Above 1200 Sq/FT Thomas' garage projects (Canada)

[TomcoPDR]

December 19, 2016

Took these photos myself, pardon the quality, the developer owner wasn't in at the time (early morning), so didn't wanna disturb the guys going inside the fence.

From my own narrative, they're putting roof trusses/cross members, with welding rig on site today. Using the generic term, I think Q-deck can go on by or before end of the month. Today was 0 (zero) to 2 degrees, that's quite warm in Canadian terms.

 

[TomcoPDR]

January 4, 2017

Developers photos. Looks like the roof trusses are in, Q-deck installed (my using my layman terms, maybe it's called something else on a technical bases)

I get a chuckle with the snow on the floor. But I think at this point, as long as they seal the exterior (from leaks), they can tarp the building and use portable propane heaters, and continue to finish all the interior as if it was summer.

Actually, got bets with friends when possession would be.

 

[@e91kiter]

Slow progress, just busy with work. Continuing through with the white-out process, managed to hire a professional (automotive) vinyl guy on the weekend to do the toolbox, I did the easy time consuming individual drawers, he did the 1 piece on the chest. He's still gotta come back for the long drawer, and border of the TV's

Like this idea of a colour change with vinyl wrap!

 

[TomcoPDR]

January 7, 2017

Photos from friends driving by.

 

[drivesitfar]

Tom: so are you ready to move in if they said it was ready tomorrow? use the time to plan and organize your space and maybe get any designs and permits if you might need some for any improvements ready.

looks like the developer is making some progress though and heck i can't even drive in my storage unit after 5PM this last week.

speaking of security on Christmas morning i woke up and looked outside to find a kid looking in our cars with a flashlight. of course i was in my underware, but if he hadn't run and grabbed his bike he would have learned how well Mr. Spaulding made his bats. GEESH ON CHRISTMAS too.

at least he said SORRY as he was running so maybe he might not do this again to anybody else. he probably thought i had a security camera on him. BTW i did run out after him in my underware, but a couple minutes after i yelled at him so he was almost a block away by then.

best of luck on your closing date in the pool and here's to a great 2017.

 

[PhantomEB]

Seen the price tag.....uhm my house and dream shop build was cheaper....plus I got a bed for the cutie to sleep next to me in. I think I will stick with that!

 

[drivesitfar]

Tom: how's the progress and is it warming up at all in your part of the world?

any news on a date yet? have you drawn your plan on how you want to use the new space yet? also are you able to find cool stuff for your shop on Craigslist, Ebay or other places or do you already own everything you need?

i just picked up this HUGE rotating bin unit that I'm hoping will help my FSD (flat surface disease). do you own one of these?

cheers

 

[TomcoPDR]

Tom: how's the progress and is it warming up at all in your part of the world?

any news on a date yet? have you drawn your plan on how you want to use the new space yet? also are you able to find cool stuff for your shop on Craigslist, Ebay or other places or do you already own everything you need?

i just picked up this HUGE rotating bin unit that I'm hoping will help my FSD (flat surface disease). do you own one of these?

cheers

Thanks for asking... if the builders are ready for possession, I'm ready. It's not like I need it. keep the house, keep the warehouse, no big deal.

That's an awesome rotating bin, I remember those when I was a kid and dad took us to the local hardware store and you're able to buy as you need. (nowadays it's boxed to minimum sizes where it's either a box of 50 or you're forced to buy a box of 1,000 pieces for 30% more $.... meanwhile you need 100 nails, so you're stuck with the jumbo box of 1,000)

Haven't done much planning for the space, just purely a mancave... why not... that's what they're built for. park some cars, store junk, do some reloads, hang out, etc...

Let me load up some photos from last week in a bit here.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Last week, friends photos.. weathers been pretty good here.

Developers photos:

Installing windows

And looks like prep work for mezzanine support

 

[TomcoPDR]

Looks like minor progress. Friends photos Jan 28, 2017 Steel framing to put window veener/finishing in the front (it looks to me)

 

[TomcoPDR]

February 2, 2017

Developer's photos. At this stage, I'd say the cold weather (-15c) wouldn't really slow too much down.

 

[PhantomEB]

I think it'd be way more secure in a square court pattern, one way in one way out.

But previously said 350g Canadian? That could buy me an acre or two north of town with a 40x60 and small rancher house.

 

[drivesitfar]

Tom: thanks for updating your thread with pictures and progress. just curious how the snow disappeared when it seems like your temps are way below freezing? or did the developer just bring out heaters to remove any on the construction site?

so i'm hearing your garage is pretty spendy compared to regular property in your area or is the other member talking about property outside the city? what is the main reason you like this place? is it because when you are gone you know your stuff is secure and you won't have to have a house sitter? also have you gotten to know or did you already know some of the other buyers that will be your neighbors in the VAULT?

i'd love a nice clean space and is it all yours to upgrade or do they provide a bathroom, heat, plumbing and other amenities.

what's the bet on which day you'll get your keys?

cheers

 

[TomcoPDR]

I think it'd be way more secure in a square court pattern, one way in one way out.

But previously said 350g Canadian? That could buy me an acre or two north of town with a 40x60 and small rancher house.

This city is over priced sure, but I def not living 2 hours round trip from our city core, lol, no thanks. This is the smallest "commercial zoned" property available actually, per square footage, it's actually on par with market value $190-210/sqft for anything warehouses you get in this Oil & Gas town. So at $350,000 / 1,650sqft (1,200sqft warehouse, with 450 sqft mezzanine), that works out to be $212/sqft... Most commercially zoned warehouse that allows you to operate a business is minimum 2,500sqft ish (my old business warehouse was that size)... Holding $500,000 as a private user bay/not for business (which is what I'm buying the Vaults for), now THAT, would be too rich for me. This is my best option in life so far... Where you live in Conventy (2 km from these warehouses for those who don't know our city), in 2015/2016 pricing (when I signed onto with the Vaults), in order to get a 800sqft dual double garage (double 400sqft front attached, with a double 400sqft backyard build), I've looked into it, were being priced at $465,000+ as a house. But I don't want to LIVE in the far end of the city neither. And I'm not interested in leaving a residential house empty just to have a dual double 800sqft garage, not interested in roommates (we own proper residential rentals for that)

The current house triple detach garage 21'x30' minus doorway indent, gives roughly 585sqft isn't really enough what I want to do, but yet the house 2,000sqft is too big for my use. And garage size already maxed out land use coverage, and I'm not willing to add additions illegally in the yard.

I also want to make a move downtown within the city and into a condo apartment, and out of the suburb triple garage. But still need a place for work tools within reach within the city. So living downtown will only allow 1 underground stall, and will just have to swap summer/winter vehicles at the Vaults when needed.

If I ever have time to start doing project vehicles, I don't want to leave them outdoors or in the backyard in a suburb home, and I don't want a 400-600sqft double/triple garage where I can't park my daily drivers during a project build. So the Vaults provides that opportunity within city limits.

When life is ready such as family life... I do like inner city... I do look forward to the ultimate "dream" garage/home life in prime infill location (which costs more $$$), on a 50'x120' lot, have a 40'x80' rectangle box underdrive, where the entire basement would be the garage; where there's double garage doors at front and 20' pass thru to single garage door to rear lane of the property, and an indent where there'll be a small pond/garden; where there's glass you can see the pass thru section. That probably won't happen 7-9 years from now, if at all. Again, we're talking about location (central, not the suburbs). Given this city, something like that would be into $3-4 million.

So given that. Having a $350,000 private warehouse with 1,650sqft to tuck stuff away for these few years. And live in a 600-1000sqft downtown condo $400,000-500,000... that's actually cheaper than the triple garage, bungalow I live in right now.

Tom: thanks for updating your thread with pictures and progress. just curious how the snow disappeared when it seems like your temps are way below freezing? or did the developer just bring out heaters to remove any on the construction site?

so i'm hearing your garage is pretty spendy compared to regular property in your area or is the other member talking about property outside the city? what is the main reason you like this place? is it because when you are gone you know your stuff is secure and you won't have to have a house sitter? also have you gotten to know or did you already know some of the other buyers that will be your neighbors in the VAULT?

i'd love a nice clean space and is it all yours to upgrade or do they provide a bathroom, heat, plumbing and other amenities.

what's the bet on which day you'll get your keys?

cheers

The weather in this city is like a roller coaster... there can be days of +7-10c weather which half melts the snow (on the roads), then within hours, back to freezing temp again. By the looks of the Vaults construction, they probably won't pave the parking lot till spring. But working inside, they can always fire up some propane heaters.

(from above answer)

The Vaults, is still within market price for commercial zoned property. This city 2015/2016 pricing is $190-210/sqft. And this actually isn't the only garage condo development here. We've got The Den http://mgmdevelopments.ca/dens.php (West of our city), The Stash http://www.thestashgarages.ca/index3.html (a small town 15 mins South of our city), Warner Warehouse Garages in Warner business park in Okotoks www.warnerwarehousegarages.com (same small town as The Stash)

So this city really isn't stranger to garage condos. This is let alone the unaccounted "small" business commercial bays in complexes 2,500sqft+ that wealthy people just buy and use for their private use (I can't afford those as private hold/use)

(from above)... I just don't want to live in the suburbs, going to move to downtown within our city. Simple as that. Because I work in the trades, I need a place for my work tools/vehicle(s). I chose The Vaults over the other 3 garage condo I've listed, because I do like the idea of 10 mins from our Airport.

In our city, I don't know a residential property that can LEGALLY size 1,000sqft worth of garage; that is priced under $1,000,000. Till you get into the baller house category, where for the size of the smallest Vaults 1,200 sqft, within 10 blocks radius of downtown living; I'd say you'd be spending $3 million plus. (don't take my word play for it, look on www.realtor.ca easy to put random numbers on a forum, I'd like to go by factual proofs)

Haven't really met any other buyers yet. Even after possession, I might still stay in the 2,000sqft bungalow with 600sqft triple. Why not keep both? (till a good downtown condo comes listed, our city is oil & gas reliant, dt condos have dropped in price this past year)

And you've hit the nail on the head, I could live in my current bungalow with a triple, or keep upgrading to a $1.5 mil, $2 mil, $3 mil home with bigger garages... but when I work on the road, or travel. Relying on a house sitter is annoying, or always getting the neighbour. But having a garage condo, with an apartment condo; you can shut the doors and none of your neighbours knows.

I wouldn't say it's a bang for the buck. But I wouldn't say it's a rip off neither, concrete tilt up, sprinkler system, includes upper mezzanine, includes bathroom with shower (regular new build business warehouses just gives you 3" sewer pipe, with crimped pex water lines)... Designed build like a castle where backside of unit is a 26' high wall against the outside 3 sides of the complex 26' wall/backside of units, only way into the units is thru key fob access main parkade doors, with monitored cameras.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Very cool it will be nice to have your work space seperate from your home...

 

[PhantomEB]

To each their own, myself I am born and raised suburbs Calgary, work Fort Mac. When I am home I want the ability to just throw on some clothes and tinker, not plan a day around driving half an hour to my work shop. Hell I have told the gf she wants to move out of town I want my shop attached to the house!

 

[TomcoPDR]

Very cool it will be nice to have your work space seperate from your home...

Or just to have 1,200sqft and 450sqft (1,650sqft as off site) and live in a townhouse with single garage in a trendy area.

To each their own, myself I am born and raised suburbs Calgary, work Fort Mac. When I am home I want the ability to just throw on some clothes and tinker, not plan a day around driving half an hour to my work shop. Hell I have told the gf she wants to move out of town I want my shop attached to the house!

Believe me, there's nothing I want more than a residential with 1,000sqft of garage space.

What year are you referring to having a house/garage for under $350,000 in Coventry though? You're in your early 40's so you got a good 7-8 year on me to buy it before our 2005-2008 doubled up housing boom... But in 2016/2017 value? Maybe your house/garage combo is worth more than you think current market value $560,000-700,000???

Of course, personal opinion and value on things isn't really worth time debating. However, I believe you're incorrect on your property evaluation in 2016/2017 Calgary though. In my opinion, there's a huge difference in "to each their own" values, your VALUE on your thoughts on the Vault is respected (I'm only 1 of the SMALLEST unit, one-unit buyer); but yourself as a Calgarian, your value assessment ON the Vault, as a property in 2017 Calgary, I'm confused with. (so if you made comments where The Stash in Okotoks is $299,000 for the SAME size to Vaults' $350,000; I get that)

Apples to apples, 1,000sqft hobby space, in 2016/2017 value... on www.realtor.ca I'm only see this listed so far... at $300/sqft, and it's 17 years old, pretty cheaply build material. Just one of those you got to pay to play

On www.realtor.ca today Feb 4, 2017

Here's 2 properties in your community in Coventry. that's priced at $375,000-$380,000 with small double garages 400-450sqft, but still isn't 1,000sqft...

Let alone for this price (based on you were saying $350,000 Cdn can get a dream home/garage combo in one shot; believe me, I'm with you... I'm running the same square footage garage as you right now 21x30 minus doorway; for sake of not arguing)... but I'm not living $350,000 for a home/garage combo, lol

The above two examples within $375,000 range, I personally don't like living in those streets where only one of the tougher 2 neighbours gets to park their AB oil rig crew cab half ton up front.

Again, don't get me wrong, I'm with ya... based on actions (so not arguing for sake of arguing), because I'm on the same page... same current size garage and living on the same parcel of land. (I'm NOT under $350,000 for my combo though)... I even get to park 3 vehicles up front within my property line... but again, I want a bigger garage; or at least an extra off-site garage at the very least.

 

[drivesitfar]

TOM: it sounds like you did and are still doing your research on this VAULT garage. Like i think i mentioned living downtown and having everything within walking distance and maybe my shop 10 minutes away almost sounds like a dream to me if i could afford it.

Just curious if you did happen to find another project or property you liked better before closing do you have a big non-refundable deposit put down or just a nominal one that might be more of a holding fee?

good luck and keep taking and posting pictures as you have time to.

 

[TomcoPDR]

TOM: it sounds like you did and are still doing your research on this VAULT garage. Like i think i mentioned living downtown and having everything within walking distance and maybe my shop 10 minutes away almost sounds like a dream to me if i could afford it.

Just curious if you did happen to find another project or property you liked better before closing do you have a big non-refundable deposit put down or just a nominal one that might be more of a holding fee?

good luck and keep taking and posting pictures as you have time to.

drivesitfar: Great topic, glad you asked. Yup, been wrecking my brains before committing 20% down on the VAULT garage condos, even before taking possession, I know it'd STILL be an going struggle looking for the next garage/house (living arrangement) investment combo.

These were (still are) the key points I'm looking for when formulating my life's garage and living combo, and how I concluded with the VAULTS for this phase in life.

- bigger garage needed: 580sqft current just isn't fun for me. I want a hobby size private place, setup ammo reload equipment (without having to take it down everytime, space big enough to leave 2-3 presses without changing dies), space where you can have your own mini-gym hang a real heavy bag (not the water base filled ones), start a project vehicle and leave everything in pieces during the process, keep daily driven vehicle(s) indoors because of our climate. Yes, perfect if it's on same property one's house.

- living space: closer to our city's downtown core. my very first post, parent's house, lived in the deep deep suburbs growing up 23 years of it, don't like the scene if I can afford to get out.

- personal opinion of investment value: I FEEL, there's no point buying in a crappy/cheap neighbourhood with large lots, with run down shack shed house (not willing to build oversize garage illegally against lot coverage allowance), and over spending on over doing a garage size killing yard that when you sell, those cases you won't get your money out from your disproportion garage with a run down house you're forever playing catch up reno with.... Dollar for dollar, I believe in the Vault as something that'll still hold it's break-even value within these 3-5 years if I need to sell (a clean, brand new building; architecturally controlled industrial zone with multi million dollar warehouses with Loblaws/grocery chain, Walmart, Whirlpool having 250,000sqft+ buildings within the block), THEN living in clean apartment condo or downtown townhouse with single garage, would provide better flexibility of capital should the need arise to move... Compared to being tied to a higher priced house/garage because I want bigger garage space (again, we're GJ guys here, we're trying to take on the next kick *** garage project within our level, not a cookie cutter generic garage, imo).


Let me provide my case study/research, I've spent endless nights searching, compiling, repeatedly log into my bank account staring at the numbers hoping they'll magically glitch to add more 0's to the end balance, city assessment value for my current house, etc... Don't get me wrong "debating" with PhantomEB, I'm just as frustrated at over-inflated property value to get square footage for garage space for cheap(er) in our city.

Ok, I'll start from the very best case scenario and work my way towards why I settled for the Vaults, lol, from MY criteria above, concept of these two places would be me hitting PowerBall/Lotto, I'll buy it tomorrow: (I've censored properties that I have no interest to purchase, my way of respect... but properties that I'm actually considering and able to obtain, I'll leave those fully open)

4 car garage, house is too big for myself though. And, I don't have that kinda $$$... Thought it'd be fun posting.

This one below, would be a realistic of my dream house/garage, downtown ish, in my price range to live and garage play space, etc... (this one is 2 car, so I'll have to build from scratch and use the entire basement layout when you drive in)... This one is a double edge sword though, I won't get into this kind of house till I get a wife (notice word wife, not gf), but, if she's a wife, I'm also wondering during planning stage of this custom build, if I'll be allowed to take up the entire basement as my garage/play space? So goes back to my Vault, during single/gf stage it's completely mine, (when I say gf means "single", to me, I'm still talking about a monogamous relationship, but IMO, gf's don't get involved with your finance/way of life/how or where to live, if it works for both great, if not, well no point making things worse getting married, imo... given, I believe a wife does have a lot of say in our lives; totally getting personal now, lol)... THEREFORE, if my future wife ends up to be a real ball buster, I don't need to go full out on a baller house, slave for the rest of my life paying for over size mortgage for "HER" dream house/garage... I can just keep the Vault (I bought when I was single), and I can still buy those cookie cutter suburb double garage with the wife, hide in the Vault for a getaway. (prefer not to live that way though)

Ok, these styles of properties (publicly listed on Google map, it's other ppl's private homes, not currently listed for sale)... are more of a blue collar, working man dream house/garage... I'd totally rock these houses with a good wifey or even the unfortunate outcome misbehaving non trophy wifey and not need a Vault. Problem is, you have to WAIT till it goes on sale, if at all.

This first one, I've been eye balling since I was 12, taking school bus, see it everyday, back in those days the occupant was a semi truck driver, at times I'd see him parking the semi back in this over size garage. (I don't think they allow this height anymore in our city)

Goes back to the Vault, I don't want to wait decades with money in hand, or ready to leave my house ASAP, once, one of these come on sale. Yes, I have a spreadsheet of Google sheets of cool garage, working man neighbourhood houses that I'm ready to buy.

(This, for the short purpose without getting into research and details, I think into the $615,000 range; can be looked up)

This one is across the street... Just a big *** garage, not long enough to fit his RV... but using the 40-50' RV to compare, I'd say a good size. (it WAS listed once, then off the market within 3 days)

This one below was listed 1.5 years ago, for $900,000... a low key house, good quiet neighbourhood. (again, yes as a family with wife and kids, great I'd be down... I don't think Downtown living with a Vaults garage condo with 15-20 mins drive is that bad; if one is motivated on the project he's doing at the time... don't forget, these houses also have maintenance: snow removal, lawn... Vaults and Downtown apartment doesn't)

I saved my best for last... These would be MY version of dream house/dream I would buy in a heart beat, within my wallat's reach... under $1,000,000 but definitely not under $350,000.

Garage alley lane at bottom of hill, the house's yard is on roof level of garage (I think some even has lawn on top of their garages, one house you can see built a roof cover for BBQ/chill on top their garage)... Check out the one owner with 6 car garage, and still plenty of yard space, low key 1,500-2,000sqft home.

These almost never go listed for sale, it's almost as if you have to get a realtor knocking try guessing/tossing offers.

I agree, if I can avoid off-site (1,000sqft+ garage) I would love to.

So yes, I have explored thoughts for house/LARGE garage on same lot... Ok, next post, industrial properties I've considered. (after exploring this, either I'm over spending for a too big of a house, to get a proportional big garage)... So it pushed my thinking, I'm just going to have to accept off-site 1,000sqft+ to play, and adjust in a smaller residence, in a cool (to me) area.

 

[TomcoPDR]

TOM: it sounds like you did and are still doing your research on this VAULT garage. Like i think i mentioned living downtown and having everything within walking distance and maybe my shop 10 minutes away almost sounds like a dream to me if i could afford it.

Just curious if you did happen to find another project or property you liked better before closing do you have a big non-refundable deposit put down or just a nominal one that might be more of a holding fee?

good luck and keep taking and posting pictures as you have time to.

Same with the residential dream house/garage post above... I'll start with the LEAST possible scenario, to the most possible, to why I ended up with the Vault garage; which in my mind the most economical method in my situation.

Thought about purchasing an entire building, this is the cheapest listed right now, per square foot $125/sqft in a 1977 built... the Vault is $212/sqft brand new. Then split into two options:

- (option 1) So now I've become the builder/developer, trying to upgrade a worn down old building... Breaking it up into condos, and try to re-sale individual units as my garage condo per sa (re-zoning permit, physical building codes met like firewalls, individual utilities metring, approved condominium corp setup with city, parking lot stalls to square foot ratio approval, holding costs for both during up-to-code for resale construction, and holding cost for vacancy till units sell; all that; hoping to keep a 1,200-1,500sqft space for myself? lol) Maybe I'll end up getting my space for "free" as profits, and maybe I won't, and highly possible I'll lose money because this isn't what I do for a living.

- (option 2) Setup a property investment/ownership business plan. Own this entire building being a landlord, business mortgage oweing to the big bad banks. Look after the tenants (so 25,000sqft, I only want 1,500sqft... so I'm managing 23,500sqft worth of tenants pending what combo of tenants require at the time of contract)... No thanks, not for me at this point in life, I rather have 10-20 residential rentals WITH it's own property management, and we manage the property manager if things pop up, over phone/email... If this is the case, I'd rather worry about my 25 minutes drive from downtown house to the Vault; than to drive to my 25,000sqft property trying to chill in my 1,500sqft space, only to end up spending my entire time keeping up with a 1977 build's maintenance/hiring watching contractors.

Then I thought about, even if I'm willing to move to a smaller town. To build my own play space, in their upcoming industrial area. A town 2 hours South of us, not even 1/10 population as ours (based on Wikipedia 2016 figures, we're 1.2 million, small town name Lethbridge pop. 96,800)


They're about $80-100/sqft at cost to build (you have to general contractor yourself, so that's wholesale build cost; not retail walk in and purchase)... on 1 acre industrial lot, I believe when I really looked into it maxes out 7,200sqft total building (so about 6 units, of 1,200sqft each), with proper ratio parking.

So conservative figures, lot $215,000, building $720,000 (7,200sqft @ $100/sqft because I'm not connected with construction industry), that's without paying yourself GC wages, mortgage cost, vacant holding cost selling 6,000sqft I don't need out of 7,200sqft, any surprises, etc... Sure let's call it $130/sqft to build it, keep 1,200sqft myself... so my unit is $156,000


Oh but wait... it looks like someone else is already doing that... and they've probably done this once or twice, or hundreds times.

Then I realized, if I'm willing to relocate to a town 1/10 of my current, things are a bit cheaper, more relaxed residential building codes... why the hack would I need an off-site bay to my residence, lol... I WILL be able to build a 1,000sqft garage at the house, properly too, within good price.



This is my last piece of research, this was the closest property that fits my needs that'll give the Vault a run. Location isn't as convenient (from downtown Calgary, airport), it actually has some chain link fence gravel yard space for your own seacan, trailers, etc... (I don't need that), it's proper business bay where consumers access to, so if you're just holding it privately, your business neighbours are a variable (some doesn't like vacant business neighbours; it kind of is and isn't their business, pending on condo board of operational requirements too then)... I do like you get a few assigned parking (stalls to building size ratio), where as Vault there isn't, but again Vault is a true private garage condo community, not a business bay.

Thanks for reading the long research, but which is how I concluded, for needing a 1,000sqft+ hobby play space; the smallest Vault unit at this time, is actually the most economical choice for me. And maybe the members with solid marriages are willing to help comment, for me, I'd rather a gf (potential wife) see me in a modest apartment/small house (doesn't know I own a Vault, I'm in a Vault because I want to use the space NOW), and we build a life together from bottom up, design OUR cool home/garage together)... Than to have a gf who sees me in my dream home/garage combo, doesn't know, doesn't care I'm actually slaving my balls off paying for it all, then calls it quits and biggest fear forced to sell the perfect dream 4 car garage house combo; well again, which means the Vault could be a good thing; keep it now pre-marriage contract, doesn't matter what home I end up with with future wife; cause if anything happens, I can still live out in the Vault Hence, all signs lend to Vault is the only choice.

I should have some update pics later this afternoon as a friend is playing badminton across the gym from the Vault. Or if PhantomEB takes his empties to the bottle depot around the corner from there, or maybe washing his car at the brand new carwash beside it... It's really snowy today here though.

 

[55cadillacking]

Seen the price tag.....uhm my house and dream shop build was cheaper....plus I got a bed for the cutie to sleep next to me in. I think I will stick with that!

I think it'd be way more secure in a square court pattern, one way in one way out.

But previously said 350g Canadian? That could buy me an acre or two north of town with a 40x60 and small rancher house.

An acre or two north of town is an acre or two north of town, what's your point? How does that fact have anything to do with values here in Calgary? Personally, I am digging this project and enjoy following its progress. BTW, an acre or two north of the city with a small rancher is pretty much my nightmare. Just sayin'.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Yes each to their own let's respect his choice of location and move on with the cool project and commentary... Some people love the city others don't but it's not respectful to bash people's preferences. I love the country but my wife would never leave the city, so I have a getaway in the country as well... Different strokes for different folks....

 

[TomcoPDR]

February 5, 2017

Photos from friends. One of two main entrance doors, entire complex will be enclosed, backside 26' walls against outside. Main two garage parkade doors developer said they'll also install in-floor retrackable bollard upon key fob/password entry.

An acre or two north of town is an acre or two north of town, what's your point? How does that fact have anything to do with values here in Calgary? Personally, I am digging this project and enjoy following its progress. BTW, an acre or two north of the city with a small rancher is pretty much my nightmare. Just sayin'.

Since it's brought up with money talks on the table, relating to our garage projects here. (some may feel it's a ripoff, some don't, etc...) All I can do is share my train of thoughts on this project; with my evidence. Again, we are talking about within Calgary city limits market value. And per square foot cost. As well as residential or commercial zoned.

For myself, I believe the cost of the Vault (again, mine is the smallest unit), holds it's weight.

If you look at a topography map of the location, I personally like the factor that the tiny amount of money spent on one small Vault unit, is "partnered" with the big boys of real estate in the area of CLEAN industrial... Look how massive the other buildings big corporations own. It's a 10 year "old"/young development, my opinion is, these international corporations and multi-billion dollar businesses wouldn't be there if they didn't have a 15-50 year plan. (be it the real estate building owners leasing to big corps, or the big corps themselves owning the properties)

Let me start from my smallest, working my way up, then back to the itty bitty 1 small Vault unit.


The bottle depot (Country Hills Bottle Depot) where PhantomEB takes his empties, around the corner of the Vaults land.

Damn I gonna have to swing by there as that's where I take my empties ( I live across Nose Creek creek valley from there, pretty much can see the condos from my dog walk)

***** so close but nah I will just make my own 'vault'!

That building/lot, (public info, searchable on city website), is assessed at $2,250,000 at 6,700sqft... I'd love to own that as my auto appearance shop. Nice looking building with large parking too if you asked me.

Then you have the building immediately next to the Vaults land, a $4,200,000 "carwash"... Great facility, owner is extremely friendly. Those Google reviews are legit, imo. So to me, a guy/group dumping that money into a carwash, is most likely going to stick around 5-10 years themselves, before they hit the "I don't care, I've made my money" stage.

I saved my best for last once again... At the time 2008, Whirlpool holds the biggest space in this area, 439,000sqft. A $63,700,000 building with 755,500sqft space. (Whirlpool using 60%... about $38,000,000 worth of real estate value as a tenant)...

So my conclusion is, if the big boys/gals are willing to pony up this type of $$$ in their new buildings in the area. Makes the reference having a 1,600sqft for the smallest Vaults unit, your investment isn't going to "vanish" for no reason.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Super cool neighbourhood!

 

[drivesitfar]

TOM: your research will certainly help others in your same situation whether it be in Calgary or any big city or small town. i was a Realtor for 30 years before retiring 10 years ago and i'd have clients work with me cause i knew my job as opposed to their wives, kids and relatives that had Real Estate licenses to sell property. like with anything if you are buying something KNOW YOUR OTHER OPTIONS and make a choice based on your situation which is what i think you are doing.

all that research is great and i hope you end up with a good situation for your lifestyle.

i'm not a huge fan of technology being the security, but guessing yours is going to be high end and hopefully works with power outages and avoids thieves hacking in.

i can't say i read where you mentioned how much of a deposit you had to put down to hold your unit and is it refundable or non refundable before closing? are closing dates automatically extended and prices locked in?

best of luck turning your current or a future GF into your bride cause might be a harder research project than just buying a COOL GARAGE. you marry into her friends so pay attention to that even though that may change and you will obviously get her relatives.

 

[TomcoPDR]

TOM: your research will certainly help others in your same situation whether it be in Calgary or any big city or small town. i was a Realtor for 30 years before retiring 10 years ago and i'd have clients work with me cause i knew my job as opposed to their wives, kids and relatives that had Real Estate licenses to sell property. like with anything if you are buying something KNOW YOUR OTHER OPTIONS and make a choice based on your situation which is what i think you are doing.

all that research is great and i hope you end up with a good situation for your lifestyle.

i'm not a huge fan of technology being the security, but guessing yours is going to be high end and hopefully works with power outages and avoids thieves hacking in.

i can't say i read where you mentioned how much of a deposit you had to put down to hold your unit and is it refundable or non refundable before closing? are closing dates automatically extended and prices locked in?

best of luck turning your current or a future GF into your bride cause might be a harder research project than just buying a COOL GARAGE. you marry into her friends so pay attention to that even though that may change and you will obviously get her relatives.

With security cameras, they're so economical nowadays, I'm thinking of doing both POE power over ethernet, as well as coxial. (two system)... I guess can't do anything if someone completely shut the power to the entire place.

I'm now "in contract" (as realtors here say), the sold units on their website are the ones that did non refundable deposits, for me, I'm at 20% (not sure what other units are at, and I couldn't disclose that even if I knew)... so just got to be excited to ride this out. Yup, unit prices are locked in till closing date, automatically.

Seeing that you're in the RE business. Hopefully you understand my line of thinking this unit to USE, also acts as an investment, for the price of a new crewcab pickup as deposit (which is in trust/escrow here in Canada, so developer can't do one of those, oh the LLC can't afford this build, let's fold)... They're the ones dealing with issues, permits, weather delays, they've held this $2,500,000 land (can be publicly searched) for over 2 years, etc... Commercial property wise, it's too big of a game for me to try at this point. I understand on GJ, pending on construction, some perfer the pride of hands on, and some don't. For the status quo "Built, not bought", for this professional task on the Vaults 26' tall concrete complex, I'd rather take the latter.

Be right back in a few hours, took the day off, our city just got a huge snow dump last night.

 

[drivesitfar]

TOM: i WAS a Realtor for 30 years and i've been retired for 10 years now and OUT OF THE GAME so to speak. I'm sure many many things have changed just as some things never change. i forgot more now and don't even use that part of my brain that has a lot of that REAL ESTATE TRIVIA in it and you are in a different country which would also maybe change things a bit too, but if you have questions you don't want to ask on this thread and want to PM me you are welcome to and if i can help i will or i'll give you my honest answer.

in any case the name of the game isn't to PLEASE GJ MEMBERS it's to please TOMCOPDR and if you are happy and still hoping to close some day this spring or summer then I know i'm pulling for you as i'm sure others are even if they might like something different.

best of luck and maybe buy a drone and fly it in for pictures on a daily basis after the crews have finished for the day. of course if that sort of thing is legal and you want to.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Till the next Vault update, I suppose good general discussion.

This would be one of the reasons I wouldn't mind trying a condo fee based lifestyle (downtown apartment condo fees someone else takes care of ****, Vaults car warehouse someone takes care of building maintenance, etc...)

I took the day off just to hang around the house clearing this up.

It just seems this lifestyle grinds so much time. Even having a full time lawn/landscape guy (he comes around the neighbourhood, only does the front steps and front sidewalks, everything around the house would be too extensive and costly)

Days like these, I wouldn't even tinker in the garage. As my interest (using garage space) is working on vehicles, I just don't like the fact you have to move vehicles in and out or losing parking space during a project. Right now, the garage is used for parking, and storage, toolbox on side wall you use to do maintenance work around the household.

A little first world problem no doubt... and why leave vehicles parked on the street while you have a garage? There have been side swipe hit and run to a friend visiting.

Where as say a snowed in day like this, instead of spending 3-4 hours shoveling around the house. Had I made the drive up to the Vault (from downtown apartment), could forced myself doing some reloads, tinker with a car project sitting there, chill in the club house, see if friends would stop in, etc.

Of course, won't know till I'm fully in that condo fee lifestyle. But you can always go back to a house in Calgary. Plenty of land, just depends how far you want to live and want to spend.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Yes, we enjoyed living in a townhouse style condo for a while it was nice not having to shovel snow...

 

[TomcoPDR]

The developer texted asking to meet up on site this coming week to go through some rough-in, layouts, etc...

I think it's a local holiday Feb 13 Monday, since the earliest time he provided was Tuesday Feb 14th.

Lucky enough, was able to swap this weekend as Valentine's weekend. So on Feb 14th I can have a date with the developer.

In order to get that exchange, had to get our nails did.

But it was a good compromise to be able to stop into the range for a bit after the nail spa.

Then finish off with a movie later tonight.

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice!

 

[shortykorte]

Cool place for a nail place. I've always liked those barrel back sky ceilings. Sling some lead and get a pedicure is a day I could go for. A good marriage is all about compromise. Happy wife happy wife.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Feb 14, 2017

First time physically on site, photos permissioned by developer to post on GJ.

The entire land will be perimeter surrounded by the backside of these units (this is only phase 1 of 4), with 2 monitored camera/doored/key fob entrance.

Backside of the main front entrance

Exterior of phase 1 units

Interior of units before dividing walls

Studs used for the dividing walls... (can't remember the gauge builder told me), after the dual 5/8" drywall, it'll provide 2 hour fireproof (vs. 1 - 1.5 hr city requirement for commercial fire rate)

Inside of clubhouse, will have a mezzanine area (but below mezzanine will lose some space for utilities)

Since I've already traded Feb 14th for Valentine's weekend, was out at the Vaults site for a few hours hanging out. Stopped into a couple of friends with businesses around the area, (pre planned appointment) drop my books to accountant office in that end of the city, so by the time the day was done it was supper time on the way home. Just opted for a bro-gal, not single but not with S.O. dinner at a truck stop. Figure it wasn't gonna be packed, down to earth, read some semi tractor trailer buy/sell mag, they even fulfilled my request for a heart shaped pancake, pretty cool long tiring day.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Cool place for a nail place. I've always liked those barrel back sky ceilings. Sling some lead and get a pedicure is a day I could go for. A good marriage is all about compromise. Happy wife happy wife.

The name of the place was Bellagio.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Feb 18, 2017

Developer's photo, garage doors installed in Phase 1, ten units. They've sent emails for late March, 2017 possession.

Thought about leaving little nacks for the buyer of the house (not listed, not in a rush or anything anyway). But then since there's bits and pieces of time, why not try to retain most of my stuff. Took the second garage tv out with the mount, might as well move it to the warehouse.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Feb 23, 2017

Developer's photos. Starting the demising walls. Things getting exciting, going to stop in next week to check it out.

 

[drivesitfar]

Tom: was it another garage thread you had where you showed how you put casters on your commercial racking in your garage? how do you like that and do you have to be careful about how heavy you load them? i think i also remember you putting white vinyl over the paint on your rolling tool box? anyway i bet you can hardly wait to get your cool stuff into that great space at the VAULT. yes??

so i'm a little confused about the Valentine's meal cause it sounded like you took the developer out to a meal and shooting. Is that the developer with the blue painted fingernails? or is that your current girlfriend? not that i need to know and you certainly don't need to clear it up for me, but i'm old and didn't quite understand.

anyway is April still looking like the big day to spend a little spare cash and have a cool room at the VAULTS? being the first might have it's advantages and it's downfalls so hopefully the pluses will be far better.

good luck and everything is looking pretty good and a lot of progress is happening even though i bet temps are still far below freezing.

cheers and have a great weekend.

 

[TomcoPDR]

Tom: was it another garage thread you had where you showed how you put casters on your commercial racking in your garage? how do you like that and do you have to be careful about how heavy you load them? i think i also remember you putting white vinyl over the paint on your rolling tool box? anyway i bet you can hardly wait to get your cool stuff into that great space at the VAULT. yes??

so i'm a little confused about the Valentine's meal cause it sounded like you took the developer out to a meal and shooting. Is that the developer with the blue painted fingernails? or is that your current girlfriend? not that i need to know and you certainly don't need to clear it up for me, but i'm old and didn't quite understand.

anyway is April still looking like the big day to spend a little spare cash and have a cool room at the VAULTS? being the first might have it's advantages and it's downfalls so hopefully the pluses will be far better.

good luck and everything is looking pretty good and a lot of progress is happening even though i bet temps are still far below freezing.

cheers and have a great weekend.

drivesitfar: You're correct, it's within this same thread, I just compressed all my projects within this one thread.

Here's the page with caster wheels http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290601&page=3

They're rated at 200 lbs per wheel, at $50 a pop though. But for normal household type of items, it moves with 4 truck tire/rim no issue, and really can free up garage space. Reason why I did the castered racks (in the current 580sqft triple detached home), is because I had a feeling I was going to get an off site warehouse in the near future. So now, it'll be easy just to pop off the racks and move the 4 big shelves to the warehouse in spring, 2017. Sell the house/house detach triple, with just clean walls for the next owner; I didn't see myself in the current house more than 5 years, so I didn't want to commit to either (1) chessy cheap 2x4 type of shelving (nothing wrong with it, dad had that style at his house), or (2) overly expensive high end garage shelves measure to fit in that space only.


The toolbox vinyl wrapping is here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=290601&page=4

Yup, I'm moving it to the warehouse too... going to do "white out" theme with warehouse as well.



The blue nails was the gf, we did Valentine's "weekend" before 14th... it was in exchange to be able to meet with the developer on the 14th lol .... But the meal at the truck stop with the sausage and pancake, was with a friend, right on the 14th night after all the meetings were done.

 

[drivesitfar]

TOM: sounds like you had a very busy Valentine's day. hope all the paperwork goes smoothly with both the Vaults purchase and your home's sale. i can't recall you saying you actually sold the house yet so once you get the Vaults set up will you maybe rent your home out if you find a good condo or place downtown?

you mentioned your practice at the shooting range and i bet more members than i would like to see the target if you cared to share that you shot at. i've never been to a shooting range and is there always a lot of cartridges laying all over the floor at all of them?

 

[TomcoPDR]

TOM: sounds like you had a very busy Valentine's day. hope all the paperwork goes smoothly with both the Vaults purchase and your home's sale. i can't recall you saying you actually sold the house yet so once you get the Vaults set up will you maybe rent your home out if you find a good condo or place downtown?

you mentioned your practice at the shooting range and i bet more members than i would like to see the target if you cared to share that you shot at. i've never been to a shooting range and is there always a lot of cartridges laying all over the floor at all of them?

Just going to keep the house after the warehouse possession, just let the moving progression do it's course, lol. My range results? extremely embarrassing lol... I just do it for shits and giggles.


Feb 28, 2017

More meet up with the developer. Minor details, bay window TRIMS being installed.

The developer is really good to work with, at this point they're close to drywalling up the walls, so they'd prefer if I can get all my rough-in ideas to them ASAP (lighting, outlets, water lines). So in the process dealing with their designer for some ideas where to place hardware stuff before the walls get closed up.