Old Garage Conversion

[DaveinMaine]

Hi, I've got an old one car garage that I'm going to convert into a gym/office/shed. About three years ago the previous owners jacked it up and re-built the frame, they also put on a steel roof. So those elements are solid.

But it has an old, very uneven asphalt floor. My plan is to install new flooring on top of cross beams that I'll attach to the floor framework just above the existing asphalt. Then remove the old aluminum garage door and rails, thought I'd re-use them as a rolling barn door over the existing bay entrance.

Then I'll build a wall that creates the shed in the front, and that will use a third of the interior space. Afterwards I'll convert the remaining space into the gym/office. That will involve sheet rock, a new door, and expansion of the existing electrical wiring.

Is this the right place for advice as I move forward? Thanks for taking the time to read this, and for any advice.

 

[Pathfinders]

Guess I will be the first to say it. You will not find much help for converting a garage here. This is a garage site. Best of luck.

 

[mmb617]

I think you'll be able to find help here. Construction techniques don't vary much based on the eventual use of the structure.

 

[DaveinMaine]

I think you'll be able to find help here. Construction techniques don't vary much based on the eventual use of the structure.

Thanks. I've learned a great deal here already.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Agreed, you'll find help here. Be sure to post pictures as you go, and you're guaranteed an audience.

My first question for you is, will ventilation be an issue between the asphalt and the new floor joists? Depending upon you local conditions I could see this being a problem. If moisture gets trapped in this space you could quickly end up with rotten material. Also, consider the cost of jacking the structure up again (if necessary) and pouring fresh concrete vs the cost of materials for the new floor. It may not be as much of a difference as you think, especially doing the work yourself, if that's your plan.

 

[Kevin54]

David.....You posted in the right place, and you'll find more help than you ever wanted, especially when it comes to spending money. We'll help you spend it faster than you can rake it in.

When you start your project, start a thread in the Gallery to keep all of your pics. We can help you, and in turn you will help others by keeping a pic log of everything. Everyone has different ideas, and I'm sure you will have ideas that no one has thought of yet.

And before I forget. Welcome to Garage Journal. I hope you are here to stay. You'll not find a better site on the internet as far as friendly, helpful people.