[Steve91T]

Hey guys. We're planning on moving to Charlotte, NC soon. The houses in our price range have small garages (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

The one we are really interested in is a 2 car, 18ft wide, by about 21ft long. The gas water heater is the corner, and a built in gas heater is nearby, which is nice. The garage is finished, and has pretty high ceilings, looks like 10ft or so. There's two built in over head storage shelves that are made out of wood, and hanging from the ceilings.

So, if we get this house or not, it doesn't matter. All the garages are about the same size. So, how do you guys make the most out of a small space? If there is enough ceiling height, I'd love to build a loft, to give me room for some of my larger, bulkier things, like the compressor and tires and stuff like that.

This house is going to be a stepping stone for us. We'll be in it for roughly 2 years, then we'll move to a larger house, where hopefully I can build myself a huge detached garage.


Anyway, I just wanted to get some opinions/pictures.

Thanks guys!
Steve

[Steve91T]

Offer accepted on a house! Garage is a 20x20 with a single, 2 car garage door. I was really worried because there are some SMALL garages out there. One had a 2 car garage that was 17x18.

Anyway, I think I can make a 20x20 work. The only thing I really don't like is the water heater is in the garage. If I could move that, it would free up a lot of space. But I have a feeling it would cost a lot in plumbing work to have it moved.

[cccbock]

Offer accepted on a house! Garage is a 20x20 with a single, 2 car garage door. I was really worried because there are some SMALL garages out there. One had a 2 car garage that was 17x18.

Anyway, I think I can make a 20x20 work. The only thing I really don't like is the water heater is in the garage. If I could move that, it would free up a lot of space. But I have a feeling it would cost a lot in plumbing work to have it moved.

Might not be a big deal. What is on the other side of the wall from the water heater? Is it electric?

Other options would be less appealing...in the attic, or elsewhere in the house.

[Steve91T]

Offer accepted on a house! Garage is a 20x20 with a single, 2 car garage door. I was really worried because there are some SMALL garages out there. One had a 2 car garage that was 17x18.

Anyway, I think I can make a 20x20 work. The only thing I really don't like is the water heater is in the garage. If I could move that, it would free up a lot of space. But I have a feeling it would cost a lot in plumbing work to have it moved.

Might not be a big deal. What is on the other side of the wall from the water heater? Is it electric?

Other options would be less appealing...in the attic, or elsewhere in the house.

It's gas. On the other side of the garage wall is interior stairs going from right to left as you stand in the garage facing the back wall. Hmmm...maybe we could punch a hole and put the water heater under the stairs? I could create the space, and just have someone change the plumbing. Maybe we could change to electric so we wouldn't have to worry about the exhaust from the gas.

I saw from my other thread that you are an inspector? What is a wall that is shared by the house and a garage made of? Is it anything special?


Edit: Damnit! I was thinking of another house that we put an offer on, but didn't get. There's a living room on the other side of the garage. It may have to stay. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/banghead.gif)

This post has been edited by Steve91T: Dec 9 2011, 12:36 AM