How to Design a Garage Workshop
Garage workshops are popular, and more of a necessity to woodworkers and other carpentry hobbyist. The utility requirements will definitely change, such as the electricity and plumbing (water); most garage workshops are built with these changes in mind. Some of the equipment that is used in a garage workshop is custom-made. The equipment that is included in the workshop is powerful and should be kept secure, but convenient for the shop owner.
Supplies needed:
- Tape measure
- Cardboard for mock-ups
- Local heating and cooling contractors
- Preferred power tools
- Preferred equipment
- Material for the storage space
- List of architects
- Building permit
- Ventilation equipment
- Materials for table and benches
- Other materials that you choose
- Determine the functions that will be fulfilled in the workshop; what type of jobs will you be filling. Will you perform auto repairs, woodworking tasks, metalworking tasks, etc.? Try not to fill the garage workshop with equipment that cannot be utilized safely, within the space that you have available.
- Decide on all of the equipment that you will need in the workshop. Use the cardboard to make mock versions of what it is that you need; start designing the layout of your workspace. All garage workshops include a table saw, which can take up a lot of space, depending on the size you need to fulfill functions of your shop.
- Take down good measurements for the space you have, and the space you need for particular pieces of equipment. Cabinets, storage, worktables, and work benches are an example of the measurements you will need. This will help in safely positioning the necessary equipment in the space you have allotted for the workshop.
- Determine what is needed for the electrical and water needs. Have a few different electricians come in and provide an estimate on what is needed to complete the job for what you are attempting to create. Make any modification to your current system, or have the electrician install the necessary changes to keep the power and water running properly. Will the garage shop need to be a controlled climate? How much ventilation is required? Paint shops require plenty of ventilation due to the chemicals that are used to fulfill their job.
- Create a storage area. Choose the materials that you will use for the storage cabinets. A storage area can be made of bins, toolboxes, or more elaborate material such as lumber.
- Consult with an architect to help in designing the overall layout. The architect can add and remove design ideas that you have already created; they can add a professional touch to the space.