Designing the Ultimate Garage

Once you've come to terms with the fact that you are, indeed, a "Car Person," you're going to have to have a garage. And not just any garage, but the ultimate garage - your garage. There's no reason not to make this part of your car dream - it will go along nicely with your dream car.

Of course, the first part is the fun part - you get to dream. Now, this part may already be over for some of you, but it still wouldn't be a bad idea to revisit your ideas. First and foremost, what do you want to do to your car (or cars)? If you already have your dream vehicle, you'll need space for one car and room to work on it. If you have more than one car on hand, you'll need that much more space in your garage.

Next, think about what you like to do with your car. Just like you put time and effort into planning what you want to do with your car, plan for all the eventualities you'll want to address in your garage. For example, a good work bench may be all you'll need for carb work, but if you want to jerk the engine, plan for more space for a engine hoist.

Tools and tool storage is another factor. Think a bit about that work bench. Is a nice peg board what you want? Or do you plan to purchase one of those big rolling tool boxes that we all stand around like the bone swinging apes from 2001? Hey, why not plan for both? You're in the dreaming phase here, after all.

Do you like body work? The tools and space for that hobby will take up even more room than usual. And you can't forget the ventilation you'll need to do the body work and painting you want to do. Storage for all those volatile chemicals should be another one of your concerns.

But the ultimate garage attachment is well-known - a way to stand under the car and work on it. That means one of two things - a pit or a lift. If you're that one in a million home mechanics that can afford to have a lift installed in your home garage, go ahead and do it - just leave this job to the professionals. A pit, on the other hand, is a much more realistic expenditure. Of course, it will have to be dug and lined, just like the floor. In addition, don't forget to cut steps or plan for a ladder into the pit for easy access.

Clearly, cost is the overriding factor we're dealing with here. How much can you afford to spend on your dream garage? Once you have your plans, call around and price out several contractors. See if they can do both the construction and the electric wiring. And if that pit is in the plans (which will make you the coolest kid in your neighborhood), see if your contractor can both dig the pit and pour the concrete. Doubling up on services like this is a great way to save money on your dream garage project.

The author writes for VitalMotion.net, where you can find out what credit score you need to buy a car as well as how to buy a car from a private seller.