New Garage considerations

[simonjb]

Hi,

I am just starting to design a new garage and need some help on things that I need to consider. I have the following list so far:

Lighting T8
Lift and concrete reinforcing
Heater
Floor paint - Epoxy
Built in VAC
Compressor
Work bench
Side rail door opener

What else should I consider? Thanks in advance.....

 

[Angelfire]

Any plans for plumbing/drains? Even if not, might be the best time to get these futures put into your slab when you pour. Also, heating, wifi, phone, cable, etc... might be worth considering as well. I've learned that running trusses instead of I-joists allows much easier routing of utilities, ductwork etc... overhead.

 

[brownbagg]

12 ft walls and 5 inches of concrete (4000) best two things in any garage

 

[cfaas416]

Plenty of outlets, don't stop placing them. When you think you have enough, add a couple more breakers, for later ;-)

 

[cfaas416]

And storage.......

 

[tomshep]

12 ft walls and 5 inches of concrete (4000) best two things in any garage

+1. I did the walls but my concrete man screwed up and it looks like I am going to need pads for my 2 post lift.

I would add plan all wiring and run plenty of conduit before pouring so you don't have to add later.

Tom

 

[grommit]

Simon,
Make sure that your 'people' door is a few inches higher than the surrounding ground so rain/weather doesn't seep in. Use long radius garage door tracks, this raises the open door (more head space under open door). Use scissor trusses, especially if your garage is one story high, this raises your ceiling height in the event you want a lift in the future (small money for the benefit). To conclude don't paint the floor. I've never seen a painted floor not chip and some are very slippery when wet. Hey, you asked! You also need a wall fan and two fire extinguishers

 

[NUTTSGT]

Stick build ? 2x6 walls and take advantage of insulation, it's an investment.

 

[Fastback]

If you live where it gets cold insulate under the slab and pull some runs of PEX (up on chairs to get them into the slab) That way down the road you can add a heat source, even if its just a simple solar collector or cheap water heater for those cold three months.

 

[akdiesel]

I suggest 14' ceilings. RV's and lofts will make this height so much nicer.
as for lifting the door up to stop rain from entering. This is not the best way to stop this. It will enter somewhere else. make sure your surrounding dirt work is slopped away. I don't think a french drain is necessary since most shops are concrete slabs and is higher the surrounding ground.
Angelfire said it correctly about installing plumbing prior to the pour for sinks and bathrooms.

 

[NES]

Go with 16' ceilings. This way you can have decent headroom in your loft. Think of the view to while looking down into your garage with all of your goodies. Also build 14' tall garage doors. In case you were to get a semi truck with cab stacks. Or a boat with a radar arch on it.

 

[Chart]

Instead of paint, consider staining the concrete. Looks great, and wears better.

Chain fall.

Cross ventilation, and exhaust ventilation for CO.

Windows for natural light for work benches or other special tasks.

Security system.

And of course, landscaping!! <that's a joke>

 

[zcar751]

What kind of shop/garage are you building. You have all different types of users on this site wood workers, metal heads, gear heads, show casers, pack rats, machinist, electronics, gamers, and probably some of those creepy guys too.
The area you live in can also make a difference. Not many people in Georgia poring heated pads. Some areas lend them self to alternative heating and cooling options as well.
All I"m saying is HELP US, HELP YOU!!!
There are plenty of us that will lead you down the rabbit hole. go ask Alice.

 

[Ajustable]

What kind of shop/garage are you building. You have all different types of users on this site wood workers, metal heads, gear heads, show casers, pack rats, machinist, electronics, gamers, and probably some of those creepy guys too.
The area you live in can also make a difference. Not many people in Georgia poring heated pads. Some areas lend them self to alternative heating and cooling options as well.
All I"m saying is HELP US, HELP YOU!!!
There are plenty of us that will lead you down the rabbit hole. go ask Alice.

LOL funny, Zcar, But a very good point.

 

[uscarry45]

simonjb,

What is the main use going to be for your garage? I would make some significant design decisions based on whether it was for automotive work, woodworking, metalworking, boat storage, or something else.

Some considerations
-Plenty of light either from fluorescent or windows / sky lights
-If you are planning on a lift you may want to run conduit to it prior to the location prior to the concrete
-Security is a necessary considearation as well
-BIG Electrical -- its much easier now then later
-I would consider plumbing as well, at least a sink or water of some sort, is very nice to have

GOOD LUCK

 

[Ray916MN]

Ventilation. Orientation. Snow removal. Snow and water handling off the roof. Storage (long term, seasonal. project).

 

[BikerDad]

Natural light, lots of it. Use skylights and windows, be sure to have the ability to cover the windows. If you're in hurricane territory, build the window covering solutions right in.

Flow through ventilation.

Little exterior "lean to" for compressor and/or dust collection. If it's really noisy, put it out there.

Floor. This depends soooo much on what you're going to do in the space.

Wide people door, possibly two. One front, one back/side depending on where and how it sits in relation to other elements of the property.

Plumbed for water and sewage. At a minimum, you'll want to have a sink in there. Having a bathroom is a mongo bonus.

Power. As much as you can get. Put in at least a 100amp panel.