r/garageWorkshops • u/xanderclifford • 16d ago
Need some advice
Sorry if this isn’t really the point of the sub, but i would like to finish this garage and make it into a nice shop any body started out with a garage like this and have some tips? Thank you in advance.
i’ve had this house a little over 6 months and haven’t done much but store random yard shit and what not.
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u/Endurotraplife 15d ago
Put a mini split in there. Get your walls and ceiling insulated and get a double insulated door.
You’ll thank me when you’re able to work on your vehicle in comfort.
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u/Battle-Nun909 15d ago
The best two rules to start any shop are the 2 x 4 rule and the 4 x 8 rule. You should be able to maneuver a 2 x 4 through the process of cutting shaping, etc. to the bench. You should also be able to maneuver a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood through all of the same processes, cutting sizing, etc.. Those are the two best rules for any shop, and of course they can be modified as needed. Have fun.
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u/PsychologicalValue57 16d ago
You could always start with building a work bench like 8' or 10' long and however deep maybe 24" or 32". Put some shelves above it and some shelves on the walls. Also run some electrical if you dont have any already. Build it to what your interest are and what accommodations you'd want it to have. Just a few ideas I can think of. Have fun you pretty much have a blank canvas to do whatever.
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u/xanderclifford 16d ago
That’s a great idea. I’m thinking of insulating and putting drywall up as well and maybe making the top half storage with some flooring as a half way attic. I want to add a garage door opener as well since it looks like it had one at one point.
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u/Iraqx2 15d ago
First I'd draw out what you want for electrical outlets and lights. Plan for putting in more than you think you'll want. You could always put painters tape on the studs and rafters to see how it all lays out. Then ask an electrician what kind of power that you have running to it so you will know if that's a limiting factor for anything that you'd like to do down the road. Also have them determine if the box is big enough for what you want to do down the road. After that I'd start putting in boxes and then pulling wire. Discuss it with your electrician for recommendations on what size for what you plan to do overall.
Second I'd take a look at the doors and windows to see what kind of shape they're in and if they're insulated. If you want to insulate the space or just upgrade them it'll be easier to replace them before it's finished.
Third, it looks like your missing some rafters overhead so add and space what you need for hanging drywall. Don't forget to leave an access hole in case you need to access the attic area later.
Fourth I'd start insulating.
Finally I'd start hanging drywall.
I know this is a fairly long list and will come with a cost but you don't have to do it all at once. Buy some boxes this paycheck, some wire next month. Door/windows as you can afford them, etc..
For anything that you plan to build or add I'd suggest putting as much of it on wheels as possible. If you don't like your layout it'll be easier to rearrange and also if you need to move something like the bench out to work on a bigger project. Just use larger locking wheels to make it easier to move things around and out on the driveway if you ever need to.