New garage

[Bigskyboat]

looking to build a new attached two car garage to my house. One side will be for my wife’s car, the other for my boat. Not sure of the exact size. 22 long x 24 wide would be the size I measure with the tape but that’s not 100% accurate. Just looking for some insight on what to do and what not to do. This will be my first garage. Having someone else build it so even some input on what it would cost would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[oldjeep]

Always build it twice as big as you thibk you need, you cant have too many lights or too much power.

 

[roffey]

IMHO, the bigger the better. Do you plan on working on the boat over the winter? In my garage I have a small work shop on one side and the other is for the boat. Once my boat is in the garage it takes up all of the one side. If I were to build the garage I would have made it longer and higher.

 

[Grub54891]

My grandfather built a three stall garage, neighbors thought it was insane. We still ran out of room. Then the neighbors did the same thing.

 

[Scott Danforth]

go deeper than you are going. I would go 26' deep by 24' wide
put outlets every 6 feet
put up shelves that are at 6' off the ground around the perimeter of the garage (put your stuff up there) or put up cabinets
make sure you build it with storage trusses
build with 10' walls if you can. raises the ceiling so you can hang kayaks, bikes, etc.
epoxy coat the floor before you put your stuff in it

 

[Chris1956]

2 car Garages are generally 24 X 22 feet. These structures are fine for cars. but are usually too short and to low for boats larger than 16 feet or so, on a trailer.

I would recommend you measure height and length of a boat you might want, and size accordingly. I would expect you will need a taller garage ceiling and door, say 10-12 foot for the ceiling and 9-11 feet for the door, versus the standard of 7 foot garage door.

 

[alldodge]

Measure with the outdrive full up then add at least 3 feet but 4 is better so you can get around it. If you plan on putting anything behind the boat, add more

 

[ahicks]

Pay attention to the seal the floor suggestion....

MAKE SURE THE CONTRACTOR DOES THE FLOOR SO IT DRAINS PROPERLY!!!

7' doors barely work for cars vans and pick ups. They do not work well for toys, or toys loaded in the back of pick ups.

Consider having a hard point installed, centered on a doorway, that will allow you to lift 1000lbs or so (come-a-long, winch, whatever). Big help getting bulky stuff in and out of a pick up (like a snowmobile for instance), but also handy for other things (like lifting an outboard off or on to a transom!). I built one after the fact, it was a PIA, but has proven extremely handy over the years.....

Lights should be centered over the aisles, not the doors.

I go around the bottom half of the garage with 1/2 plywood, and use 1/4" pegboard above that. Paint it all before moving in, otherwise it's kind of dark.

 

[JimS123]

The minimum size should be 24x24. That will hold a 19' runabout. If you have a swing tongue it would probably hold a 20 footer.

Install an 8" high garage door. That will fit most any boat that will fit in 24'. Install one 16' door, and have it within 2' of the side. That will give you ample storage for other things on the other side. Optionally, install a man door on the other 6' section, so you don't have to open the overhead door every time you want to go in or out.

No matter where you put outlets, you always end up needing an extension cord anyway. Depending on your environment unused outlets can corrode and give you problems. Also, you will want a GFI, which can give problems if you install too many subsequent outlets. Only install ONE outlet and mount a retractable cord on the wall next to it.

Put a drop down ladder in the ceiling and cover the joists with plywood to form a loft for storage.

I started with a 20x20 "car and a half" and even the car had a hard time fitting in it. I built my current house and it has a 24x44, which allows me to back the car and boat in together, so I'm ready to go out again at a moment's notice. Even that isn't big enough, so I built another 24x24 free standing garage in the back yard on a separate driveway.

 

[Redfred1]

He has not mentioned how much space is available for his build. Also where he lives could be a hassle.(HOA; plans; inspectors; etc. If this is OK; great.
123's comment: he has 1500 sf and wants more. Luckily I don't have that problem
All the suggestions are great; will be interesting to see the outcome.

 

[Bigskyboat]

Yes, unfortunately 22x24 is my max. I am really liking the input, lots of good ideas out there. With that measurement my boat and trailer would just fit in one of the bays.

 

[Maclin]

If the end of the garage has the exit available, putting in a garage door that opens to the back yard and adding a concrete pad there can get you some add flexibilty.

 

[JimS123]

There really is no "standard" garage size. "Usual" 2-car garages vary between 20x20 and 24x24. Width is less important than depth. The boat "needs" to be in the garage, the car can sit in the driveway. A 20 footer will contain ALL cars, but not every boat. My old 16' boat is the biggest I could fit in my original 20' deep garage.

 

[Redfred1]

What a bummer!!. If you can't go out past 24'; could you go front to back? (Less grass to cut). Lighting; shelves; outlets should be a must!. Floor too! Please keep us updated.

 

[roscoe]

Or, after its completed, cut a hole in the back, and put on an addition, just big enough for the outdrive to stick through.
Disguise it as a dog house, a firewood storage bin, or a deck storage box from the outside.

 

[roscoe]

Is 22x24 a square footage limit?

How about 12' x 44' , and get the wife a tiny car.

 

[alldodge]

unfortunately 22x24 is my max.

If you run into length issue with the boat could get a swing tongue, good luck, hope it works out

 

[roscoe]

There really is no "standard" garage size. "Usual" 2-car garages vary between 20x20 and 24x24. Width is less important than depth. The boat "needs" to be in the garage, the car can sit in the driveway. A 20 footer will contain ALL cars, but not every boat. My old 16' boat is the biggest I could fit in my original 20' deep garage.

not all cars.
A 20' deep garage does not have 20' of interior space.
And if its 2x6 construction, you have about 18'9" inside the door.
So, my current Chevy van would not fit, and my second car, a 1978 Mark V wouldn't either.

 

[Redfred1]

Something else to consider. That 22' will quickly shrink to 11'. She will get the stall closest to the house. will have a GDO; and "don't leave anything you value in that space. Most will agree.

 

[classiccat]

any limit on height? You'll be amazed at what you can store overhead when you have 12' high ceilings.