Almost time for my garage remodel!

[Rob®]

So now that one major project is nearing completion, it's time for the garage remodel. Currently it sucks:


The *ONLY* lights. I replaced them with the "day" brightness CFL bulbs and it helped tremendously, but still. There are two lights in the entire space. (and just as many outlets :`( )


What you see when you open the door from the laundry room/house. Pretty tight




Rough pan of that entire wall. Those cardboard boxes all have stuff in them. I have since consolidated them a bit, but not by much. And of course just added more to the stacks.


Very rough pan of the opposite wall and the house wall. I'm not tackling the second complete rebuild of the jetski until the garage is done. So now it's more of a shelf than a project. Well, and the two motors for it take up floor space too.

You can see there's a TON of wasted space, both on the floor and the walls. Also, most of the ceiling is wide open. The pics are actually a bit old too, as you can see there's no insulation on the door.

I started drawing up plans, but I'm more of a 3D guy so I needed a better medium. Logically, a scale model would be the best idea. Note: the overall dimensions are to scale, the "detail" on some parts are not (i.e. the overall compressor height/width is correct, but the wheels are way too large and the handle and hose may or may not be scaled correctly) - I'm not that bored. or skilled.














As you can see, I like my models to be somewhat functional as well.

I made a few different versions of the overall space, so this one doesn't yet have the main door or breaker panel since I've colored the walls. If I wasn't so busy with school and my car, I would redo it again and rough in the studs and all that so I can estimate the needed wire runs and things much better. Maybe over the winter, we'll see.

Seems the jetski trailer tongue broke (it's been awhile since I had the thing out of the closet), as well as the shelves. I need to run out to get more wood and paper to make the lawnmowers and the motors and jack and everything else that is just folded post-it note right now. I am contemplating calling the city of Ft Worth and switching my trash can for the smaller one to free up that much more wall/floor space. I really only take the cans out every other week as it is, so going to the smallest size can they offer should be fine (and save me like $5 a month. w00t!). Somewhere along the line I seemed to have lost the tire pile. Once all that is made to the same scale as everything else, I can finally start finding out where the most efficient placement for everything is, what needs to get tossed in favor of better stuff (bigger/better shelves, tire rack, etc), and what I need to build (compressor closet, etc). Then unpack all my tools and spare parts that I haven't been able to get to for about 7 years! I'm hoping I still have some cool stuff left.

I have LEDs ready to go so I can play with light placement too. I figure if I'm making scale models of the major pieces in my garage, it would be nice to foresee where shadows will pop up before I get in there and start wiring things. I'd be pissed if I wire in lights and fans, move everything back in, then find out that I have a major shadow issue somewhere. I know they won't throw the same pattern of lights as long fluorescents will, but I'm hoping it will at least find any major blindspots. That, and I just found them all in a drawer in my toolbox, so I might as well put them to some kind of use.

[Rob®]

And of course I need to put this thing in there. I also plan on making a model of the truck to make sure it fits if/when I need to squeeze that in there too (far far far off pipe dream would be an LSx swap in it).

[sxk122]

nice... just been working on mine, nothing as nice as your model tho :P

[Rob®]

The model actually only came about because I had just been looking for a tool for at least an hour before I lost all my steam and went in the house. I was still in a bit of a "construct something" mood, but wifey wanted to go get picture frames or something from Michaels. Of course I broke away and wandered off to the model section. Then I saw all the pre-made model "scenes" and figured it'd be pretty funny and useful to build a model garage to plan everything. Turns out I'm right so far.

And when I started I didn't even have that workbench yet. I think I just got it the day or so after I started planning things, which is why it's not even against the wall in the pics. That was one of the things I knew I needed, but couldn't think about how it would fit best. Crappy model to the rescue!

[black roadster]

My garage is a work in progress too. I just need to get in there and finish putting stuff away, hang a bit more peg board, the ladder, and a hook for the compressor hose. I like the model but by the time I made one, I'd have my garage almost done. I like the compressor cabinet but my compressor is a horizontal style tank. Much harder to hide but I got it cheap.

[BigDmiata]

Guess I'm gonna have to build a 3D revit model of my garage so I can do the same thing. After this weekends garage sale I can start parking my car in there again and I like the idea of modeling everything so that I can make sure it all fits nicely when I reorganize it.

[Rob®]

black roadster - I'm past the point of being able to just put stuff away and whip up a quick shelf or two. If it was a simple matter of unpacking and organizing, it'd be long done. As you can see, I have NO shelves that can hold real amounts of weight nor have tools easy to get to (all the Tupperware is about another full toolbox full of tools). So instead of just half-assing my way into shelving/storage and lighting, I figured I'd take the time to get it done how I'd be happy. There are also literally only 3 outlets in there *including* the one on the ceiling for the garage door opener. So I need to get the layout of things in order to properly place new outlets, as well as where I will wire in the 240v outlet for the welder. At this point I'm thinking most of the drywall is coming down and getting replaced with OSB or plywood, so again, planning seems like the right thing to do. EDIT: Sorry if that came out dickish or argumentative...it was in no means meant to. Also, the compressor cabinet is really to reduce the noise (will soundproof as much as possible) as well as giving me that tiny bit extra surface area for more storage - hiding the compressor wasn't really a concern at all, to be honest.

BigDmiata - there is actually free software online that will let you create a floor plan and will do a quick 3D rendering as well. But I don't care to sit behind a computer any more than I have to. And like I said, the model was more of a spur of the moment thing. That, and it always make me smile when I bring it out to make something else or play with placement. As dumb as the model is, it *really* made me more optimistic about how much crap I can realistically jam in the garage and still have it be a functional workspace.

[Rob®]

Oh, and all you guys saying you're redoing your garage too, please feel free to chime in with ideas or other feedback. I don't plan to start the actual remodel until this winter, so I'm all ears about suggestions/concerns (airspace needed around a direct-drive air compressor?, etc).

Also, if anyone has some extra 12/2 copper wire rated for in-wall use, I'll need to buy some eventually. I know I bought way more than I needed in NY and just ended up tossing the rest, so I can help with that :) .

[patf]

i'd line at least one side (if not both) with hd adjustable shelves. start at the top so you can still have all the working stuff below, but you can get two rows of shelves across the room to pick up all the things you do not need "daily" access to.

[Rob®]

When I get to the shelving part my idea was to start from the top down for that very reason. I didn't even think about the adjustable shelf part though, so thanks for that! I was just going to buy new Tupperware in one size and make the shelves to fit those, after I inventory what can be kept in them.

I was also thinking about making a platform that I can raise/lower in a corner as well, but I have a ceiling fan I hope to install somewhere out there. So that's why the model helps me visualize if I will realistically have that option available. Most of what I have now will more than likely be sold/traded. I know I will be changing the workbench a bit, and the plastic shelves will most likely be out. So yeah, we're on the same page about starting from the top and getting as much off the floor as possible.

[BigDmiata]

Since I'm only in a rental house I'm not likely to actually add any nice shelving/cabinets in this place. It'll be more of a fun exercise for me to model it in 3D and then try to implement it into real life. I'll post up images when I get it completed.

[black roadster]

One of the best things I bought were the garage shelves at Sam's. They are much stronger than anything else I've seen. They're bigger and taller too. It gives me plenty of storage. Future plans are matching clear plastic bins to store everything on there. This way it looks uniform and clean but you can still see what's in the box without opening them.

I also installed a 4x8' pegboard on the wall above my work benches. It doesn't look as clean as a tool box but is much more TCB and you can find things quickly.

[boisking]

Design your compressor cabinets with adequate ventilation. Most compressors will be quiet with a muffler intake system, making cabinets .

With a low Miata, Don't forget the power of hanging stuff high.

Once you upgrade to a real light system, consider replacing the drop light with a drop cord.

Go to Lowes and Home Depot when they are having sidewalk sales. Scratched Formica counter tops make great cheap work benches. Build one bench to standing height and one at sitting height.

If you are remodeling the whole garage, consider fans or A/C.

[offsprg01]

+1 on the fans and ac. portable ac units or window units are super cheep and beat the hell out of sweating your ass of in the summer

[Rob®]

Design your compressor cabinets with adequate ventilation.

Do you know where to find specs on "adequate ventilation"? This is a concern of mine that I know I need to address - from what I understand it won't matter much as long as there isn't excessive heat buildup...is that what you mean? I didn't get a manual with my compressor since it was the floor model of a Sears that was going out of business about 6 years ago (hurray for happening to drive by the store on its last day open and they still had all kinds of goodies in it!), so no idea if it says it in there. Is there a general rule? I haven't looked into it yet, so please excuse me if it's a very easy Google search away.

Once you upgrade to a real light system, consider replacing the drop light with a drop cord.

Yes and no. The light has a plug on it, so it is technically a drop cord already. When I wire for the lights and other outlets, I was planning to put another outlet or two on the ceiling and getting drop cords for those - that is the yes part. But I still will use the drop light on one of them, and probably keep it in the middle since it's just the most convenient right there - the no part. I'm also planning on putting outlets in the normal low position as well as ones at counter height where needed.

Go to Lowes and Home Depot when they are having sidewalk sales. Scratched Formica counter tops make great cheap work benches. Build one bench to standing height and one at sitting height.

I've thought about this as well, and is a big spot where my model comes into play. I wanted a standing height workbench, as I'm 6'1" or so, and the one I have now is too short. Eventually I will be playing with the idea of either raising the one I have so it's more comfy standing or seeing about adding a much smaller standing height bench. The bench I have now just has cheap 3/4" particle board on it so it needs a new top. I'm still on the fence about just converting it to a welding table, making just half of it a welding table, or getting a counter top like you suggest and making a new welding table altogether. Either way, I need something to bolt the bench grinder and vice to, so that's going to be a big piece of the puzzle.

If you are remodeling the whole garage, consider fans or A/C.

This has been the plan since I moved in (a thread or two here about it already). If I wasn't hesitant a few months ago, I would have AC in there already. But I hemmed and hawed too long. So AC is out for now, but I have the garage sealed and insulated for it on the chance that I suddenly find the usable cash. As to fans, I have a ceiling fan I pulled out of my office to go in there - can see it on the bench in some pics - and I was thinking a box fan angled bolted to the roof somewhere as well. The insulation cooled the garage a lot by itself, so even just a fan or two creating a slight breeze should be good on all but the hottest days. My thought with the angled box fan on the ceiling was so I can blow fumes out easily as well. What else is there...? - Not doing anything to the floor since the house was just finished in 2006. Floor is not even cracked anywhere yet, so I will just leave that alone to save some money. I would love to do something with it, but I'd rather put that money towards AC. - My wireless network signal is reatt out there, so no need to worry about running ethernet cable.

[boisking]

Ventilation depends on the motor, pump, and fans on the unit. Most manufacturers will have a guideline for ventilation in the owners manual, which I imagine can be found online somewhere. For instance, Husky recommends there be 18" of nothing between my cooling fan and the wall. FWIW, I have a two-cylinder pump and a 5HP single-phase motor with a 10-12" fan. I don't know exactly where you should look for specs, but try a google search and see what happens. I have found deep knowledge on tool/workshop forums.

Really, it is exactly like you predicted about excessive heat. Heat will build up in a cabinet, unless you vent it somehow. If I am sandblasting or painting, my compressor can warm the whole garage a little.

If you are spacing electric outlets around the walls, I would make sure there are two or three different circuits in the garage. This is probably something you already planned on, but I needed to say it for safety's sake.

The wires to run the welder outlet will be costly, so plan your outlet location accordingly. It is your choice to decide whether to spend the money on an extension chord or on wires in the wall. I chose to buy the extension chord, personally. I would also plan outlet location such that you can access it easily. You don't want to get shocked because you have to reach behind the tool box to unplug your welder. Take it from someone who learned the hard way: 220V is twice as painful as 110V!

The drop light is your decision, but in my experience, drop lights with an outlet carry less current than a good drop cord. I use mine for grinders, shop-vac, saws, and a big 'ole hammer drill (and until recently, a 110v welder). Actually, I never got an inclination to install more wall outlets after I put that thing up.

My sitting-height bench is built with a very strong metal frame under it (1.25" box tube). With all the extra structure, the bench is strong enough to rebuild a transmission on top of. I also can bolt an anvil or vice to this bench and not worry about breaking anything. It has the added plus of mobility. If you can weld, give that some thought.

My standing-height benches were built with a smaller budget and wood legs, but anchored to the wall for strength. I am 6'2" and my standing-height benches measure 38.5". It ends up being barely below belt-height on me. You may want higher, since I catch myself stooping sometimes. Go to your favorite bar with a tape-measure...

If you want a super strong bench-top, I have seen solid wood doors re-purposed to good effect. Too deep for me, though. I have a debris collection problem as it is.

If you can weld, bolt your bench grinder to a stand made out of a dually truck wheel and some tube. I plan on dong this sooner or later. It will keep the metal debris out from under your bench, which ends up being a storage area. It also makes the grinder mobile, if you are feeling strong that day.

[Nails]

Go to your favorite bar with a tape-measure...

LOL! She still wasn't impressed.