[QUOTE=pdupler] [QUOTE=cj5nutz]The codes/requirements for a pit might change your mind on putting one in. Do you know a pit is classified as an "explosion proof area" [/QUOTE]

Unfortunately, garages are on the endangered species list.  I went through this about six years ago when I outgrew my typical suburban 2-car garage.  I checked the codes for all the suburbs around Fort Worth and they all had totally unreasonable restrictions.  I briefly considered moving out to the unincorporated areas where I could build a garage, but decided the long drive would be counterproductive, as the goal was to spend more time working on cars than driving them.  I wound up buying an older home on a large lot inside Fort Worth where the codes were more accommodating.  Then about a year after I had finished my garage, Fort Worth adopted new yuppie-suburban, cookie-cutter house type zoning.  To build a garage the likes of which any car-lover would want now would require a petition to the Board of Adjustment for multiple variances.  They are so worried that you are going to run a commercial car repair business out of your home, that they have just about killed off the residential detached garage in most urban areas. 

Even in a 1950's neighborhood, I had deed restrictions which architecturally limited the height so there's no room for a lift and required brick exterior face which added to the cost.  Its gotten pretty tough to build a working garage in an urban area.

Things I did that I really like:  I put in enough electrical outlets that I never need an extension cord and I plumbed compressed air to multiple locations so I don't need any more than a 15' coil hose.  One big mistake I made was doing the epoxy floor coating myself - to do over again, I'd definitely spring for a professional job.  That stuff they sell for the diy'er doesn't hold up too well to rolling engine hoists and such abuse as a dedicated hobbiest is going to dish out.






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Thanks for all of the garage ideas. I'm starting on mine this spring. Closing up the one-car at the front, and adding a three-car in the back. Had to go before the zoning board, but got what I wanted because the house was zoned as a multifamily at one time. I am doing heat and floor drains, and you guys have given me some more ideas. Thanks!   

[QUOTE=Bry58501]Thanks for all of the garage ideas. I'm starting on mine this spring. Closing up the one-car at the front, and adding a three-car in the back. Had to go before the zoning board, but got what I wanted because the house was zoned as a multifamily at one time. I am doing heat and floor drains, and you guys have given me some more ideas. Thanks!    [/QUOTE]

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT FLOOR DRAINS??Do they really think people are so stupid that their gonna change their oil and pour it down a floor drain on their own property?  And if an old car leaks a little whats the difference if it's out in the driveway or inside over a floor drain? A drain is nice to wash a car inside in the winter.
A friend of mine put in a floor drain to a small drywell and just skinned over it with concrete cause they don't inspect before you pour a slab.

[QUOTE=Jeffm]WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT FLOOR DRAINS??Do they really think people are so stupid that their gonna change their oil and pour it down a floor drain on their own property?  And if an old car leaks a little whats the difference if it's out in the driveway or inside over a floor drain? A drain is nice to wash a car inside in the winter.
A friend of mine put in a floor drain to a small drywell and just skinned over it with concrete cause they don't inspect before you pour a slab.
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Part of the reason for drain codes is that in many places, there are surcharges for disposal of industrial wastewater above and beyond regular wastewater charges, certainly always more than residential wastewater rates.  Moreso than environmental concerns, they mainly just want to make sure they get paid.  I worked six years in a Water utility and spent a little bit of time tracking down illegal dumpers where they just open a random manhole cover and empty a tanker truck of noxious stuff for free.  As an amusing anecdote, one of our crews once found a fully dressed Chevy 350 inside a sewer manhole. 

Since you are an electrician, I feel for you.  The guy that wired my garage was actually our Water Department's chief electrician who did it for me on the side.  Being that he was a City employee doing a side job, the City building inspector gave him a particularly hard time.  Lets just say I have the most well-grounded garage in town.

Don't try to hide a floor drain unless you live really, REALLY far out in the boondocks.  IF the inspector does find it you will be in for a TON of fun right away.  If it does happen to go unnoticed you best start a savings account because when it comes time to sell the place you'll most likely be replacing the floor (and probably paying a fine as well) before the sale can be completed.

When I built my attached garage in 1982 in Farmington, NY I put a dry well drain right in the middle and ran hot and cold water lines to it.

Here is todays progress, we got rained out again. 

Truss is finished !  Sheeting starts tomorrow!