My Dream Garage (On a Budget)
I set out to renovate my Dream Garage on an incredibly hot, unbearably sunny, and frustratingly bright day in 2019. I found myself sweating buckets while changing out the alternator in the Bullnose. Looking longingly at my, then terrible, garage filled with worthless stuff (like boxes full of things we haven’t used in years that always seem to accumulate in garages), I wished for a better way. When my wife asked if we could add a storage shed to the backyard, a way presented itself. I would piggyback the renovation of the garage onto getting the shed done. Then I could solve our storage problem and my sweating buckets problem!
Lo and behold, the Bullnose Garage was born from the ashes of the old subpar, dingy, barely more than a storage room garage of yore. I tore down the old walls, including the stucco that was hiding behind the wall next to the house. I also ground down the floor to bare concrete. We sought out an electrician to add a new panel to the house, upgrading us from 100 amp to 200 amp and giving me the electrical muscle to add a 220 volt outlet and all the regular outlets I could imagine. I planned and schemed to get all my furniture, tools, and equipment to fit ‘just so’ and decided I wasn’t going to settle for less than great… so I planned and schemed some more to find the money for my project.
In September of 2020 I finally completed it. The only things I had contracted out were the electrical, HVAC, and drywall. The electrical and HVAC need certifications. Drywall just sucks.
Continue reading for more information!
How I Got My Man Cave / Ford Shrine Built
The Starting Point
My garage is roughly 18 feet wide, 22 feet deep, and 8 to 9 feet high, with a flat, slightly sloped roof. The first major task was stripping the walls back to the studs. This was quite the adventure since the garage, an addition to the house, had layers of drywall and stucco to remove. After tearing it down, I poured some concrete and tackled other foundational work to set the stage for my dream garage.
Security and Electrical Upgrades
One of the first upgrades I made was installing a security camera system. I used Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras both inside and around the garage perimeter. This setup not only provides peace of mind but also helps with insurance discounts.
Electrical work was a significant part of the renovation. I had an electrician upgrade the house to 200 amp service and install a dedicated power panel for the garage. Now, I have plenty of outlets, including ones with USB ports for easy charging of devices like phones and work lights. I also installed a 220V outlet for heavy-duty tools like a welder or large air compressor.
Climate Control and Comfort
Living in New Mexico, climate control is essential. I installed a Mr. Cool mini split AC unit to keep the garage comfortable year-round. It works great, even in the heat of the summer, and I can’t tell you how awesome it is to not have sweat rolling down my butt crack while I’m trying to change a spark plug.
Storage Solutions
Storage was a big priority. I scored some fantastic cabinets from a local university via publicsurplus.com, paying only $15 each! These cabinets provide ample storage and include a built-in workbench, making them incredibly practical and budget-friendly.
Tech and Convenience
Technology plays a big role in my garage. I installed a large TV hooked up to a computer system, which is perfect for watching tutorial videos or referencing online resources while working on my truck. The TV is connected to a PoE switch for my security cameras, allowing me to monitor the garage from a single screen.
I also installed a sound system with ceiling speakers and rock-shaped outdoor speakers by the pool. This setup lets me enjoy music both inside the garage and outside while swimming, hanging out in the yard, or even doing yard work… pretty awesome.
Lighting and Workbenches
Good lighting is crucial in a workspace. I installed super-bright, energy-efficient LED lights from Barina, which make the garage feel like daytime even at night. For added ambiance, I included some mood lighting options. I’m a sucker for mood lights.
My current general-purpose workbench is versatile, but I plan to build a dedicated workbench for electrical projects soon. I’m also considering adding a drill press, belt sander, and grinder to fully equip my workshop.
Update! I finished my workbench! Check it out: DIY Heavy-Duty Workbench: Because Buying One is Overrated!
Garage Door and Flooring
I opted for a jackshaft garage door opener, which connects directly to the torsion bar, eliminating the need for bulky overhead hardware. This choice keeps the space above clear, ideal for painting vehicles. It also looks way cleaner and has some really cool features like wifi integration. I can even open the garage door from my phone. Here’s what I got: https://amzn.to/4c71516
The finishing touch is the epoxy floor from Armorpoxy. The three-part system includes an epoxy primer, a racing blue epoxy color, and a military-grade top coat. While it’s bound to get dirty over time, I currently have a mat to protect it from oil drips. For a full review of the Armorpoxy, take a look here: Armorpoxy Review – Is It Worth the Cost?
Future Plans
The garage is ever-evolving, and I’m excited about future projects and additions.
That’s a wrap on my Bullnose Garage transformation. I hope you found some inspiration for your own garage projects.
