Home builders and contractors out there……Why on earth do I have to purchase a multimillion dollar mansion in order to get a three or four car garage? Do only wealthy people have more than one car? Is the garage supposed to be just a dark hole with only one window, or worse yet, no windows at all, only room to park one small compact car with a little space leftover for all the junk and stuff?

I like to watch HGTV, “House Hunters”, “What You Get for the Money”, and enjoy reading decorating magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, etc. Most of these place the most emphasis on the kitchen and bathrooms, no doubt very important rooms in the house, but few of them put the garage as a premier attraction. BHG once did an article on a lovely garage that looked more like a small house than a workshop. We liked that idea and decided to build a nifty little garage to match our small, less than 1500 square feet, cottage. We also decided to use the same type of windows, same siding, and same color scheme.
It was also time to incorporate a larger workspace into the average home shop with room to walk around a large SUV or pickup truck. This is where most men spend their time and money, and perhaps their retirement.

BUILDING THE GARAGE
Bill called John O’Dell Construction. After having had removed several large oaks and firs, and getting the heavy equipment guys to do the grading and groundwork, we had the draftsman draw up the plans. These we submitted to the county for approval. Once approved the construction began in April ‘06 for a 30’ by 36’ three bay garage with a toilet in a separate room and a deep sink.

April 27–first mishap-ruptured gas line to the propane tank.
May 3–new gas line & sewer line
May 5–pouring concrete forms
May 11–concrete slab for the floor was poured. What a job for several hard working men! Poured and finished in one day!
May 16–framing was almost complete. Tyvek wrap installed.
May 17–trusses arrived! A few days later, they were completely installed.
May 18–siding installed. Milgard windows put in.
May 25 –roof panels put up and the framing for the small roof over the walk-thru door.
June 1–roof shingles arrived early in the AM; the roof was completed the next day by two roofers, each one taking one side of the roof.
June 2–trim boards
June 12–drywall
June 23–painting-this took quite a while to complete as the two painters also put down gray epoxy on the floor which had to be redone.
July 10–garage doors installed (took three trips to complete the job)
August 8–final inspection day. What a happy day that was!

The garage has a 10 foot ceiling, no lift, oak trim 4 way wrap around the interior windows, 110 outlets every 6 feet apart, fluorescent lights also with oak trim.

OUTFITTING
We bought some blonde base cabinets and a round table from the Jim Keil liquidation sale. New white refrigerator. The Craftsman cabinets and Gladiator workbench were brought in. We moved his old roll-away tool box into the new garage. It was very heavy, and we had quite a time getting it up the hill. Bill decided to use his Coors neon sign and beer sign logos, memorabilia, and make the place look like a home! I call it Coors Craftsman... And it certainly does look just like a second house!

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