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Skinny garage - Looking for advice

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opticycle

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Joined
Jun 14, 2015
Messages
7
Location
Philly area
This is my first post, if it's the wrong sub-forum I apologize. :)

I searched and found general advice like the "best decision" thread, but couldn't find threads dealing specifically with skinny garages.

The short story :
My garage space will be roughly 12.5' x 52' and I'm wondering what others with skinny garages have done to optimize functionality of the space? For example, one member mounted cabinetry up high so that motorcycles can still be parked beneath; I love this idea!


The long version (for those interested) :
I bought a property in Philly that I hope to develop into a home. The design leaves one half (width) of the property to be used as a garage and shop for my hobbies with the other half becoming an entrance and living space. The raw garage space measures 16' x 55' with walls made of a mixture of block, stone, and brick depending on when that particular section was erected. The floors above the garage will be supported by a series of helical piles that impinge on the garage reducing width by 2.5'. Factor in framing, insulation and Sheetrock and I lose at least another 8" - 10" from the width. The end result is a garage that is about 12' 6" wide and 52' deep.

If you've dealt with something similar what advice do you have? If you've got pictures, by all means post'em up!

Thanks!
 
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James-W

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What are you planning on doing in the garage? Will you be working on automotive projects, woodworking projects, metal working projects, or just normal routine stuff that comes up? If we knew what the space will be used for it would help us give you better answers.
 
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opticycle

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Jun 14, 2015
Messages
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Location
Philly area
Good point James, thanks.

Probably the best answer is 'all kinds of stuff'... But to be more specific, I always have one project car, a couple of motor bikes, and too many tools. I'm on of those guys that likes to be able to do a little of everything so I have a stash of -
- HVAC service equipment
- Two 5' chests with hand tools and specialty tools for modern VW's
- Tools and supplies for doing electrical work
- Some plumbing supplies
- MIG and TIG welders and the stuff that goes along with it like gasses, masks, jigs and filler
- I'm not a woodworker by any means but do have 5 or 6 wood saws (table, radial, circular, etc...), a router table, and hand tools that fit into that type of work
- The universal stuff like drill press, chop saw, band saw, drills, reciprocating saws, Dremels, etc..
- Finally, some electronics like o-scope, signal generators, power supplies, and all the widgets that go along
- Oh ya, and some auto-body and paint equipment too.

As you can imagine the space will be inundated if I don't organize well from the start.

Here's what I'm starting with...
View media item 51316
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And the idea is to end up with something kinda like this...
View media item 51319
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fourjeepin

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Atlanta, GA
I like this! Most imp question is it zoned for residential?

Since it is such a small space, minimizing hallways and doors will help maximize your space. My other thought is one I'm sure you already know - having to move all the vehicles in front to get to one in the middle or the back stinks. Have you considered keeping both front garage doors and putting the living space in the back? Especially if you think there is a chance that one day in the future you might build one top. Tons of garage space and enough living space for kitchen, bedroom, and living space.
 
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qdvuu

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Feb 8, 2008
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Norcal
Nice! It would be good to put in some natural light (skylights or similar). In addition, it would be nice if you could keep the hoist.

What are your plans for the 2nd floor? This could help define other constraints that drive suggestions.

Keep us posted on your progress!
 
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qdvuu

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Why is the bedroom/office/entry elevated? It seems that having steps intrude into the garage is a negative, and steps at the front entry is another negative.
 
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opticycle

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Messages
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Philly area
Thanks for the warm welcome and feedback, I appreciate it!

Re: living space -
I selectively posted images of the garage space only as I didn't want to run afoul of forum etiquette. What's not pictured is two floors for living space built above the garage. The home in total will be relatively small at roughly 2000 sq living space. I'm not into big homes and my focus will be more on efficiency than raw floor space.

Regarding zoning, yes, everything is in order. It all started as two separate buildings zoned for commercial but with a variance prohibiting commercial and allowing only storage of 'household items' (expalin that one). According to the city the giant opening between the two addresses didn't exist (but it obviously did). I successfully worked through the zoning, city, variances, and neighborhood committees and recently received approval to move forward with my plans.

Part of the zoning effort and work to combine the lots required that I compromise with the city and neighborhood on the plans. This area generally only allows garage access via a shared driveway approaching from an alley in the rear. It took a number of concessions in order to get the neighborhood to get behind the project and write letters to the city in support of the variance.

So all that is to say that living space is accounted for but not shown. The office / bedroom is there and it is raised again due to various changes that happened during the extended back-and-forth dance that we did with all the parties that have some say. I'm happy to share more about the rest of the project in another thread but want to keep this one on the topic of making the best use of a skinny garage.

Re: shuffling cars -
Yes, I know shuffling cars around is going to **** and I'm not looking forward to it. However, I usually have one car on the road and the other in some state of repair so... Also, I picked a location that is close to public transit, I ride bicycles as much as possible, and then there the motorcycles too - car shuffling shouldn't happen too often.
 
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opticycle

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Jun 14, 2015
Messages
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Location
Philly area
James-W said:
Would it be possible to tear out the inside walls and change the floor plan completely?
Click to expand...
Not at this point in the game. At least not within a reasonable amount of time and money. As with any project there are compromizes and what you see is the result of many earlier decisions (that I'm happy with). ;)

From here on it's make the most of the space as laid out.

Rock Hound said:
Outside of the garage: if you are making it a home for yourself, I think you need to have a shower somewhere in there.
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Eh, showering is overrated. I just wipe down with toluene once a week and I'm good to go.

captain14 said:
So the building is only The 2 garage bays and not the tall 3 story building next door? Or is 3 story building included for the second Floor?
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Just the 2 garages to the left.

pcutt said:
...In addition, it would be nice if you could keep the hoist.
Click to expand...
With the steel frame on top of the helical piles I'll be able to have a killer gantry that can move in all 4 directions. Supporting it was part of the Mechanical Engineers calcs. :)

pcutt said:
Why is the bedroom/office/entry elevated? It seems that having steps intrude into the garage is a negative, and steps at the front entry is another negative.
Click to expand...
To fit the context of the neighborhood the steps outside were warranted and that raises the front door. Additionally, the garage is 14' tall so having some stairs outside means I don't have to allocate as much length to stairs on the inside - that's a plus. When done the interior of the garage will be about 13' tall.

An added benefit of raising the living space is that it allows for a thermal break and better insulation which are important to me.

If there's a way to eliminate the stairs from encroaching on the garage space I AM ALL FOR IT!!! I've been thinking of having them exit into the storage space instead.
 
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