New guy form Houston, Small Guitar Shop looking for help

[Fanatic1]

Hi all, new guy from Houston, Tx
I'm having troubles trying to share my Guitar Shop with wife's minivan, and some basic stuff.
I have a 20x20 garage, and the half of this small garage is mine.

What would you do to take advantage of every single space available?

This is the way i want my workbench and my desk for podcast, and video guitar lessons.
I,m remodeling, sorry for the mess, i would like to have a nice and clean OCD kind garage.

Thanks a lot for your help!.

 

[gungatim]

gee, got any more photo's?

just kidding...

If it were me, I would build a small shed and get rid of seasonal stuff, yard work stuff, kids stuff, etc.

then utilize those walls with shelving and cabinets...get stuff up off the floor wherever possible.

 

[Justind97]

First off for me, outside parking.

We moved so I could have the garage. No car will be in there any time soon.

shelves, upper cabinets and perhaps a Steevo workbench.

 

[Fanatic1]

gee, got any more photo's?

just kidding...

If it were me, I would build a small shed and get rid of seasonal stuff, yard work stuff, kids stuff, etc.

then utilize those walls with shelving and cabinets...get stuff up off the floor wherever possible.

I'm sorry for all this pics, I will edit my post.
That sounds excellent!
Thanks for your advice gungatim.

 

[Fanatic1]

First off for me, outside parking.

We moved so I could have the garage. No car will be in there any time soon.

shelves, upper cabinets and perhaps a Steevo workbench.

Wife doesn't want to park outside, too hot, too cold, it's raining, we have a 16 months old baby and well.
I'm searching about steevo workbench.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[BassProCamaro97]

Evict the van!

Cool to see another guitar builder lurking around this forum. I utilize pegboard for most of my overhead stuff like straight edges, scale rules etc.. Basic tool box should cover the rest of the fretting and assembly tools.

If you're anything like me the raw lumber storage will become your biggest burden. For that I suggest a wall mounted lumber rack.

 

[Falcon67]

It's Houston - there's no zoning, build a guitar factory in the back yard.

 

[Kaizen]

what the heck are shirts doing in the garage? clean as best you can. get an outdoor Rubbermaid trash can thing and stick kids toys in there.
hang what you can flat on the left wall. van parks as close to it as possible so can open door no problem. sell it that its closer to the door on that side. with the remaining right wall measure it out allowing door opening space and there you have 20 feet of wall space to store stuff

 

[PCMusicGuy]

It's Houston - there's no zoning, build a guitar factory in the back yard.

No zoning, but stupid HOAs everywhere that prohibit anything fun.

To the OP, I would echo the statements about getting all the lawn/kid stuff out of there. A shed is a possible solution as long as it is allowed in your neighborhood. Shelves/cabinents and some sort of workbench/storagewould be a good start. Where in the Houston area are you?

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yep, get stuff off the ground so you can move around... Cabinets would probably be best so things can stay out of sight and keep a cleaner look. A long work bench along the side would also probably help you out a ton, with some under-cabinet lights to help see what you are doing.

If you don't want to pay new prices, check craigslist, recycle stores, etc... Measure your space so you know what to look for.

I would also think about one of those Suncast sheds or something in your backyard to put all the kid toys and / or lawn equipment.

 

[padroo]

I think someone else mentioned an outbuilding, if you could swing one and you would be surprised
What can be delivered. You could insulate and heat it and that way it wouldn't have to do double duty like you garage and your hobby business. You could write the building off on taxes if you are running a real business.

 

[Duker]

First, welcome to the GJ from another Houstonian! As mentioned above anything you can move to storage outside of the garage the better. If not, then I would build tall 12-15" deep cabinets along the wall closest to where the van parks to get all the garden tools and kids stuff out of the way. A Steevo style bench is a great way to get storage and a deep enough work top. Upper cabinets could hold tools and supplies. On the long wall with more room make a mobile base table saw, router table etc so that they can be stored against the wall when the van is parked but pulled out when the van is moved to be able to use the whole floor. There are a lot of guys here like Jack Olsen who have made great use of small spaces. Check out the other build threads for ideas and inspiration.

*

 

[astrohip]

Not much to add, you're getting lots of feedback/advice. Just wanted to say hi from another Houstonian. Live near Rice U, but spend most of my time in Brenham.

Welcome!

 

[Fanatic1]

No zoning, but stupid HOAs everywhere that prohibit anything fun.

To the OP, I would echo the statements about getting all the lawn/kid stuff out of there. A shed is a possible solution as long as it is allowed in your neighborhood. Shelves/cabinents and some sort of workbench/storagewould be a good start. Where in the Houston area are you?

Hey PCMusicGuy, i'm in I-10 and barker Cypress, what about you?

I will get lawn/kid stuff out. Shelves and cabinets for sure, I don't want to spend much money on it, but I will find a way.

 

[Fanatic1]

Evict the van!

Cool to see another guitar builder lurking around this forum. I utilize pegboard for most of my overhead stuff like straight edges, scale rules etc.. Basic tool box should cover the rest of the fretting and assembly tools.

If you're anything like me the raw lumber storage will become your biggest burden. For that I suggest a wall mounted lumber rack.

Evict the van is winning! I will need to have a long an serious conversation with my wife.

Do you have a pic of your tools and pegboard?

 

[Mickey O]

Get an invisible fence, install it around the perimeter of the garage and give the collar to your wife, tell her it's the latest in hip jewellery, problem solved.

 

[Fanatic1]

First, welcome to the GJ from another Houstonian! As mentioned above anything you can move to storage outside of the garage the better. If not, then I would build tall 12-15" deep cabinets along the wall closest to where the van parks to get all the garden tools and kids stuff out of the way. A Steevo style bench is a great way to get storage and a deep enough work top. Upper cabinets could hold tools and supplies. On the long wall with more room make a mobile base table saw, router table etc so that they can be stored against the wall when the van is parked but pulled out when the van is moved to be able to use the whole floor. There are a lot of guys here like Jack Olsen who have made great use of small spaces. Check out the other build threads for ideas and inspiration.

*

Thanks Duker, sounds awesome!
I will work on mobile tables.

 

[Fanatic1]

Not much to add, you're getting lots of feedback/advice. Just wanted to say hi from another Houstonian. Live near Rice U, but spend most of my time in Brenham.

Welcome!

Thanks astroship!

 

[Falcon67]

No zoning, but stupid HOAs everywhere that prohibit anything fun.

Yep, was in one when we lived in Spring. Ours was decently unpretentious, thankfully.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Hey PCMusicGuy, i'm in I-10 and barker Cypress, what about you?

I will get lawn/kid stuff out. Shelves and cabinets for sure, I don't want to spend much money on it, but I will find a way.

I'm out in the Tomball area. If you are looking for cheaper deals on cabinets and shelves, we have a Restore (Habitat for Humanity) store on Grant Rd @ Jones Rd. They usually have a pretty good selection of that sort of things with good prices.

 

[crewchief888]

menards seems to have some decent sale prices on unfinished cabinets.

might be worth a look.

the restore stores around here are hit and miss, one isnt too bad, the other i dont even waste my time stopping in.

 

[astrohip]

menards seems to have some decent sale prices on unfinished cabinets.

might be worth a look.

the restore stores around here are hit and miss, one isnt too bad, the other i dont even waste my time stopping in.

Menard's is a Midwest chain. They aren't in Texas.

Best way to get cabinets cheap: Go by the big cabinet suppliers to builders. They always have extra cabinets. Leftovers from jobs, cancelled orders, mistakes, etc. If they're motivated, you can often find unused, unopened cabinets for $25-$50/each, that sell for 2-5 times that much.

Best tactic is a drop-in. They rarely keep track of what they have, so don't call. Just drop in, ask to see them, pick what you want, make an offer. Come ready with the sizes you want, and take them right then & there. They may not be there next week, plus they don't want to waste time on a lookie-loo.

Try the biggies: Factory Builder Store, Gulf Basco, Builders Choice Cabinets, Wisenbaker.

 

[MikeF2316]

You might get an idea or two for storage in this thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39367

 

[Fanatic1]

Thanks a lot for your answers, i got a shelf for free, it feels great to see a lot of space in my work area, shelf is kind of bent and is missing a lateral support bar but i will get the screws and everything.

Right now i'm on Dave Ramsey's baby step 1, and that means i can't spend a dime, until i got my emergency fund and pay my debts, if somebody has anything extra getting dust, well let me know.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Thanks a lot for your answers, i got a shelf for free, it feels great to see a lot of space in my work area, shelf is kind of bent and is missing a lateral support bar but i will get the screws and everything.

Right now i'm on Dave Ramsey's baby step 1, and that means i can't spend a dime, until i got my emergency fund and pay my debts, if somebody has anything extra getting dust, well let me know.

Watch the "Free" section of craiglist and also any local FB groups for your subdivision or area... You would be amazed what comes up for free...

 

[crewchief888]

Thanks a lot for your answers, i got a shelf for free, it feels great to see a lot of space in my work area, shelf is kind of bent and is missing a lateral support bar but i will get the screws and everything.

Right now i'm on Dave Ramsey's baby step 1, and that means i can't spend a dime, until i got my emergency fund and pay my debts, if somebody has anything extra getting dust, well let me know.

everything i use for storage in the garage and basement has been recycled.

shelving, workbench, shelf supports, ackro bins, cabinets, hooks, were leftover from previous storage/decorating, or picked up from dumpster diving.

 

[Fanatic1]

everything i use for storage in the garage and basement has been recycled.

shelving, workbench, shelf supports, ackro bins, cabinets, hooks, were leftover from previous storage/decorating, or picked up from dumpster diving.

You are absolutely right crewchief888, I took a ride yesterday at my neighborhood and I found a couple of wood, an a piece of R-13 insulation, and I saved my workbench from the dumpster, I added mdf and works great.

 

[crewchief888]

i'm always on the lookout for stuff i can use.

never know what you'll find sometimes...

a few years ago, we retired an old service van at work. by the time we got the shelving and cabinets out of it, it was all pretty much useless, mangled scrap.
corporate service manager picked through it, and took what they wanted to reuse, and told me to scrap the rest.
at the same time we were stripping storage bins and drawers out of 2 old service trucks, setting up 2 new service trucks

some of the drawers and cabinets went into the 2 new trucks

a lot of it ended up in my garage....

 

[My Old Tools]

My advice, get out of Houston. Move some place civilized where it doesn't rain 16" in a day. My wife was raised in Pasadena. Should would divorce me before moving back down there.

 

[SteveCh]

Houston.....guitars.....wood....gonna be air-conditioned or a miserable thing out there in that garage.

 

[Fanatic1]

My advice, get out of Houston. Move some place civilized where it doesn't rain 16" in a day. My wife was raised in Pasadena. Should would divorce me before moving back down there.

This is the best advice

 

[Fanatic1]

Houston.....guitars.....wood....gonna be air-conditioned or a miserable thing out there in that garage.

I'm planning to add a minisplit heath inside is like 125 at least.

 

[Fanatic1]

Houston i have a problem here!
Behind garage wall is a master closet and then master bedroom, and upstairs is my 6 years old and my 22 months girl room.

I start working around 8 pm every day, i tried a jigsaw, cutting pine, and wife was hey! we can hear you inside! like a construction noise!
I tried at 6:30 am and is the same

When i'm working with guitars is not a problem

But then with tools at night.

I guess i'm just going to able to work saturday and sunday.
What do you do guys?

 

[gipraw]

My solution wouldn't help you right now. Detached garage and off site shop.

Move to the other end of the garage maybe, away from the common wall when you need to cut or pound something.


I am in Cypress, @ 290 and Fry ..

 

[Fanatic1]

I made some progress, fresh paint for my work area, and some drawers.

Not buying anything just using what i had in hand.
Since my colors are black blue and white, that's what i will try.

 

[Fanatic1]

Pegboard attached

A small shelf for my Ipad, tuner, soldier gun.

How do you organize your tools? i don't want to have all my tools in front.

I added two magnet bars and a power with 12 outlets.

 

[Mike.VA]

One of the best advice points I was given by a seasoned vet on the GJ was to put as many things on wheels as possible.
This will allow you to re-convert the floor area into a 100% working shop area, very easily and quickly.
Then, when the wife needs to bring in her car, you just roll the stuff (work bench, tool crib, and so on) back against the walls.
Your peg board and shelving is looking good.

 

[gipraw]

Nice progress. It is looking good.