What I would do differently next time

[utah997]

Since I'm right at the framing portion of my project, I'm at a crossroads with a bunch of choices.

Flooring
Paint
Overall design
Electical
Water
Cabinets
etc.. etc...


I thought I would start this thread so everyone could post something that they would do differently in their garage next time.

I'm deathly afraid of missing something. Not putting power in the right spot, not running enough compressor lines.

Let's hear the suggestions guys..

 

[Mr. Welsh]

This username looks familiar...hey Utah! Post up some pictures!

 

[utah997]

Mr Welsh... the internet is a small place eh? I started a thread here under "Bunker" garage. It has pretty up to date pics.

 

[Mr. Welsh]

Very nice, but all those pictures look familiar. Time for new ones!

 

[boiler7904]

Before making any suggestions, the first thing to know from you is the type of work or other activities that will be done in the garage. Is it going to be fabrication, bodywork, engine / ****** building / rebuilding, detailing, storage, woodworking, or some other hobby?

 

[Namocsid]

I wish I had thought to have a good heavy duty circuit wired to an outlet in the ceiling for a good cord reel. (Actually, I have one since I ended up going with a jackshaft opener, but it's shared with other outlets and not exactly what I would have liked)

 

[SteveL]

Wish I had bough better quality hose and electric cord reels with longer(read 50' min) hoses. I installed electric outlets in the top center of both side walls for neon art, but forgot to put them on switches. Wish I had been there when they poured the floor so I could have bitched about how it was sloped to the drain. Oh, and I would have noticed that there was no vapor barrier under it. Should have designed a curb around the perimiter that would have been better looking and not interfere with cabinets.

I'll be back later with more.

 

[SteveL]

Oh, yea...........I told the plumber to use 3/4" copper under the slab for the hot/cold water bibs inside by the overhead door and did not notice they were 1/2" untill after the drywall was up. Pressure ***** now!

Back later!

 

[bmwpower]

Get cracking. I must have sat on my electrical drawings for a couple of months before I started to pull wire. I wanted to make absolutely sure I had power where I needed it.

Utah - I guess you don't have to worry about moisture in your slab...unless your basement floods. Epoxy?

As others said...we need to know your intentions...and price range...before we suggest.

 

[utah997]

Get cracking. I must have sat on my electrical drawings for a couple of months before I started to pull wire. I wanted to make absolutely sure I had power where I needed it.

Utah - I guess you don't have to worry about moisture in your slab...unless your basement floods. Epoxy?

As others said...we need to know your intentions...and price range...before we suggest.

Yeah, we are pretty covered on the water issue. It will completely surrounded by concrete driveway on ALL sides, and all downspouts off the roof are going directly into the sewer, so (knock on wood) we won't have any water issues.

As for epoxy, I originally wanted that.. then heard horror stories about it "coming up" under hot tires. I really was sold on the VCT, I love the look, the easy clean up etc. But come to find out, people have had trouble with it staining easily. Back to square one on that I guess.

As for intentions and uses for the garage, mainly for car storage, detailing and minor car repairs (nothing major) Although I am toying with putting in a lift (so I'll need to wire for that)

Also someone here mentioned putting in some outlets up high for neon signs, killer idea, I'm going to do that.

As for what I've forgotton or screwed up so far:

I came home today and the roof sheeting was done and they were starting on shingles. I walked into the garage looked up at the trusses and my stomach sank. I totally forgot to put in attic trusses. The trusses I have are 7 feet tall. I would have been able to clear out a nice little space up there for storage or whatever.

Son of a....