building a new car home/garage...any suggestions ?

[Erikantwerp]

Hi all,

Ok, it looks like (aka my lovely wife decided :)) that we are to embark on a major house renovation project soon. The bad news, my (old, shaky and leaky but huge) barn will disappear to be replaced by a house extension . The good news, I do get to have a brand new garage for two cars (exclusively for my oldtimers) and I have some leeway regarding size, shape etc. (for now that is).

So, where I need your help is as follows: What should I be thinking off as far as size of the garage is concerned (what is a good width/length/hight so as to have plenty of space to work on the cars, put in a work bench, some storage room etc), also do you have any other suggestions as to what I should be thinking about, e.g. what should be build into the garage building, e.g. type of electricity power, water, lights, floor type (concrete.epoxy,.), what else to look out for ,type/volume of storage cabinets, power outlets, etc.

Basically, as I have a (small) window of opportunity to get my say in into building a really nice garage, and I am only a beginner in handy work,I need all the help I can get...

many thx in advance for any feedback
cheers
Erik
PS David, sorry not sure if this is the right place for this so feel free to move if you think it better :)

[Heuer]

Erik

Wow what an opportunity! First thing to consider is a pit as it makes working on the car so easy. I installed a Mech-mate: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1136

Next consider the flooring - nothing worse than a concrete floor to cause dust. I put down plastic tiles which are slip proof and colourful. They are also nice to kneel on! e.g. http://www.dreamgarage.co.uk/dream-gara ... 2AodwQLImA

For garage furniture (why should the women have all the fun ) I installed Dura cabinets as they are sturdy and keep everything tidy: http://www.duragarages.com/

Lighting and power are next. I use fluorescent lights but have added ceiling spotlights over the E-Type when working on the engine etc. The motor-pit has its own lights. Power sockets at regular intervals make for safe working and no trailing wires.

As for tools - consider a compressor if only for keeping your tyre pressures correct. They are very cheap (?99) and the number of different tools available is superb. Ones to get are a tyre inflator with accurate gauge, grease gun, jack and air ratchet.

[1954Etype]

Erik

Wow what an opportunity! First thing to consider is a pit as it makes working on the car so easy. I installed a Mech-mate: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1136

Next consider the flooring - nothing worse than a concrete floor to cause dust. I put down plastic tiles which are slip proof and colourful. They are also nice to kneel on! e.g. http://www.dreamgarage.co.uk/dream-gara ... 2AodwQLImA

For garage furniture (why should the women have all the fun ) I installed Dura cabinets as they are sturdy and keep everything tidy: http://www.duragarages.com/

Lighting and power are next. I use fluorescent lights but have added ceiling spotlights over the E-Type when working on the engine etc. The motor-pit has its own lights. Power sockets at regular intervals make for safe working and no trailing wires.

As for tools - consider a compressor if only for keeping your tyre pressures correct. They are very cheap (?99) and the number of different tools available is superb. Ones to get are a tyre inflator with accurate gauge, grease gun, jack and air ratchet.

Erik, pretty much what David says except I wouldn't install a pit. I have a 4 post lift so if you can get the height, worth while considering as you can get a car underneath it.

Get as much natural light as you can and I'd personally go for a roller door. Paint the walls and ceiling white. If you can plumb in pipework for your compressor, even better as working with air tools is much nicer than electric.

[Heuer]

If you fancy a lift instead of a pit try: www.strongmantools.co.uk

The pit is the way to go if you have the chance as it takes up less room and you can quickly move from over to under the car. No sure the idea of stacking one car beneath another works too well given all classics and many modern cars leak (oil, anti-freeze, air con water, brake fluid ) so you need to worry about the car on the bottom. If you are having a garage built the pit will be easy to install although I had mine fitted in an existing garage without too much problem, at least for me if not for the poor guy with the air hammer!

[paulj]

How lucky are you
Now money no object
I would build one for three cars why you ask mine is 400sq ft 2 cars /bench etc
I want another one, her indoors wont allow one on the drive!!
forget the pit go for either a 2 or 4 post lift one side (roof height will need to be enough)
keep work bench/tools same side
the other section can be kept clean/floor tiles etc for cleaning tinkering polishing
above this section a suspended ceiling with lights built in (lowers the lights and reflects to give good light)
also paint wall white for light reflection
thats what i would do given a second chance
good luck and enjoy
regards Paul

[Erikantwerp]

Dear all,

many thx already for al of your very good suggestions. I really appreciate it. I am still doubting between pit and 4 pillar bridge ...

Once it starts I will keep you posted and meanwhile any suggestions, experiences more then welcome !
cheers
Erik

[e-bygum]

Erik
Don't forget heating and insulation.
When I had a house extension a couple of years ago I had the garage constructed to the same specification as the domestic accommodation. If you go for a pit have the sides and bottom insulated also. It is also wise to have the pit covering strong enough to be able to use a trolley jack on it.