<VV> garage ideas

[Craig Nicol]

In addition to my tech writing, I have a small street-rod business that
takes me to many shops large and small.  One feature that I've seen that I
will incorporate if I ever decide to downsize is what I will call a "side
shop".  Several of my customers have this feature and basically, it amounts
to a small room (like 10 x 12 that's to the side or behind the actual
parking area.  The side room has tool boxes and machines around the
perimeter and a workbench in the center of the space.  Moving all this stuff
to the side room makes a 2-car garage very roomy (doors open fully and
such).  Most repair and fabrication work takes place in the side room.  A
sliding door (perhaps with a man-door in the sliding door) closes off the
space for heating / cooling, if you don't want to heat the entire garage.
The side room also puts your "stuff" out of sight for cleanliness and
against "prying eyes".  Also, if you can manage the space, try for a 10-11'
ceiling.  This makes loft storage practical and allows the eventual purchase
of an (ahem, shhh, .garage lift!)

Craig Nicol