Hoping to move house in a couple of weeks and I get a 6mx6m double garage to myself (apart from a small space for a freezer).

So...... As everything from the single garage / sheds is going into storage I've got the opportunity to set this up exactly as I want it. What are peoples suggestions? The limitations are its got two 'single' garage doors at the front and an access door on the right hand wall next to the rear wall.

I'm thinking of having the freezer next to the access door on the right hand wall - so we can get in to it, get food out and leave without having to argue over the state of everything else. Fitting more lights than you can shake a stick at and putting some form of thin board painted white onto the roof battons to reduce draft / air volume for heating and increase light reflection. I'd like to increase the usability so need to figure out some form of insulation to the single skin walls (with those blasted double brick piers half way along each wall).

Mind though unlike the house the garage should have normally a large flow of air through it from vents to deal with fumes and the large amount of water evaporated off a wet car, if your going to be welding that is even more important. If there isn't enough air flow then cars and steel will rust in there even if the garage seems quite dry.

First job is to make sure it's very very secure, I made mine so that the large doors are bolted on the inside so access is only from the small door which can easily be beefed up.

No windows? They will give natural light and ventilation. Fuse box with earth trip for sockets. Good electric lighting, lots of power points and a smooth level floor. As mentioned don't overlook security, good locks and alarm etc. Try not to use it for storage, it's a slippery slope.

Get that freezer out now, you'll need the room eventually, better to get it out of the way first

Mine is next to the door, its a fcuking nuisance.

If the freezer is allowed in the garage, does that mean garage bits are allowed in the dishwasher?


You need good lighting, a clean floor, a decent work bench and make sure the electrics are safe.

[Edited on 25/11/14 by DW100]

don't forget to paint the floor (and walls) a nice light colour to reflect even more light and keep the dust to a minimum

A good music system is always high on my list, I like a bit of music or radio chat while I'm working. A line in for the iPad and WiFi coverage are also essential.

It sounds like the garage is detached in which case an intercomm might be useful..."brings us a fresh brew pet"...type of thing.

I am already packing my garage up for a move. Don't underestimate putting it into storage

if I was doing mine again I would buy an old kitchen off ebay, and have cupboards not shelving so neat and tidy

and more strip lights, !!

steve

quote:

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Originally posted by steve m
if I was doing mine again I would buy an old kitchen off ebay, and have cupboards not shelving so neat and tidy

and more strip lights, !!

steve

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Build a shed next to the kitchen/back door for the freezer, also good for storing detritus wellies/bikes/etc.
"It's not so far for you to walk darling and perhaps one day we could build a utility room for you." You then get the garage all to yourself.