RAD Garage

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks guys. Rockuf8, the FreeFlow RaceDeck floor does a fantastic job of keeping the floor dry during the winter, but in order to clean out all the small rocks and dried mud that falls through the vents, I have to go through the process I outlined earlier in the thread. But, for the most part, I just mop up the mess which literally takes a minute. My brother-in-law went with a solid tile and the mess is just unreal in his garage. The slop falls off his truck and puddles all over the floor, whereas mine "captures" the mess. I'm confident no floor is better suited to messy winter conditions than the FreeFlow.

 

[BMW Rider]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I have the solid Racedeck tiles in my addition and did a cleanup a week ago on it. I just dumped a bucket of water on it, scrubbed the muck loose, then picked it all up with the wet vac. Once more to get the residue and it was pretty clean - at least for a few days. I think that'll be my winter routine, then once the mess is done in the spring I'll just add a final wet mop to get it really nice.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Love This garage! Thanks for choosing RaceDeck....Happy New Year

 

[AndrewnTX]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Your garage looks awesome, so sanitary and neat, colors and logos are well done!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks again for the kind words, everyone. No matter if you go solid or FreeFlow, you are going to have to perform some form of maintenance if you have any chance of keeping a clean garage space. The FreeFlow option does a clever job of "hiding" the mess, but I like to go through the motions when the weather allows. I actually enjoy it. I did a rinse yesterday, and last night I pulled into a pristine garage. That's make me happy.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Made the mistake of hitting the mall today. Long story short: new 42" Sony to replace 32" Panasonic. The Panasonic was doing this weird thing where it would turn off as soon as I would turn it on. I'd have to climb a ladder to manually turn it on. So, with 50% off, I couldn't really pass it up.

BEFORE:

IMG_6304 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

AFTER:

IMG_7536 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

I have to say, I am really enjoying having a quality TV in the garage.

 

[winnipegtibook]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Very nice. And great shots of the toolboxes, I was only "half-joking." But we were starting to believe that you were geting soft, and only kept the linen car cleaning cloths in the toolbox. You proved us (well, me) wrong!

Out of curiosity, where is the garage can from?

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Very nice. And great shots of the toolboxes, I was only "half-joking." But we were starting to believe that you were geting soft, and only kept the linen car cleaning cloths in the toolbox. You proved us (well, me) wrong!

Out of curiosity, where is the garage can from?

In that case, I'm certainly glad I didn't include a shot of my "applicator pad" drawer. That would have been the nail in my coffin! The garbage can was purchased through Frost. I love it. You'll see them in schools all over our great country. Was a bit on the expensive side, but should last forever.

http://www.frostproductsltd.com/cats/disposals/

 

[AaronH87]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Love everything about this

 

[Scuderia-F1]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Great upgrade with the new TV, I also see that your Shop Computer is up to the standard!
Great garage, I really like how neat and tidy you keep things, don´t forget to keep posting pics!

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Very impressive! Looks like a well thought out workspace.

How do you deal with water/moisture in regard to your flooring choice; is there an accumulation problem beneath the tiles? Do you wish for other conveniences for your detailing business; like a utility sink and plumbing?

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Very impressive! Looks like a well thought out workspace.

How do you deal with water/moisture in regard to your flooring choice; is there an accumulation problem beneath the tiles? Do you wish for other conveniences for your detailing business; like a utility sink and plumbing?

Thanks.

I have yet to encounter any issues with excessive moisture build up. In the winter, a LOT of snow and water gets tracked in, but my infrared heater seems to do a great job of drying it out. Our climate is so DRY in this part of the world, so that's actually helps too. On days where it is bitterly cold, I do notice some ice build up on the lower parts of the stem wall on either side of the garage door, but that's about it. Everything else is very dry and very comfortable.

As for your other question about my "wishlist", yes, I would love to have a utility sink installed at some point. I'm debating whether I need a massive basin-type sink or just something like a handwash centre. I ran a cold water service to the garage when the house was built, so that has been a great convenience, but I would like to one day have a proper sink of some sort. One of my family members came by and checked out my plumbing options, and he says it should be no problem running a hot water line to the garage since the cold water service is already there and the drain pipe can easily be tapped into. I just need to decide on what kind of sink I want. Other than that, I would like to get a hot water extractor machine for carpets, but that's not such a high priority for me at the moment.

My "business" is in a bit of a hiatus these days. Once our boy is a little older I'll begin doing a bit more detailing, but for now, I'm just focused on keeping my own cars nice and clean.

 

[NCAudi]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

....the FreeFlow RaceDeck floor does a fantastic job of keeping the floor dry...

I'll second that. While I do not have any snow to deal with, the frequent rain and sandy dirt around here just drops right through the floor, keeping the top surface dry and clean. Makes it nice to be able to run out to the garage to grab a tool or something out of the car without getting your socks wet.

I've ran the shop vac over most of my floor a few times to pick up some of that dirt and dust and will probably just do a full cleaning like Rick detailed once a year or so for a deep clean.

Also, nice upgrade on the TV. A garage TV is definitely on my wish list.

 

[winnipegtibook]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

55,

Just letting you know my 25 year old Kenmore carpet cleaner has been doing as good as a job as the commercial outfits. But, even after doing 10 cars and an entire house, it's showing limits. Plastic bits are cracking, etc.

A hot water extractor will make the garage even more fab (and functional), although you may be hard pressed to get one to "match."

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

you may be hard pressed to get one to "match."

Valid point!

 

[FRS FAN]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Wowweeee!!! Immaculate!! I havent had a chance to get past page 5 yet, but I'm curious how big the garage is without the builders extension?

Thanks!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I'm curious how big the garage is without the builders extension?

Ridiculously small. I can't believe how much LESS you get with a new house compared to when my parents built their house in the 80's. Here's the plan. I think it was 20' wide prior to the addition.


GarageLG by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[FRS FAN]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks for posting that! Garages are so small these days in new housing development areas. People just use their garages to park their cars, and store junk.
I know my parents place in the 80's had a 24x26 attached garage ... And that was just the norm.

Again your garage looks great! It's my favourite on here so far!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

People just use their garages to park their cars, and store junk.

I'd say 80% of the houses in my area added at least 2' in the width to the standard garage, but the vast majority of them store only one of their vehicles in there. I don't know how you would manage two "Calgary sized" vehicles in a standard 20'. I guess you could do it but there would be no storage at all. It's a real shame how the norm has decreased but the price has skyrocketed.

Again your garage looks great! It's my favourite on here so far!

Much appreciated.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Finally pulled the trigger on a sink. I just need something compact that I can use to clean up and maybe rinse a brush or two so this should do nicely:


sink by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

It's 14"W x 10"D x 5"H Bowl. Hoping to get a cousin to help me install it asap.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

" Do you wish for other conveniences for your detailing business; like a utility sink and plumbing? "

Looks like you can cross that one off your 'wishlist'! lol

Before you drag your cousin over to help with the install, consider buying a faucet with a long flexible hose (maybe even a 'Water Pik' shower head + hose). If you are going to install it on the back wall of the garage, may I suggest placement in the corner where your ladder is hanging. Wrap the corner with SS sheet or some other waterproof shield and throw down a water heater catch basin prior to mounting the sink. Much more work and $, but it would provide much more of a utility station for those larger items that need douching. Just my $0.02....

 

[AaronH87]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

very nice. looks like a nice sink. where are you going to mount it?

 

[NCAudi]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

That sink will be a great addition to your garage. I had one installed during the construction of my house and it was well worth the added cost. It gets regular use when detailing the cars along with any time we are doing projects around the house or yard.

I do need to add a back splash to it and am still undecided on the material and sizing. Interested to see what you come up with for yours.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks for the input guys. It's always great to have others bounce ideas off you to ensure you have thought of every detail. This is where I plan on installing the sink:


IMG_7650 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Looks like you can cross that one off your 'wishlist'! lol

Yeah, I had it on my mind, but being asked that question was all the motivation I needed to get the ball rolling.

Before you drag your cousin over to help with the install, consider buying a faucet with a long flexible hose (maybe even a 'Water Pik' shower head + hose). If you are going to install it on the back wall of the garage, may I suggest placement in the corner where your ladder is hanging. Wrap the corner with SS sheet or some other waterproof shield and throw down a water heater catch basin prior to mounting the sink. Much more work and $, but it would provide much more of a utility station for those larger items that need douching. Just my $0.02....

I hear what you are saying. I'm playing with doing a sheet of aluminum with rolled edges like I did on my "car mat station" or going with an actual subway tile backsplash all down that wall. Once the sink arrives, I'll play around with some ideas. I already have a cold water service run to that back corner, so that's where I plan on mounting the sink. The sink actually comes with that faucet in the photo, so I'll probably go with that and see how it works out. I do like your idea of the catch basin. I definitely need to consider a few things, for sure.

very nice. looks like a nice sink. where are you going to mount it?

I'll mount it a counter height in that back corner of the photo about a foot from the grey wall. I'll still have the hose hook-up below. Might be a challenge to coil a hose under the sink, but I'm sure I'll manage.

That sink will be a great addition to your garage. I had one installed during the construction of my house and it was well worth the added cost. It gets regular use when detailing the cars along with any time we are doing projects around the house or yard.

I do need to add a back splash to it and am still undecided on the material and sizing. Interested to see what you come up with for yours.

I asked about the sink when we were going through the planning process, but it was a stupid price and I knew I could save a few bucks if I did it after. Plus, they were talking about a basic white basin, and I had something different in mind. I do look forward to the convenience it will offer. I hate trapsing into the house with a paintbrush to rinse, or a wash bucket to fill with hot water. (so does the wifey!)

If I was to choose a backsplash right now, I'd be going for something like this. I've never done tiling, so this may be a great opportunity to experiment.


hpim2636 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

 

[calereeves]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

I really like that stainless tile! Even with no experience, tile isn't too much of a chore.

I'm planing my garage sink at the moment...I'm locked into the location due to the existing hose bib, but I'm debating what to do for the treatment around it. I'll be watching your project closely!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Just did a little prelim research and that SS tile is ridiculously expensive. I'm now leaning towards a nice, durable white subway style tile. Or, maybe I can find something that has the appearance of SS. Who knows? I'll probably change my mind many times between now and when I can actually get the guts to take it on as a DIY project. I can't imagine there being a more straightforward job to undertake as my first. (Famous last words)

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Just another addition (or two) to my above suggestions -

Ask your cousin if it makes sense to leave the wall intact, buy a small on-demand water heater and mount it high on the corner wall. Use the cold water bib as the supply for the heater and the cold water faucet; you could also plumb for an additional (future) shower head and hose in addition to the sink faucet. It would mean having exposed piping, but that might look kind of cool if done right; and it is 'the garage' after all! lol

If space allows, I'd mount the water heater catch basin on a short platform/cabinet in the corner (beneath the heater) and tie the pan drain into the sink's drain. Having a back splash line wrap the back wall and corner would create two cleaning stations. More bucks and time to do it, but again, it might make the station a whole lot more useful to your detailing/dirty work.

 

[tornadocaster]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Just did a little prelim research and that SS tile is ridiculously expensive. I'm now leaning towards a nice, durable white subway style tile. Or, maybe I can find something that has the appearance of SS. Who knows? I'll probably change my mind many times between now and when I can actually get the guts to take it on as a DIY project. I can't imagine there being a more straightforward job to undertake as my first. (Famous last words)

Hey, you know all that aluminum cladded cabinetry I've been doing in my garage? I've actually used the same mill finish aluminum as baseboards (cladded wood) and as a trim under the kitchen cabinets, and in a kitchen with all stainless appliances it looked identical to ss.
We have a branch in Calgary if you want to see it you can PM me and I will send you the info. My cousin manages it and the aluminum is cheap and he can even bend it for you. at around $1 a foot its not a big commitment. A lot of times when we use metal indoors we use that 3m red backed double sided tape you use for repairing automotive trims.
Cheers
Gio

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks for the great suggestions guys. Once the sink arrives and I can see where and how it will fit, I'll start playing around with different scenarios.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Funny story, thought I would share. I'm a bit of an Oakley collector, and I have met a number of like-minded people over the years. Today, a fellow collector dropped by to buy a pair of glasses. I hadn't seen him in a couple of years. We were chatting and then I asked if he wanted to check out my garage. We walk in and he says "I should have known this was your garage!". He had seen it on this forum. He's a lurker, but I tried my best to persuade him to post up pics of his garage because, from the sounds of it, it is quite the place. So, if you are reading this "Q", get on it!

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

The company we built our house with is the top-rated home builder in Calgary, but they left a lot to be desired as far as finishing in the garage. Drywall in the garage was standard, but we paid them extra to have the walls double taped and sanded. The gaps between the drywall and the studs above the garage door were atrocious, and when I raised the issue with the site supervisor he dismissed me and said that was standard procedure in "unfinished" areas. Well, I couldn't handle it so I have decided to take on my most ambitious DIY job yet! The "Before" pics speak for the themselves. Check out the hack job they did on the joists. So, I picked up a little compressor and a nailer, a tub of Polyfilla and here we go:


IMG_7679 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

BEFORE:

IMG_7657 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7656 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7655 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7654 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7663 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

DURING:

IMG_7668 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7670 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7671 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7672 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr


IMG_7669 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

Once the Polyfilla is dry, I've got a lot of sanding to do, but I have some big painting plans. Stay tuned...for the "AFTER"

 

[FRS FAN]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Nicely done! Too bad the builder couldnt appreciate how much money you paid them.

 

[Notch1988]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Nicely done! Too bad the builder couldnt appreciate how much money you paid them.

No kidding! The "unfinished" areas don't require them to break out the big dollar tools, like tape measures, to make it right.

 

[dubber]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Looks great man, gotta say I've taken several ideas from your spot. And i can definitely relate to your comments about standing, and staring in your garage lost in visions of possible efficiencies that can be made. My wife often makes fun of me for those moments.

 

[domecreek]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Home Builders and Used Car salesmen in Alberta have alot in common.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Yeah, I was quite underwhelmed with the building process. It seems to me they were prepared to do the minimum, but kept trying to convince me I was getting the maximum. The quality of finishing inside the home is top-notch, though.

 

[AaronH87]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

very nice, ive been trying to figure out what to do with the wall area around the garage door, this is a perfect start. this is definitely one of my favorite threads on here.

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Thanks. I also caulked every gap with a clear sealant. I am going to let things really dry and then spruce it all up with a two-tone paint job. I want to take my time and do it all as nicely as possible. I'm leaning towards a very dark grey on the joists and trim (like TV wall), and a medium grey on the drywall sections (like "Kia" wall). Should look sharp. Got quite a bit of sanding to do once the Polyfilla has hardened. One of the more enjoyable jobs I've done around the space...

 

[AaronH87]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

im very interested to see this.

ive been considering using corrugated steel on the small parts of the wall around and above the door. I don't think it would take much, but it may be a pain to try to work with. (maybe?) it wouldnt be much steel, but might be a nice accent...

 

[55cadillacking]

Re: Rick's Double Garage in Calgary, CAN

Corrugated steel looks amazing when done right. I'd screw it up for sure. I briefly played with the idea of using the leftover hardwood boards the builder left downstairs for the "rectangles", but decide against it. When all is said and done, a precise paint job can't be beat imho.

Here's a fun little project I did today. Took a rather basic and boring looking Craftsman cabinet and gave her a paint job. I store my engine oil in there, so I am going to afix a Mobil 1 decal once it arrives. I have another one, but still trying to decide if I do it blue as well, or theme it after something else.

BEFORE:
IMG_7695 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr

AFTER:

IMG_7700 by 55cadillacking, on Flickr