Holeshot
Active member
Howdy, fellow garage dwellers...newbie here, be kind. 
I've been conspiring to build a 32' x 40' attached garage to our house (24' x 51' modular built ranch). Since we have no garage at all right now, I'm trying to create shelter for the daily drivers and then also have some extra room for turning wrenches and welding.
I'm new to designing/building/planning structures, but I've learned a thing or two so far that I'd like to share or vent about for a spell.
1) Use Google SketchUp to make a 3D rendering of your existing property and then add your shop/garage. This program is free to download (not just a crappy demo version) and really easy to learn. I highly recommend it.
2) Always get more than one quote on things. It goes without saying, but I was floored by what the 1st contractor to bid on the project provided for numbers.
3) Try to make the best workspace and/or storage area that you can with available finances and other resources. Not many people go into a project like this with a nonchalant attitude and endless resources, but I've been amazed at what you can do with a little Yankee windage or other such innovative thought.
4) Concrete is expensive ($85/yd³ wholesale, $100/yd³ retail). You're looking at roughly $27/ linear ft for 3'9" x 8" thick frost walls/footings. 4" thick floors will run you $2.75/ft².
5) Plan in advance for future additions. What I need now might not be what I need in 5 years. Plan for sinks, urinals, hydronic heat, etc. - BEFORE the concrete is poured. Again - that goes without saying - but if you bite the bullet upfront it'll all be good down the road.
This forum is great - I only wish I had time to dive into it more.
Beers,
Matt
I've been conspiring to build a 32' x 40' attached garage to our house (24' x 51' modular built ranch). Since we have no garage at all right now, I'm trying to create shelter for the daily drivers and then also have some extra room for turning wrenches and welding.
I'm new to designing/building/planning structures, but I've learned a thing or two so far that I'd like to share or vent about for a spell.
1) Use Google SketchUp to make a 3D rendering of your existing property and then add your shop/garage. This program is free to download (not just a crappy demo version) and really easy to learn. I highly recommend it.
2) Always get more than one quote on things. It goes without saying, but I was floored by what the 1st contractor to bid on the project provided for numbers.
3) Try to make the best workspace and/or storage area that you can with available finances and other resources. Not many people go into a project like this with a nonchalant attitude and endless resources, but I've been amazed at what you can do with a little Yankee windage or other such innovative thought.
4) Concrete is expensive ($85/yd³ wholesale, $100/yd³ retail). You're looking at roughly $27/ linear ft for 3'9" x 8" thick frost walls/footings. 4" thick floors will run you $2.75/ft².
5) Plan in advance for future additions. What I need now might not be what I need in 5 years. Plan for sinks, urinals, hydronic heat, etc. - BEFORE the concrete is poured. Again - that goes without saying - but if you bite the bullet upfront it'll all be good down the road.
This forum is great - I only wish I had time to dive into it more.
Beers,
Matt