Dream Garage

[John Gibson]

I’m thinking of building a garage that I can put at least six cars in, lift of some sort, restroom with shower, AC as I’m in coastal Georgia and it gets pretty warm here, etc. I’m certain I’ve left something out but there are enough of you guys out there that have done something like this. My uncle once owned a Ford dealership in the 1950-60’s and it was named Gibson Motors. I guess that would be an appropriate name for my dream garage.

Thanks for looking,
John

[drolston]

Put in double the usual lighting. The LED type substitutes for fluorescent fixtures are pretty bright. The pull-down drop lights are pretty handy too, to avoid cords on the floor. Don' for get the 220v outlets for welder, air compressor, etc. The floor should be epoxy painted with texture for grip and a white or light colored finish so you can spot that little piece you dropped.

[51504bat]

No matter what size you decide on - make it bigger.

[19Fordy]

Be sure to install security cameras and alarm system.

[Kurt in NJ]

separate room for compressor
enough electric to run a welder, small one 40 amps, the big miller tig can want 100 amps

[sugarmaker]

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John,
I had a similar dream for about 15 years. 2-1/2 years ago I started to build my shop.
I ended up with a 64 x 40 post construction type building.
Things I might do different:
Eave hight at 10 feet was a issue with 9 foot high doors. 12 foot eave hight might be better.
My bathroom did not get a shower. But I dont htink I would have used one much.
Spray foam insulation may have been a better choice, but cost is a factor also. I used roll insulation.
Things I like:
In floor heat syttem is not cheap but heats well. Twp zones of control.
Adding the jib crane was very helpfull.
The loft area makes a great storage area.
Using siccors trusses worked well to get 15 feet head room in high bay area.
Many outlets with 3 220 volt for welders.
LED lighting in each area.
insulated (R16) overhead doors (3 at 12 wide x 9 high) (1 at 16 wide x 9 high.)
Drive through from one side to the other is handy and provides nice breeze too.
Designed floor area for a potential two post lift someday.
5 inch thick flooring with 2 inches of foam under it.
R19 in side walls, R38 in ceiling.
Shingle roof with 6-12 outside pitch, 3/12 pitch on the inside in the high bay.
White liner panels for all the ceilings
Good exterior lighting in eves.
Good gread man doors and locks
9 windows single hung.

Regards,
Chris

[Newc]

My third try is 80ft long 40ft wide with 17ft ceiling [steel white panels] light top and sides. Full mezine [40x25] with 8ft clearance. Restroom-office too. And now it's FULL. Leave future 'add-on' space. Newc

[40cpe]

There is a Garage Journal that is a sister site to Ford Barn, HAMB, etc. Lots of ideas there.
https://www.garagejournal.com/
The banner at the top leads you to the forums.

[Steve in Denver]

An alternative to speckled garage floor coating.
Epoxy

[Vics Stuff]

I have a 60 X 100 garage and I poured the slab with a 6 sack cement mix instead of the standard 5 sack mix.
This enabled the finishers to be able to power trowel the slab to a glass like finish. If you spill something on the floor , it will wipe right up without staining , Also the slab is way easier to sweep.
Make sure that you have a source for hot and cold water for a garden hose
Make the garage door at least 14' tall so you can get big objects inside.
Put a lot of floor drains in.

I am building another shop 60 X 125 and will do all the same things that i did to the previous building .
Vic

[Bill]

In summary, it looks like go big or stay home! Just WOW! Bill.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by John Gibson

I’m thinking of building a garage that I can put at least six cars in, lift of some sort, restroom with shower, AC as I’m in coastal Georgia and it gets pretty warm here, etc. I’m certain I’ve left something out but there are enough of you guys out there that have done something like this. My uncle once owned a Ford dealership in the 1950-60’s and it was named Gibson Motors. I guess that would be an appropriate name for my dream garage.

Thanks for looking,
John

I am about 1 hour south of you John. I have a 50X60 shop with all that you have listed and then some. You are most welcome to drive down and check my shop out, layout, lighting etc etc to help you gain more insight and refine your build. Mine was on the property when I bought it SO I had to work with what was already done BUT I’m sure you will benefit from a visit and leave with more ideas of just what and how you want it!!! PM me if you are interested.

[sugarmaker]

John,
Start sketching some ideas for your shop. There are some great suggestions already.
My floor is one area thjat could have had additional funds poured into or on it. I did not coat it. So I have many stains from tractors and projects. It is a hand trowled finish, not mirror smooth. But my shop would be dirty even if I had a nice floor. Just the way I am.
Good luck with your plan. Not a cheap date. If your going to store cars and work on them too then you might want different areas for both.
I have browsed the Garage Journal site. I had trouble loading pictures there. But it is a great reference to some very inovative structures and use of space.
Regards,
Chris

[Frank Miller]

Do you want a workshop area as well as the 6 cars? a friend who is gifted in CAD, well just gifted in general, made up these drawings when he was building his workshop. I imagine he did quite a bit of playing around before his final plan.

[deuce5wndw]

If I was doing mine again I would have a "dirty room" for bead blaster, belt sander, stainless buffer, welder, and anything that made a mess! I did build a shed on the back for the air compressor which is a must.

[TJ]

If you are going to need a lift get a 4 post one.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by TJ

If you are going to need a lift get a 4 post one.

This depends on a couple of things. If you are looking for extra storage, a four post is the way to go. If you are going to be doing a lot of actual mechanic work, a two post will be better sited for your needs. I was looking mainly for storage and lucked out, because the floor in my existing shop wasn't suitable for mounting a two post without a lot of concrete work. Decide which type of lift suits your needs as it will affect the type of floor you pour.

I was talking to a high school classmate at a recent reunion, and he was telling me about the lift he has. It is a two post lift, but it came with auxiliary ramps than allowed it to be used the same as a four post. I haven't seen it yet, but am trying to get to his place to check it out, as it sounds intriguing.

[38bill]

A car washing bay would be nice.

[Lawson Cox]

Small item. Bury hooks in the floor where you can use them when pulling something down, like bending s frame. I buried a large piece of channel iron with "I" hooks attached to it. I covered the hooks with coffee cans and they poured the concrete to the top of the can. I left the bottoms of the cans on where I could easily cut into it to get to the hooks when needed and there would not be a hole there unless needed. 26 years and the tops are still on the cans I found a frame that didn't need any work.

[corvette8n]

At this point in my life I’d settle for a one car garage.