What Do You Use Your Garage For?

[glentre]

I have a contractor friend who is considering forming a business to sell turnkey garage installations to include cabinets, flooring, interior finishing etc to homeowners using his sub-contractor contacts. He is trying to get an idea of the general percentage of owners who do different things in their garages such as storage only, light auto work, heavy auto building or restoration, woodworking, metal working, electronics, detailing, and other particular hobbies. I realize the great majority of homeowners just use their garages to store their "stuff" but they would likely not be members of our forum.

Would you non-commercial homeowner forum members be kind enough to reply to me with a short answer on what you do in your garage so I might give him an idea on how best to direct his marketing efforts?

In my case, I would reply "Storage of antique cars, light mechanical maintenance on those cars and general home maintenance work"

Thanks for your cooperation.

Glen

 

[Copymutt]

Everything except sleep there. Oh, I forgot the occasional nap.
Seriously, I spend 10 hrs per day, more if we have company. That’s where we entertain. Project vehicles, fabrication, brew and consume beer, great entertainment consisting of both audio and multi feed to tv screen, practice elec. guitar, movie dates w/ the wife. Shop sink, heated, shower, john, sauna.

 

[KRB52]

Storage for anything we can't fit in the apartment and/or place for my wife to toss stuff she's too lazy to put away. She keeps squawking that she's going to clean it out so she can park her car there (one car garage.) She's been saying that for over 10 years.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Storage 24-7, more stuff stored in the winter.
Maintenance of some type avg 2-3 times a week, more in the summer. (Usually one pretty involved per year).
A couple wood working projects a year.
One or two gatherings (family/friends) per summer.

The turn key idea is interesting. A few choices (or levels) of finishes (interior/exterior, electrical, cabinets, HVAC and plumbing options could satisfy a variety of owners.

 

[Rc_Guy]

Park in it, keep our BBQ vending trailer in it, sit at the bar and watch TV, work on rc race cars and crawlers.

The floor is heated, the garage is big so there is plenty of room, it's another living room for us.

 

[SweetD]

Park our two daily drivers nightly.

DIY home/vehicle maintenance stuff with an 11' x 24" bench. Couple of 26" roller chests. Storage shelves on both exterior walls.

Hobby shop. Nothing huge.

Hang out (TV, speakers, Internet, etc.), drink beer.

24'x24' attached. Wall-hung gas natural gas heater, so year-round.

Escape from wife/teenagers.

 

[Brent T]

Park 2 DD's, my Jeep and the CBX in it.
Perform general auto maintenance and small fab work.
Storage for a few lawn / garden tools.
Wired for sound / video / internet.

 

[ItsNemo]

Pretty much anyone who uses their garage for a specific purpose other than storage/parking is going to be able to and want to build/install/setup their garages themselves. Short of showy garages, I doubt many would care for "turn key packages"...especially because most out of the box solutions never quite optimize everything.

 

[mike93lx]

Parking, tool storage and sometimes a workshop

 

[Doug Arthurs]

Machine shop. Itsnemo is correct I would not buy a turnkey setup.

 

[rburke65]

I’m fortunate enough to use my garage to park 2 vehicles. Pole barn for equipment storage, lumber, stuff. Shop is where I tinker.

 

[glentre]

I may have confused some with the statement that my friend is looking to provide a "standard turnkey installation". The reason for trying to get an idea about how many different uses we all have for our garages is that he wants to do installs which meet the needs for each individual, not something standard. Turnkey in this instance means he wants to develop the ability to be able to do a complete garage install for whatever the homeowner wants to use his garage for and to be able to offer a complete package for whatever that need may be because, generally, today's homeowner lacks the ability to do that. Obviously, there will be certain kinds of uses he might steer away from but at this point, he wants to be prepared for what uses his potential homeowner customers might want so he can be address those needs.

Unlike most of us forum members, many new homeowners have little experience regarding what it takes to turn their dream garage into reality, be it a man cave or a complex working garage and they have no idea how to accomplish it. Based on the threads on this forum, even we look to each other for guidance and advice on how to proceed. This is the role my friend would like his business to offer.

Thanks to all for the input so far and please keep responding.

Glen

 

[La Petite Tools]

I may have confused some with the statement that my friend is looking to provide a "standard turnkey installation". The reason for trying to get an idea about how many different uses we all have for our garages is that he wants to do installs which meet the needs for each individual, not something standard. Turnkey in this instance means he wants to develop the ability to be able to do a complete garage install for whatever the homeowner wants to use his garage for and to be able to offer a complete package for whatever that need may be because, generally, today's homeowner lacks the ability to do that. Obviously, there will be certain kinds of uses he might steer away from but at this point, he wants to be prepared for what uses his potential homeowner customers might want so he can be address those needs.

Unlike most of us forum members, many new homeowners have little experience regarding what it takes to turn their dream garage into reality, be it a man cave or a complex working garage and they have no idea how to accomplish it. Based on the threads on this forum, even we look to each other for guidance and advice on how to proceed. This is the role my friend would like his business to offer.

Thanks to all for the input so far and please keep responding.

Glen

I agree but the more customization that is needed the higher the cost is going to be and most new homeowners don't have the money for that level of service. I would imagine he needs to focus his energy at selling new garages to higher end neighborhoods and taking care of all research for HOA's and any problems or issues that could arise. There comes a certain point where people realize their time with family is more valuable than building themselves and that is where his niche market would be in. But that's just my thoughts on his plans.

 

[glentre]

I agree but the more customization that is needed the higher the cost is going to be and most new homeowners don't have the money for that level of service. I would imagine he needs to focus his energy at selling new garages to higher end neighborhoods and taking care of all research for HOA's and any problems or issues that could arise. There comes a certain point where people realize their time with family is more valuable than building themselves and that is where his niche market would be in. But that's just my thoughts on his plans.

You are certainly correct with regard to the fact this service would generally apply to higher end neighborhoods. He intends to market primarily to newer homes in affluent areas with two car or larger garages. Also, you are correct that this would be a niche market but he lives in an area that is expanding with many developments in the $500K and above range. Seems like a workable business plan and that is why I'm trying to help him understand what he may be getting into so he can be prepared.

Thanks for your input

Glen

 

[Sevenhills1952]

If I was looking for a home with garage the most appealing would be maybe space for four cars inside with workbenches and cabinet area. If it's attached or close to house you wouldn't need bathroom or shower.
A great idea I always thought would be a breezeway so house & garage are separated, fumes, noise, fire safety reasons. Breezeway is covered, an overhang would be great...space for maybe two daily drivers, out of the weather, breezeway is also out of weather going to either in bad weather.
Maybe one tall garage door with a lift option?
A few random thoughts.

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[Stuart in MN]

I use my garage for
1) parking my cars and motorcycles
2) maintaining them
3) storage (it has attic trusses, with a folding staircase.)

 

[isb cornbinder]

Out of sight and out of mind

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Oh! Stuart made me remember...the main section of my garage is two story. Double the space for not much extra money.


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[JRC3]

Pretty much anyone who uses their garage for a specific purpose other than storage/parking is going to be able to and want to build/install/setup their garages themselves. Short of showy garages, I doubt many would care for "turn key packages"...especially because most out of the box solutions never quite optimize everything.

Thank you for saying what I didn't want to think of putting into words. The plan in the opening post is more of something you grow in to by chance instead of planning.

In fact, the existence of TGJF pretty much proves exactly what ItsNemo said in the quote.

 

[PNWguy]

Parking.
It's also where the water heater, pressure tank (for the well) and chest freezer live.

Everything else happens in the houser, or the dedicated shop.

Woodworking happens in the woodshop.
Automotive, welding, metalworking & machining happens in the shop.

 

[James-W]

Not to be pessimistic, but I would think someone who can afford an expensive home in a "higher end" neighborhood would be wanting to turn wrenches or doing some sort of hobby that requires getting their hands dirty. I mean, to afford a 500K home you would most likely be a doctor, and attorney, CEO of some company, something like that. If anything you would want an office in the garage, but more likely in the house. Not trying to be pessimistic about this, but I tend to think the number of wealthy people who would want your friend to build them a "working garage" would be rather small.

I do, however, wish your friend all the best.

 

[niget2002]

Not to be pessimistic, but I would think someone who can afford an expensive home in a "higher end" neighborhood would be wanting to turn wrenches or doing some sort of hobby that requires getting their hands dirty. I mean, to afford a 500K home you would most likely be a doctor, and attorney, CEO of some company, something like that. If anything you would want an office in the garage, but more likely in the house. Not trying to be pessimistic about this, but I tend to think the number of wealthy people who would want your friend to build them a "working garage" would be rather small.

I do, however, wish your friend all the best.

I know multiple CEO's that race cars and wrench on them themselves. I also know a doctor that makes wooden cutting boards as a side job... not for the money, but for the relaxation.

Everyone needs a way to rewind at the end of the work week.

And to keep with the theme of the thread...

I do everything in my 'shop'. We park 1 car and a motorcycle in it. I do electronics, RC, woodworking and a dozen other things.

 

[ddurrett896]

I have a contractor friend who is considering forming a business to sell turnkey garage installations to include cabinets, flooring, interior finishing etc to homeowners using his sub-contractor contacts. He is trying to get an idea of the general percentage of owners who do different things in their garages such as storage only, light auto work, heavy auto building or restoration, woodworking, metal working, electronics, detailing, and other particular hobbies.

I'm not giving you what you asked for, but offering advice.

There are two customer segments:

1) with hobbies you listed above (auto work, woodworking, etc.)
2) without hobbies. Use for parking and storage

Customer (1) is hands on and likely want a part of the build - not turnkey like your friends wants to do. This could range from having someone pour the footer/slab then they frame and do everything else to maybe get it dried in, then they finish the electrical,etc. I would add a pole to this asking members who had 0% of the garage build.

Customer (2) wants a turn key garage used for parking/storage. I would cater to this crowd and have preset layouts that include: Parking + storage and also include a bonus type area for a man cave or workout space.

 

[firebirdparts]

I would want one specialized for heavy auto repair/restoration.

 

[Luckaso]

For the car, of course, but the family is for any garbage that they no longer need, I have to distribute this way, maintaining at least the minimum order.

 

[JRC3]

Not to be pessimistic, but I would think someone who can afford an expensive home in a "higher end" neighborhood would be wanting to turn wrenches or doing some sort of hobby that requires getting their hands dirty. I mean, to afford a 500K home you would most likely be a doctor, and attorney, CEO of some company, something like that. If anything you would want an office in the garage, but more likely in the house. Not trying to be pessimistic about this, but I tend to think the number of wealthy people who would want your friend to build them a "working garage" would be rather small.

I do, however, wish your friend all the best.

You'd be amazed how many doctors alone turn wrenches and collect cars. That and all other professional types. For a good 20 years I primarily cleaned residential windows and was amazed at all the garages I went in that had tools, hot rods or performance cars, workshops or wood working setups. Most were even in gated communities.

But, those are the exact people who would set up their own work areas. I mean they would pay to have the floor finished. Or maybe to have a heater installed or even cabinets. IDK, now that I think about it, how do the companies who do floors and garage cabinet systems get business? They stay busy. Maybe the OP/buddy could advertise in the exact same ways. But, he's gonna get calls to do just floors...Or just cabinets...And in areas other than the garage like a basement or a business. Work is work though.

 

[Lightman 1]

Mine serves multable duty. Its a work shop. I build and repair implements for my tractor and do DYI maintenance on our vehicles. I also cast bullets on my work bench. It provides secure parking for my truck and Polaris Ranger and its used for storage. Stuff like camping, hunting, and shooting gear. Ice chest, crawfish cooking stuff, ect. Before I retired it served as a warehouse for my electrical business. Think lots of industrial shelving and parts bins.

 

[ddawg16]

Look at how much work Tony Stark does in his garage...........

Mine is 2-story....so the upper portion is storage and an art studio for my wife.

1st Floor is mine....woodworking and wrenching. Of course there is no room for a vehicle due to all the tools....table saw...band saw...drill press....and a bunch of other ****. Besides, my jeep is too tall to fit.

 

[Copymutt]

If it's attached or close to house you wouldn't need bathroom or shower.

My wife is FUSSY. A lot of my garage activities or for that matter property maintenance preclude me from using facilities in the house till I’ve cleaned up.
Garage shower/John/shop sink keep the Harmony.

 

[crewchief888]

parking for the wifes car (when i have a door that isnt falling down)

parking for my harley

storage for multiple sets of toolboxes, (ive been a heavy eq mechanic for 35 years) drill press, abrasive chop saw, belt/disk sander and hand shear

small area for welding/fab work (now-a-days, mostly for the wifes "yard art")

this time of year i leave enough room for my gun buggy and folding chair

i keep most woodworking projects in the basement.

 

[matt_i]

I setup my shop around machine shop/metal fab although I'm hot on a sewing machine, propane forge and a paintbooth of some sort (lol)! The build is still ongoing. I could never afford to pay for the level of detail I put into it.

I think sticking to owners of houses which are in the $500k+ range are going to be those with the best ability to afford a custom engineered setup.

 

[Ej63090]

I think if you'd outfit them with a epoxy/racedeck flooring, newage cabinets, some slatwalls, and overhead storage - totally generic, you'd find a lot more interest and probably make more money. Go for the "looks" over function.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

I think it is a selling point and doctors/dentists I know actually bought homes with a garage, barn(s) other buildings with the idea this could be the car garage, this for woodworking, storage, crafts, etc.
The more I think about it I believe it can be a selling point.

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[fsae0607]

Repair and fab for me. With a fridge full of beer, it's a true greasy atmosphere.

 

[tonyciambrone]

I use my pole barn for working on my pole barn, when I'm not busy moving my tools out of the way so I can work on my pole barn

 

[James-W]

I know multiple CEO's that race cars and wrench on them themselves. I also know a doctor that makes wooden cutting boards as a side job... not for the money, but for the relaxation.

Everyone needs a way to rewind at the end of the work week.

And to keep with the theme of the thread...

I do everything in my 'shop'. We park 1 car and a motorcycle in it. I do electronics, RC, woodworking and a dozen other things.

Well, I don’t know, I was not trying to be pessimistic, I just don’t think it is a viable idea based upon my own personal knowledge of local people. But this is just my opinion and as usual, I could be wrong.

I don’t know any CEO’s of large companies, we have a few around here but I do not know them. I do know my wife’s doctor and he has a really nice home with a big garage for parking cars. I go to the VA Hospital in Madison for medical stuff so I don’t really know my doctor very well, but that is because the doctors at the VA get promoted to other positions and I tend to get a new doctor every couple years or so. Anyway, my wife’s doctor has a very nice garage and he has a large tool box in his garage and he has a sliding miter saw, a hand held belt sander and a few other tools. But that is as far as his wrenching or woodworking goes. The doctor plays golf for recreation.

One of the wealthy people I know is the president of the bank where do out banking, have known him for many years. He plays golf and likes to ride his “racing bike” whenever he can find the time to do so. He has some nice tools in a pretty nice box, he can fix a flat tire, or make adjustments to his bike, things of that nature, but that’s about it.

My neighbor is a retired CPA and I don’t think he would be able to work on much of anything mechanical. He is really intelligent, but not when it comes to using tools or things of that nature.

I know several people who own a small business, not super wealthy people but certainly well to do. None of them do wrenching or have hobbies that would require a “garage type” environment. I know one of them collects toy tractors and one of them enjoys photography. One of them goes on fishing trips quite a bit and another guy goes to Las Vegas a couple times per year.

Anyway, the point is, I seriously doubt that any of the more wealthy people that I know would have an interest in a custom built garage.

 

[niget2002]

Well, I don’t know, I was not trying to be pessimistic, I just don’t think it is a viable idea based upon my own personal knowledge of local people. But this is just my opinion and as usual, I could be wrong.



I don’t know any CEO’s of large companies, we have a few around here but I do not know them. I do know my wife’s doctor and he has a really nice home with a big garage for parking cars. I go to the VA Hospital in Madison for medical stuff so I don’t really know my doctor very well, but that is because the doctors at the VA get promoted to other positions and I tend to get a new doctor every couple years or so. Anyway, my wife’s doctor has a very nice garage and he has a large tool box in his garage and he has a sliding miter saw, a hand held belt sander and a few other tools. But that is as far as his wrenching or woodworking goes. The doctor plays golf for recreation.



One of the wealthy people I know is the president of the bank where do out banking, have known him for many years. He plays golf and likes to ride his “racing bike” whenever he can find the time to do so. He has some nice tools in a pretty nice box, he can fix a flat tire, or make adjustments to his bike, things of that nature, but that’s about it.



My neighbor is a retired CPA and I don’t think he would be able to work on much of anything mechanical. He is really intelligent, but not when it comes to using tools or things of that nature.



I know several people who own a small business, not super wealthy people but certainly well to do. None of them do wrenching or have hobbies that would require a “garage type” environment. I know one of them collects toy tractors and one of them enjoys photography. One of them goes on fishing trips quite a bit and another guy goes to Las Vegas a couple times per year.



Anyway, the point is, I seriously doubt that any of the more wealthy people that I know would have an interest in a custom built garage.

I didn't mean my post to sound confrontational, I was just trying to provide a different view. I tend to gravitate to people that share my interests. As I meet new people at events, after a while our day jobs come up in conversation. I never would have guessed the one guy was a ceo.

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[PelicanPines]

My cat lives there...

 

[James-W]

I didn't mean my post to sound confrontational, I was just trying to provide a different view. I tend to gravitate to people that share my interests. As I meet new people at events, after a while our day jobs come up in conversation. I never would have guessed the one guy was a ceo.

I didn't take it as you were being confrontational, I just based my opinion on the people I know who are what I would call wealthy, well not super wealthy, but certainly they are VERY well to do.

 

[mmb617]

When I built my garage 15 years ago I already knew some people who had to park their cars in their driveway because their garage was full of junk. I did not want that to happen to me, so I made a rule that the garage was solely for parking vehicles, working on vehicles and storage of the tools and parts needed to work on vehicles.

I can't say that rule has been followed 100%, but close enough that I can park 4 cars and 2 motorcycles in my 4 bay garage. I can squeeze in 5 cars if I double stack the lift bay.

I have a separate building for any woodworking I do as well as several sheds, one dedicated to stuff for the pool and two for outdoor power equipment.

It only took me 40 years to get everything arranged this way but it works great now.