Project Garage Condo

[Jay H 237]

Wow, this is an awesome idea and build! I don't know how I missed it before!

The agregrate showing is a unique idea that I do like. I painted the floor in my parents' garage gray but with all the welding and grinding it looks like a mess. Atleast with this it wouldn't show as much and will hide most damage done to the floor. I have to keep this idea in mind for when I do my own build.

Are you going to fill the expansion joints with the flexible caulk they do like in Home Depot? At work everytime you drop a screw or something by Murphy's Law it goes directly into the crack!

 

[HIRISC]

Wow, this is an awesome idea and build! I don't know how I missed it before!

The agregrate showing is a unique idea that I do like. I painted the floor in my parents' garage gray but with all the welding and grinding it looks like a mess. Atleast with this it wouldn't show as much and will hide most damage done to the floor. I have to keep this idea in mind for when I do my own build.

Are you going to fill the expansion joints with the flexible caulk they do like in Home Depot? At work everytime you drop a screw or something by Murphy's Law it goes directly into the crack!

Thanks. I considered filling the cracks as part of the MMA coating, but I actually like the looks of the individual slabs.

(I might regret that after spending too much time digging out little pieces)

 

[Chris05gto]

That place is Sweet!

 

[HIRISC]

Not **** - but time consuming and expensive - electrical is done (except for finish).

We covered our newly honed/MMA floor with 50 4x8 sheets of pressboard and taped them together. We were part of a big flooring bid so we had to have it done before electrical/rock/paint.

It's definitely electrical overkill, but it's relatively cheap to plan ahead at the stud stage then cutting rock later when you realized you forgot something.

Downstairs features a lot of lighting under the mezzanine (19 recessed troffer fluorscent fixtures and 18 cans) as well as 6 220v outlets for lifts, welders, compressor, etc.

Upstairs is more of the same - lot's of lights and fans plus the rough in for a ductless A/C system in case it gets hot up there in the summer.

I ran the low voltage stuff myself - mostly because I wanted to get in on the fun. 5.1 sound/projector system, 2 LCDs, and one very expensive 80' powered HDMI cable

Assuming we pass inspection, sheetrock starts tomorrow.

Some during/after pics..

All clean:

 

[autoist]

There's no firewall between you & your neighbor?

 

[HIRISC]

There's no firewall between you & your neighbor?

No.

2 sheets of 5/8 rock and pink insulation. These buildings are basically stick construction - 200' x 80' - built by Lester.

The walls between neighbors is cosmetic (sound/privacy) but not structural. In fact, some guys have purchased 3 or four adjacent units and they just take down the wall to allow for a freespan.

You can see some of the buildings in process at the Motorplex site:

http://www.automotorplex.com/blog.php

 

[autoist]

So, they're not representing them as permanent homes? Just as storage/work space.

 

[HIRISC]

Correct, not a home at all.

Commercial: Just a fancy storage facility

 

[tigerbalm2424]

Correct, not a home at all.

Commercial: Just a fancy storage facility

What city is this located in?

 

[yankbuilt]

Man, your project is just what I'm wanting to do,but I'm going to live in mine. HIRISC, thanks for posting your build.

I just read you were putting a lift some time. You may have a problem with the water lines run in the floor for heating.

 

[HIRISC]

What city is this located in?

Chanhassen, MN
Check it out here: www.automotorplex.com

Man, your project is just what I'm wanting to do,but I'm going to live in mine. HIRISC, thanks for posting your build.

You're very welcome. I wish we had the land/ability to build our own 'garage condo' next to our home, but this adds the 'community' of cool car/motorsports-related factor.

I hope you're able to build your own place just the way you want it!

 

[eliking]

I know you had a large project, and thus a reasonable bid. However, I'd like to talk to your contractor about doing a residential. Can you provide his name and contact info? Thanks.

 

[slim53]

The Automotorplex is really cool. I've been there a number of times for C&C events and the garages are really something. Think you'll have the door open to show the recent build next year? It's looking great!

Slim

 

[HIRISC]

I know you had a large project, and thus a reasonable bid. However, I'd like to talk to your contractor about doing a residential. Can you provide his name and contact info? Thanks.

Sure, re the flooring, here you go:

Pro-Maintenance
800-657-6701
Ask for Bryan or Terry.. Tell them Chris from Motorplex referred you.

 

[HIRISC]

The Automotorplex is really cool. I've been there a number of times for C&C events and the garages are really something. Think you'll have the door open to show the recent build next year? It's looking great!

Slim

Thanks very much..

I'll definitely have her done and opened up by the first C&C

Make sure you stop by and introduce yourself (that goes for any other Garage Journal members who are out there).

 

[Motown 454]

This is going to be such a great place to enjoy your cars ,and the upstairs. I just signed my loan for my garage 20x24' and I know how excited I am. I can't even think of how you must feel. I'll be watching this thread for more updates.
Thats a sweet looking Yenko, I'm a Camaro lover too. Awesome shop.
Wayne

 

[HIRISC]

This is going to be such a great place to enjoy your cars ,and the upstairs. I just signed my loan for my garage 20x24' and I know how excited I am. I can't even think of how you must feel. I'll be watching this thread for more updates.
Thats a sweet looking Yenko, I'm a Camaro lover too. Awesome shop.
Wayne

Thanks Wayne.. It's been a really fun project thus far and we're looking forward to getting some man-cave time soon!

I'll look forward to see pics of your place as well

Thanks for the compliments on the '69.. she's a 'tribute' Yenko, but I love her anyway

Post up some pics of your '69 RS/SS if you can.

 

[jj3]

Man, I like the look of that floor a lot, but then again you see it in person, we just get the pics so it could vary a bit.

Ultimately it's your call...like mentioned above, you should make sure you are satisfied with it and do make sure you get what you have asked for! Care and customer service seems to be lacking with most companies these days so I hope it all works out for you.

Regardless, thanks for keeping us updated, it's going to be one sweet pad when it's all said and done!

 

[HIRISC]

Man, I like the look of that floor a lot, but then again you see it in person, we just get the pics so it could vary a bit.

Ultimately it's your call...like mentioned above, you should make sure you are satisfied with it and do make sure you get what you have asked for! Care and customer service seems to be lacking with most companies these days so I hope it all works out for you.

Regardless, thanks for keeping us updated, it's going to be one sweet pad when it's all said and done!

Thanks. We like it too. It's different than we first wanted, but we're sticking with it. The discount they gave us was fair and I really didn't want them to lose a bunch of money on it since technically they did a nice job. They would have redone it had we wanted.

I tried to give them some constructive feedback re using better pre-sale pictures and/or expectation management as well as including customers in the 'proofing' (pre-seal) stage.

Don't know if it sunk in, but we've eaten plenty of much more expensive jobs (not flooring) in my own company when someone forgets to get a signed proof from the client, so I thought it would be helpful to them.

I told them I would be happy to be a reference and offered to let them show my floor to other prospective clients, so I'm not mad at them in any way.

 

[HIRISC]

Sheetrock up.. tape/mud/paint this week. Looks like I'll have plenty of light under the mezzanine

 

[strnge]

I love it. Sweet!!

 

[crashbumper]

Sheetrock up.. tape/mud/paint this week. Looks like I'll have plenty of light under the mezzanine

Holy f'ing ****.

How many sheets were used?

This build is so awesome!

 

[IdahoJoe]

I think surgeons that come over will be jealous of the light under that loft...

 

[HIRISC]

Holy f'ing ****.

How many sheets were used?

This build is so awesome!

Thanks.

Regarding the sheetrock, here's what they started with:

 

[HIRISC]

I think surgeons that come over will be jealous of the light under that loft...

Yeah, I know..

I didn't want to regret not having enough light and this was an easy and relatively inexpensive time/way to add it.

I wanted the 'accent'/direct lighting of cans and the broad lighting of fluorescent tubes, but I didn't want the fixtures hanging.

I'll likely use only one type of lighting at a time under there. Cans when I'm working at my workbenches or for general lighting and the strips for when I'm building something, etc..

 

[HIRISC]

Progress report:
Raised upstairs sprinkler main line - big improvement
1 week of taping/mudding done
Bathroom shower/floor tiled
Sanding/painting starting today


Next week:
Electrical & plumbing finish
Install water heater/utility sink/softener
Install diamond plate around perimeter (3' high)
Doors (bath/utility/deck) in
Finish stairs

Then flooring/electronics/furniture/cabinets (kitchen & bath running late).

Then it's beer time

 

[cyclopsblown34]

Wow 40 acres of these? I can just guess how many unbelievable vehicles are being built and stored out there. Your unit looks amazing thus far. I really appreciate all the updates.

 

[BlindViper]

A thought for the seams in the slab of the concrete just caulk it with black caulk. It will fill the gap and wont stand out.

 

[HIRISC]

Wow 40 acres of these? I can just guess how many unbelievable vehicles are being built and stored out there. Your unit looks amazing thus far. I really appreciate all the updates.

Thanks very much.. There are definitely some great cars/bikes/etc. in the AutoMotorplex complex.. Most way over my head.

A thought for the seams in the slab of the concrete just caulk it with black caulk. It will fill the gap and wont stand out.

That's a good idea, but I think we're going to leave the cracks for a while.. at least until I get sick of vacuuming stuff out of them.

 

[andrewt2]

beautiful build. subscribing for the ride.

 

[NUTTSGT]

wow o wow I've missed your thread for a few weeks. It's coming along very nicely.


What are you going to put in for the stair treads ?

 

[BlindViper]

Thanks very much.. There are definitely some great cars/bikes/etc. in the AutoMotorplex complex.. Most way over my head.



That's a good idea, but I think we're going to leave the cracks for a while.. at least until I get sick of vacuuming stuff out of them.

Either that or you spent 2 hours trying to get that last 1/4-20 lock washer out you dropped.

 

[Shepoutside]

Wicked units, love the thread, thanks for sharing !!!

 

[G-force]

I love the idea, but would be worried about sharing a wall if it is a working shop. Working on cars is a loud job, I hope your neighbor understands that. By the same token, I would not want to go there to relax and have to listen to an air chisel or grinder.

If you and your neighbor just use it for vehicle storage then I guess it won't be a problem.

 

[Holedgr]

Either that or you spent 2 hours trying to get that last 1/4-20 lock washer out you dropped.

Big magnet???

 

[HIRISC]

I love the idea, but would be worried about sharing a wall if it is a working shop. Working on cars is a loud job, I hope your neighbor understands that. By the same token, I would not want to go there to relax and have to listen to an air chisel or grinder.

If you and your neighbor just use it for vehicle storage then I guess it won't be a problem.

Thanks all.

Yeah, there is going to be some noise crossover.. not too much we can do about that.. 2 sheets of 5/8, some pink between the studs and some foam on the top cap is all the noise abatement we could do.

The good news is my cars are likely a lot louder than my neighbors - my stereo too - so I'll be 'that annoying neighbor'

 

[HIRISC]

Some of the guys were off last week off, but we still got a lot done.

Progress report:
Electrical done
Lighting done - think I have enough light under the mezzanine?
Doors installed - including deck door (still need trim)
2-3 coats of paint - burnished clay for the lower level, fashion grey upstairs
Painted sprinkler lines white/grey to match ceiling or adjacent walls.

Off for the rest of the weekend, so...

Next week:
Plumbing - install wash sink, plumb hot water heater/softener
Install air compressor
Stair treads/kick plates
7/16" cork flooring upstairs
Window trim painted/trimmed
Take the eucaboard off the concrete floor


Cabinets - both upstairs (maple) and downstairs (black/aluminum) come +/- 15th of Jan.

Lifts/TV's/Furniture after that


Before sprinkler painted:

After:

Other stuff:

 

[TCScustoms]

Sick Build bro....I wish mine looked like that nothing here in Indy that nice i just started renting a 30x30 storage unit to start working on some projects out of but it looks like a hole in the wall compared to that place. Can't wait to see it finished dude

 

[illmatyk]

Dude that is just straight up awesome!!

 

[HIRISC]

Thanks guys.. Happy New Year