Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jan 02, 2009 10:23 pm As a couple of you know, I'm building a house. The garage will be extended so it is approximately 8.5m x 6m. Haven't got perfect dimensions... get the plans next week. I'll then have the opportunity to modify and fine tune the plans further.
I want a workshop in the garage.... how would you set it up? I'm struggling with a few things.... 1. Should I centre the garage door so there is extra space on both sides of the garage.... one side built in storage..... one side workbench? Or should the extra space be maximised on one side? 2. Trough is a must have... what about a toilet in there? Good idea and handy? Or complete waste of time? (Internal bathroom is up other end of house... ensuite up front) 3. At this stage there will be a spa behind the garage so there will be standard sized access door on the side of the garage. Better to move the spa to the other side of the outdoor area so that a single roller door can be put on the back of the garage? There will be access around the garage at the side so is the roller door unnecessary? 4. Windows for light in the garage. Handy or a complete waste of time? 5. Lighting..... what is the best? How many lights? Powerpoints.... how many? 6. Please offer any practical suggestions or anything you can think of. Got one chance to get this right so don't want to stuff it up! Thanks in advance! This is the rough plan (written dimensions are wrong) that I've been playing around with to give you an idea.... http://i519.photobucket.com/albums/u353/joles_photo/scan0003moddedagain5.jpg I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 2Jan 02, 2009 10:46 pm just a thought. Why dont you consider making the front of the roller door on the right hand side and then put one at the back for drive through access into the back yard. How wide is the side access you are talking about atm.
My house that I am currently building has a similar garage set up but not as wide. i think 7.8. I found that placing the door of one side means that i have a storage place and a seperate place for the cars. Although this has yet to be fully tested (not living in house yet). I didnt want to put tripple garage door as i didnt what the garage to look bigger than the house when looking at the front. So what i did is put a window. However the aim was to make it look like the window is part of the house and not the garage. In my opinion when you have a windows on the same plane as the garage it doesnt look right. So i stepped it out. Also I made the windows norrow for security. Only 400mm wide. Regarding toilet/sink etc. That can be a good idea. However i left it out because i prefered the space. I did however made sure I had plenty of outdoor taps. Remeber 6 meters isnt that deep so make sure you do not shorten this by placing anthing in front, including ducted vacum etc. keep this distance clear as possible. Regarding lighting make sure you have minimum 3 double floros. And power points i put them in a way that they are just on the internal walls so i can add up with a better finish and it is easier during contructions. I Also allowed for ducted vac and possible future motor for rear roller door. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 3Jan 02, 2009 10:53 pm Hey Joles, just popped in and saw your thread...... I showed Dh as he is a garage enthusiest....go figure.......These were his thoughts
1. keep the space on 1 side for handy floorspace for such things as DS motorbike or future toys. 2 and 3. Keep the spa there and add a toilet to the garage. Handy when gardening and for DS when playing and obviously for spa. Spas can look very lost when you have them in big open areas, the area you have allocated looks perfect and is a good use of the space unless you want another courtyardy type place. Keep in mind any running noise being so close to your Mums room. Trough would be awesome for washing out paint brushes and dirty hands and any other dirt related washing . If you have side access there is no need for the roller door. unless the side access is not big enough for such things as a bobcat or even a wheelbarrow then I would reconsider. 4. Windows are very handy but keep in mind that they do comprimise the safety of your garage space. Consider a roller shutter or bars on the windows...lots of expensive toys are kept in garages. 5. Definately Fluoros for garages if you are the type of family that like to tinker on cars and bikes this is the best light. You could have a 2 way switch and have a normal 60 watt light aswell so you are not burning up fluoros unneccessarily. Power points at least a double on each side. 1 on your workbench side for all the gadgets etc....will you be having a radio or something in the garage. 1 on the other side for vacuuming your car and just because.( DH sais just because). Joles, consider that you can do overhead cabinets above the workbench area for things that are not used all that often and also your roof space in that area. A handyman or ceiling guy will probably be able to put a hinged door hole in your ceiling and some planks of chipboard across the beams so you can store suitcases, chrissie tree etc and consider a light up there. If this is at all a possibility. Good luck with your plans they sound like everything is still going really well and you are on track. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 4Jan 02, 2009 11:08 pm We've extended our garage as well to include a storage/organisational room. We extended out by around 2.3m and have moved our double garage door all the way to the left hand side with a roller door to the back.
We've put a couple of windows between our garage door and our front door for extra light. In our storage/organisational room, it will be basically a long slim room with cupboards/shelves on one side for coats/shoes/storage stuff like christmas tree/decorations. And the otherside of the slim room is our organisational area. We have 3 boys and they will all live upstairs (we're building brookvale). So each person will have sort of an open locker area. Bottom section to keep a couple of pairs of shoes. A shelf with a laundry basket (so that I can put their clean laundry/mail/bills/and stray items I find downstairs in there), then a couple of hooks...one for coat, one for school bag. I just wanted to avoid having to go up and down and deliver things to their room. The two oldest are 19 and 17 and old enough to do things for themselves. I think it is a great idea to have an outdoor loo/shower/basin back there esp if you have a spa. So that when you have spa parties visitors won't be trekking water through your house when they need to pee or change. Lighting....i think flouro is the way to go and lots of power points on the back wall for tools and one towards the front of the garage. We're having ducted vacumn, so had to make room for the unit as well. All the best!!! Our building journey has begun: https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=23138 Brookvale 45 by Porter Davis ************** Lead me not into temptation.....I can find the way myself. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 5Jan 02, 2009 11:10 pm Hey Jo,
Our garage will be 6.5 by 7.8 and we are having two sets of double fluros (the long ones) in that size space. If you want to work on cars especially at night you need to be able to see everything clearly. Workshop space on one side. If you have it on both sides you will find that it creeps to the middle and makes it harder to keep clean and organised (sorry I am a neat freak according to my children!) Also if you have a "project" (car bike etc) happening you can park it and it's associated motor etc next to the workbench side and still have a clearway for the daily drives. Make sure you get a surge protector on the fuse box, especially for bigger power tools in use at the same time as everything else. Roller doors are always good especially if you are working on a project where you want to be able to run the motor to tinker much better airflow! Added benefit of being able to drive through. Trough and toilet are a great idea. Make sure you get a separate power point for a fridge in the garage if you want one. That way, no one will unplug the fridge/freezer to plug in a welder etc. Another good idea if you have room, if to put one of those collapsible washing lines on the far wall/back wall, so you can dry clothes outside in the winter. You can also use if for greasy dirty overalls that are washed in the trough, they can go straight on the line. Sorry for the long post. I once had a triumph rebuilt in my lounge room, so I remember what working on a long term project was like! Hope this helps, or makes you smile anyway Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 6Jan 02, 2009 11:18 pm We're planning on extending the garage to make room for a (mini) workshop. Ideally, it would house the boat and project car and have the equivalent of a two-car space for the workshop area.
Windows are a must but security is a huge concern. We might look at Opaque windows (or whatever its called that goes in the bathroom) although FH actually wants security shutters on the house, it would probably get on the expensive side given we’d probably end up with three large windows on the garage alone. The house design we’re looking at doesn’t allow for roller door access to the backyard but its definitely something I would recommend if you haven’t got access along the side (we probably wont end up with either unfortunately…. ) What about power? 3 phase power was something we were thinking about, given the nature of FH’s business but Im hoping he will stick to the warehouse and not decide to work from home – we don’t have enough room as it is, and the new house should be an upgrade of space afterall! lol Sink trough – yes. Toilet? I don’t know.. I would be inclined to say yes simply because of the spa, nothing to do with the garage And I like borgs take on the window of the garage Custom European Cabinets - Melbourne Kitchen Specialist PM for business details as website currently being updated! Our Crazy Owner Builder Journey! Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 7Jan 03, 2009 8:11 am Just one question. Everyone seems to think that maximising the space on one side is a good idea.
But most seem to think that maximising that space on the house side with window is better. Although externally that may be better.... I think that practially, the workshop (and potting, gerden area) would be better on the other side so that wheelbarrow, etc can get to the backyard without manouvering around cars. We will have yard access without a rear roller door. About 7 metres on side of garage, and we have a 6 metere easement next to our block so we have that as well in an emergency. If we put on a rear roller door, we have to move the spa, is it worth it? Otherwise the rear door will open straight into the spa. So flourescent lighting, and maximising the space.... they seem the definites. I leave you to fend for yourself, figure things out yourself. Terrence Malick Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 8Jan 03, 2009 8:40 am You have heaps of rear access so I'd rather have the spa then a useless rear rollerdoor in your case.
Toilet is defintely a good idea for the ladies... blokes will just use your backyard.. I would have a window and if you are worried about security just put blinds on it. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 9Jan 03, 2009 9:15 am For me, definately NO roller door to the back...it would ruin the look of that little courtyard area with the nice french doors from the lounge room. I also like the way the access door opens to the side, rather than out the back.
A loo and basin...definately, if you are the type of family who have lots of spa parties, any type of parties, keen gardeners etc, but where to incorporate it, I'm not sure. I like the garage door closer to the house, with the window on the other side, and yes I definately think the window is important to balance out the front facade. Perhaps you could get an alarm point to the garage if you are worried about security. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 10Jan 03, 2009 10:11 am 1. Should I centre the garage door so there is extra space on both sides of the garage.... one side built in storage..... one side workbench? Or should the extra space be maximised on one side?
I prefer the space mostly on one side - although a little room for shelving on the narrow side would be good. You can NEVER have too much storage. 2. Trough is a must have... what about a toilet in there? Good idea and handy? Or complete waste of time? (Internal bathroom is up other end of house... ensuite up front) Depends what you're going to do in the garage. If you're going to get all dirty, you don't want to be traipsing through the house to use the toilets, so yes, it would be handy. Also, iIf you're having a spa at the rear, you could site the toilet so it could be used by drippy wet people... 3. At this stage there will be a spa behind the garage so there will be standard sized access door on the side of the garage. Better to move the spa to the other side of the outdoor area so that a single roller door can be put on the back of the garage? There will be access around the garage at the side so is the roller door unnecessary? If you have plenty of room for access at the side, a roller door seems unneccessary. But perhaps make the door a little wider than standard in case you want to get bulky wheelbarrows etc through? 4. Windows for light in the garage. Handy or a complete waste of time? Natural light will save on power bills... besides, if you're making your garage wider, a large expanse of blank brick at the front would look yuk, so a window there will improve the facade. Maybe a half-glass door for extra light? Or a skylight? 5. Lighting..... what is the best? How many lights? Powerpoints.... how many? We have a standard double garage, and have two double fluorescent strips. They're PERFECT. You might want an extra. 6. Please offer any practical suggestions or anything you can think of. Got one chance to get this right so don't want to stuff it up! You already have the sink covered - we have one of those too (no greasy bike parts in MY laundry sink!). Will you have a second fridge or freezer in there? If so, add a power point for those...and plenty of extra power points for tools and so on. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 11Jan 03, 2009 10:38 am This is what I did with mine...under-eaves extension (extra room at minimal cost) with side window framed by storage shelves (skipped shelf makes for a handy work bench with plenty of light and air). At left there is space for a fridge (with TV point and power above) and another double power point is in the centre of the wall (cords can pass around or go directly through a purpose-made hole to the right of the bench (not visible in this pic). I will leave room to work in/access this area and stack bicycles etc. on the opposite wall of the garage.
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Toliet & Basin - definitely. You have a luxurious big block and will be spending time out there. With an easy access toliet theres no trapsing through the house from the spa, with the kids or even yourself when your doing the garden - oh and parties, great for parties. Garage: I'd go the space on one side - put a bench in and put say 4 double power points down the bench side - then 1 on the north wall and 2 on the east wall. Sure its a little overboard but my existing garage had 1 when I started and it cost nearly $600 to put 3 more in. Also get windows, it'll make it a much more pleasant space and save on lights. For light's I'd go fluro tubing - they last for ages, cheap to run and easy to replace. Also the light is good to work by. Spa: I like the idea of moving it. Overall lovely design - theres a bit of elegance to it (entry and theatre / lounge layout). Lots of wardrobe space and I like the study retreat style. Building Upside down house in Wantirna VIC Current Stage: Procrastination... it's just all too hard.... Blog: http://thereluctantbuilder.blogspot.com/ Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 13Jan 03, 2009 2:13 pm we had the garage of the house we are building turned into a home theatre room and has we are on five acres had a big one build up the back 18x10.We didnot get windows because we were worried about security Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 14Jan 03, 2009 2:48 pm From memory you'll be working on motorbikes ? I'm a woodworker, so no grease monkey tips (well maybe one), but my 2c worth in no particular order :
- When you get your plans, print them out in scale, then make up a few items in the same scale like bikes, cars, rolling tool chests, workbences etc. Cut them out and move them around on the plan , it really helps to visualise the flow in your workshop including clearances for doors opening etc - Paint and/or seal the floor. It really lifts the light if done in a lighter colour, and I imagine sealing will be needed for the occasional oil spill. - Ceiling mounted power outlets (the ones like a switched lead hanging on a chain) are very handy to put over work spaces which aren't up against a wall, this way you don't have to drape leads along the floor that are easy to trip over. - On a similar note, if you're frequently using a lot of air powered tools like rattle guns etc, maybe plumbing a few air outlets around the workshop might be a good idea. - Using any heavy duty gear like welders or big compressors ? If so, make sure you put in one or more 15 amp outlets, in addition to the standard domestic 10 amp outlets. If you're going to be using a lot of juice then a sub-board just for the workshop may be in order. - If you're going to be using welders, oxy torces or grinders a lot then perhaps fume extraction needs to be considered. Even if you don't go for full-on fume extraction, something like a shower extraction fan venting to outside would probably be a good idea to keep the air fresh, particularly if you're using chemicals or solvents. - Wall space is premium space and should be used as best as possible. When your frame's up, pencil in the location of your studs on the slab (allow for thickness of plaster and skirting board), so you don't have to muck around with a stud finder later on when you want to hang shelves and stuff off the wall. - Think about sound proofing (for both your housemates and your neighbours). - Buy yourself some rubber mats or jigsaw mats for around workbenches etc. Standing in one spot on concrete for a while is hard on the feet and the lower back. - Put stuff on wheels as much as you can, it's nice to be able to move things around to accomodate for unusual projects, cleaning etc. - One grease monkey safety tip that I was taught as an apprentice : Fluoro lights strobe at a particular frequency. When you have an object spinning at a certain rpm (like a flywheel for example), if the RPMs match the strobe rate then the spinning object can appear to be stationary. This can be very bad for the person that touches, reaches past or dangles their long hair around the object. Moral of the story is to always ensure some element of natural/incandescent/otherwise constant light in your shop. Enjoy, Justin. Re: Planning a workshop and garage: HELP 15Jan 03, 2009 8:59 pm kek 4. Windows for light in the garage. Handy or a complete waste of time? Natural light will save on power bills... besides, if you're making your garage wider, a large expanse of blank brick at the front would look yuk, so a window there will improve the facade. Maybe a half-glass door for extra light? Or a skylight? I would have to agree there. Consider a skylight, and also those gay looking fancy little windows in the top section of your panel lift garage door. Any natural light will make a huge difference. Give Jonathan a call. Tell him you know me. He is in my opinion the best surveyor I have ever worked with. His number is 0425 285 622 All the best Simeon 3 12411 I am not based in Victoria however i had a quick look into your question to understand what you were asking. The way I read the regulations, overshadowing relates to the… 1 2233 "is it exempt or do I need to get permission from council" Call your Council and ask them 1 1568 |