Now for some actual planning.
In the context of this garage, planning should answer five questions:
1. How will the building be used?
2. What tools, equipment, work surfaces, and other physical objects are needed to support these uses?
3. How will these objects be arranged?
4. How will electrical power be provided?
5. How will lighting be provided?
Ideally one would answer these five questions before designing the building. At least the first three steps.
However, having a rough dollar figure in mind, I instead began by looking at buildings; and decided upon a three car garage with some work space. Sounded about right.
I used a CAD program to create a floor plan. I also made some lists on paper. These were my main initial planning tools, and they worked pretty well. To be fair, I made an initial run through steps 1 - 3; just not very methodically.
Nonetheless, I believed that I had enough information to order the building and have it built. There was also some time pressure, as the buildings were on sale for Labor Day, at a 20% discount. So I pulled the trigger.
As it turned out, the building itself, including the placement and size of doors and windows, appears to be just about right. Good thing, as it’s literally set in concrete.
But I hadn’t really completed steps 1 through 3; and steps 4 and 5 not at all.
So now that the building is here, but still somewhat of a clean slate, I believe it’s worthwhile to go through the whole process methodically.
# Step 1: How will the building be used?
- Safely store three operable vehicles
- Repair and maintain various vehicles
- Detail vehicles
- Repair and maintain farm equipment (tractor + attachments, and mowers)
- Store bicycles so as to be readily accessible
- Repair and maintain bicycles
- Store battery powered yard tools
- Store Christmas decorations (!)
- Provide space for various small projects
- Provide a sanctuary to promote mental well-being
That should cover it. Feel free to suggest additions.
# Step 2: What tools, equipment, work surfaces, and other physical objects are needed to support these uses?
I went back through this thread as well as my written notes, and compiled a list of those objects that I believed would occupy floor and wall space, either permanently or temporarily. I then reviewed the list and made additions and deletions as I remembered forgotten items and reconsidered the items I thought I needed.
Additions are noted in italics, and deletions are noted in strikethrough text.
Making the list also caused me to come up with a number of additional items that I hadn’t originally considered, thereby confirming that the process works.
The list:
- Three vehicles parked inside (Ford Ranger pickup, Chevy HHR, Suburban)
- Workbench (30” x 72”, with metal or formica top, on casters)
- Work table (3’ x 5’ repurposed kitchen table, on casters)
- Rolling three tier tool cabinet
- Recirculating solvent bath
- Welder with cabinet
- Air compressor (stationary; portable)
- Media blasting cabinet
- Shelving (at least two sets, 4’ wide, 6’ tall, on casters)
- Two post automotive lift (minimum 9,000 lb. capacity)
- Two mountain bikes
- Bike mechanic’s stand
- Mowers (as they’re being worked on)
- Tractor (as it’s being worked on)
- Seating for tasks and for conversation or reading (drafting stool; GMT400 third row seat)
- Trash can
- Floor sweep compound
- Sharps container
- Shop vac
- Rack for battery powered yard tools
- Rack for brooms and squeegee
- Oil absorbent
- Rags and paper towels
- Oily rag container
- Sound system
- Computer monitor
- Internet access
- Fire extinguisher(s)
Changes are discussed below.
- The welder is something I eventually want but won’t need initially, since I am currently clueless about welding. Looks like even an inexpensive welder and cart will run over $1000. It’s off the list for now.
- My idea was to use a stationary compressor to power a media blaster, and maybe some air tools. Such a compressor would be one of the most expensive items I’d have to acquire. However, if I’m being honest, a media blaster is something that I seldom find myself wishing for. Do I really need one? Maybe, but probably not. It’s off the list for now.
- My trusty 3 ½ gallon portable compressor generates a little over 4 CFM at 90psi, and works great for powering nail guns, blowing dust out of things, and inflating tires. I recently discovered that it’s supposedly large enough to drive a ½” drive impact wrench. I’ll use it as my garage compressor for now. The larger stationary compressor is off the list.
- For now the sound system will be an old Bose Sound Dock with an iPod. If that doesn’t suffice, I’ll consider upgrading.
- I don’t yet have computer monitor; my 12.9” iPad will suffice in the meantime.
That’s it. Again, feel free to suggest additions.
More to follow.