bar instead.

Ditto on this. I epoxied my floor half at a time and one was too cold and it has no shine and the epoxy went on too think and I had to rescue the last drops with a kitchen spatula to get enough coverage.

 

[Jkaz]

Well I definitely have a plan for the wall. I am going with a Dark Grey/Red Stripe/White Wall Pattern. Something like this:

I based my decision off of XcYZ's thread.. it will be a mini version of his! Haha!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45022

I am having the floor professionally installed.

 

[dittle fart around]

UPDATE TIME!

Nice cat