Car storage oppopinions

Kinja'd!!! by "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
Published 05/13/2017 at 14:44

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This is all hypothetical, mostly because I’m taking a break from cleaning my house and (as always) lamenting my lack of storage space.

Taking into account the fact that i don’t make a ton of money, don’t do a ton of wrenching, and have a fairly small lot, what should I do to replace my current “garage”? Two car carport with locked storage area in the back or standard 2-car detached garage?

Kinja'd!!!

I really like this idea, except that entry would be off the alley and open carport creates all sorts of security issues.

Tell me what else I’m not considering!


Replies (18)

Kinja'd!!! "EL_ULY" (uly)
05/13/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0

THESE are cool and only $100

THIS also. It may even hold 2 cars for $230

Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
05/13/2017 at 14:54, STARS: 1

Standard, closed off garage. I’ve had too many close calls wrenching under a carport only to see a giant spider creep up next to me with murder in it’s heart.

Tl:Dr - walls keep out bad things

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 14:58, STARS: 3

If you saw the number of spiders in my house you might rethink that assessment.

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0

Yeah, that might be a temporary fix but the main problem I’m trying to solve at the moment are the 4 bicycles in my living room. I’m already not keeping them in my outbuilding because it’s not secure enough.

Car protection from future hailstorms is also a big consideration.

Kinja'd!!! "benjrblant" (benjblant)
05/13/2017 at 15:13, STARS: 0

Check with your county first- (Jeff?) CO on the whole has more particular building code requirements than a state that DGAF such as Texas. If you’re doing a fully enclosed garage, you may need building permits and a structural engineer to sign off on it. If it’s more of a roof structure like a pergola or carport you can probably get away without. Depends on your budget.

Kinja'd!!! "EL_ULY" (uly)
05/13/2017 at 15:13, STARS: 0

on the ceiling of my garage I put in a couple of these things and hang the bicycles on there

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turns them into bats lol

Kinja'd!!! "InFierority Complex" (lanciere)
05/13/2017 at 15:14, STARS: 2

Do you want a quenset hut?

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Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 0

I’m not in Jeffco but Denver requires permits for a fence over 3 feet high so I imagine anything would need to be inspected. I plan on it anyway, regardless. But as far as building size and setbacks, either would be about the same size as the new garage on my alley neighbor’s property so it would likely get approved.

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:24, STARS: 0

Not really, I need a lockable area to keep stuff besides the cars (bikes, ski equipment, camping stuff, etc.). Looking for something that’s at least partially indoors. I’m also not sure that would get approved here.

Kinja'd!!! "E92M3" (E46M3)
05/13/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 0

I like that design. I recently got this. Wish I had made it wide enough for 2 cars now, and a storage room in the back for yard stuff.

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Kinja'd!!! "benjrblant" (benjblant)
05/13/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0

Groovy then. Permitting will look at stuff like setbacks, total lot area coverage and ratio of secondary building to primary building. I think Denver might want to see a structural engineer’s stamp on anything with a foundation but don’t hold me to that. As far as the actual building goes, I’m partial to shed roofs:

Kinja'd!!!

Only a single flat surface for the roof, no gables or trusses required, easy and cheap to build. Plus this makes solar or rainwater collection incredibly easy if you chose to add later. Walls and door not required. I presently do drafting for a living so I see tons of stuff like this.

Kinja'd!!! "InFierority Complex" (lanciere)
05/13/2017 at 15:27, STARS: 0

They come in all types, not just open. Yeah, I can see how a lot of neighborhoods wouldn’t want one of these around.

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Could go full log cabin, though.

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Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:28, STARS: 1

I’m sadly just playing around on Pinterest and dreaming at the moment! Even that looks like it would be a good start for me!

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:30, STARS: 0

That’s actually good to think about as well. I like that one.

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:32, STARS: 0

I mean, I also have a relatively small lot so I’d rather look at something that’s a little less prefab :) but I just feel it’s a bit less secure, too. Probably not justified though. On the other hand a metal building is less likely to be torched, so...? Hmm.

Kinja'd!!! "E92M3" (E46M3)
05/13/2017 at 15:36, STARS: 2

Ideally an oversized 2 car garage, tall enough for a lift, would be perfect. But, I’d have to sell my cars to pay for it, and it would then be empty.

Kinja'd!!! "smobgirl" (smobgirl)
05/13/2017 at 15:39, STARS: 1

Hahahaha yeah plus that would be bigger than my house. Which I guess would solve the storage problem!

Kinja'd!!! "shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/14/2017 at 12:51, STARS: 3

You’ll get a much butter return on your investment with a fully enclosed garage. Also wrenching in even an unheated garage in the winter is faaaaaaaaaar superior to wrenching without walls blocking the wind.

As far as security, if a wrenching job needs to wait for a while in the middle of it, for whatever reason, just close the door and it’s secure. No need to put all your tools away.