Single Apartment Garage into New Workshop

[MemphisR32]

Hey forum, new guy checking in here. I wanted to share with you a small upgrade my dad and I did to my rented apartment garage. I have always wanted a great shop to work in but until I purchase a house I got to work with what I got. One of the main draw backs of my current garage is the lighting and lack of work area. Before the garage was only lit with the lights on the garage door opener which would time out after about 10-15 minutes leaving me in the dark. Basically they rent garages for people to park in and store some junk, not to actually do anything in. The other issue was the lights were directly over my car making basically everything in the shadows. In addition I can not do any permeant modifications to the garage.

I had mentioned this issue to my dad one day on the phone and said its hard to get anything done when its so dark and I have no table to work on stuff. He said when I come out next week I will bring my saws. My parents came out to visit this weekend to see a musical my wife was preforming in and my dad who is a master carpenter decided we should tackle the garage in the morning. I have a lot of mechanical skill but not carpentry skills, and estimating material I get lost. My dad is just the opposite, he hates mechanical, he always told me “I don't know why you like that car and motorcycle stuff, bolts are always rusted and nothing works out how you want it”. Needless to say we have not done any projects together up till this worktable.

I just wanted a simple bench and maybe a fluorescent light or two in order to get more light. I was really trying to keep the budget down because my wife and I are putting money to some other uses. Well a trip to Lowe’s later and my dad has a load of lumber and 3 LED shop lights and is ready to go. 3 hours later I have a completely livable work space with a fridge, storage and lights that wont trip the breakers. Best of all my dad said "I never know what to get you for your birthday so happy birthday bud." What a great memory and also birthday gift a month early!

Start of the blank canvas.

The lights

Starting to take shape

Almost there

New light bank on suspended chains which hang over the engine bay

Finished workbench and LED light

Now all I need is a toolbox and I'm set

 

[bshusted]

It looks like you're off to a great start. I know that you're not allowed to make permanent modifications, but if you can make small holes in the walls, you could use wiremold to run outlets and a switch to the light above your workbench, so you wouldn't need the extension cord there.

 

[MemphisR32]

Thats a great idea with the wiremold. The only problem is there is a single outlet for the entire garage which makes getting power over to the bench a problem As for now this is my only solution and I cant add any more outlets. At least the extension cord has 3 outlets on the end of it (1 being used by the lights.) I have the other cord running over to the CTEK on my motorcycle but can disconnect that if I need a direct outlet.

 

[madmanmerc]

nice to see people get the most out of their singles. good job

 

[smokey0810]

Nice looking space. I like how your Dad braced the bench on the back and sides for added stability.

 

[Bib Overalls]

Is the bulb on the ceiling by the garage door head controlled by a switch just inside the walk door? should be. For about four bucks you can get a socket adapter and control your LED ceiling lights with the switch while you retain the bulb.

 

[Josh662234]

Thats a good sized apartment garage! What are the dimensions? Looks good in there

 

[James-W]

Nice job on the work bench. The space is looking better all the time.