I would also add a 32A power socket for welding, not just standard 13 A ones. Run it from its own breaker in the fuse box. You might not need it, but as you say you might wish you had done a bit further down the line.
Planning to build a double size garage this summer to use as a workshop and hopefully to build a locost in the future. Just looking for thoughts on
what to include that I might wish I'd put in further down the line. I'll put a concrete pad down and then build a wooden garage off that.
I'll run power to it.
Thanks
My first suggestion would be build it out of block/brick or a steel structure.
1st reason being moisture. We get a lot up here and my timber garage is having a tough time keeping it out. I didn't skimp either I used 15mm
tongue and groove and a decent roof, venting and guttering and has been treated etc.
2nd if your planning on building a locost that involves welding and grinding which I never feel 100% doing in a timber garage.
Depending on if I move or not mine will be rebuilt with brick at the first opportunity.
Just my two penneth
Oh and for a wish list. Lighting, lots of it. Plenty of plug sockets. Think of heating if brick built get a wood burner. Beam in the roof for mounting a hoist for engine lists. Keep an eye out on gumtree for cheap used kitchen units for storage. Don't buy an expensive workbench, get down B and Q and get a work top and make one.
I would fit a pit as this type of car is a right pain to work on underneath.
My hitlist would be:
Insulated walls
Deeper and wider than usual double garage (7m x 7m) if space permits.
Good fitting insulated doors (2 singles if space permits)
Pitched roof with open suports for storage
Joists specd for additional loading for engine hoist.
Belfast/butler sink with on demand hot water.
Lots of sockets
Tv and internet connection/cat 5 cable andf wireless signal from house doesnt reach.
High level windows if no security issues. Or Roof lights.
Smooth screed floor.
Good drainage channels to threshold if levels require.
If you can, plan for running water and waste. Water and a sink will always come in handy for cleaning parts (and yourself) and making a brew.
Think about your lighting as well. Plenty of strip lights low enough to properly illuminate your work space. This makes a bg difference as will
white washing the inside to reflect as much light as possible.
As above, if you can, ad a decent beam on which to lift engines etc.
I can't believe no-one has said '4 post lift' yet!!
I would also add a 32A power socket for welding, not just standard 13 A ones. Run it from its own breaker in the fuse box. You might not need it, but
as you say you might wish you had done a bit further down the line.
I'd go for a lift with a higher or pitched roof and wider for lathe, compressor, welder , drill etc..
If you are running a cable for power then over specify it (welding, electric cars, who knows what).
Digging a long 1meter deep trench more than once is not something you want to do.
Try to get the floor perfectly flat over the footprint of the car so make setting up nice and simple.
Consider loft storage.
quote:
Originally posted by Slimy38
I can't believe no-one has said '4 post lift' yet!!
. [/quote
A two poster lift is so much better than a four poster
DanP - 8/3/14 at 11:14 PMWe've just moved into a house with a double garage that had always been used as an office (it's a new build and it was the sales office) so it had quite a lot of luxuries already.
My uncle is a builder and a car nut and we reconverted the garage, he made a lot of great suggestions for what to have, as a result I have:
2 single roller doors (nice and warm and secure)
Screwfix threshold seals to keep the rain from coming under the doors
2 recycled electric radiators ( kept on v low to keep dry)
Loads of sockets including 2 x 32A sockets for plasma cutter and welder
Inside tap (chose not to have basin to save space)
Grey painted floor
Strip and spotlights make it v light.
White painted insulated walls
Plumbed in compressed air using rapidair kit (bought but not installed yet)
Loft storage space
Beer fridge (currys cheapo)
I have since made up 2 benches and a plasma water table from 2" box section,
I couldn't find any reasonably priced benches that were the dimensions I wanted.
Deffo go brick, you will have something you can build on and add to and it will keep your
tools and car from getting damp. Good luck with the build.
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[Edited on 8/3/14 by DanP]
Barlidge - 9/3/14 at 10:55 AMMy man cave is Timber and it worries me welding in there, I have a standalone smoke alarm in there but wish I'd run a cable to link it in with the mains fed ones in the house so that they all go off in the event of a fire.
davey_b - 9/3/14 at 04:05 PMThanks guys, lots of good ideas there.
