Ideas for Building a Garage Workshop

Plan Ahead

• Before you begin clearing out your garage or building your garage workshop, plan ahead. Make a list of all the items you'll need to store in your garage. Then, create a space large enough to store the items while still leaving room for you to work. Figure out what types of utilities you need in your garage, and add any electrical outlets or water lines to your initial garage workshop building plan. Add utilities before you start bringing items into your garage workshop to save you a headache later.

Get Organized

• If you want your garage to stay an efficient work space, organize it from the get-go. Plan out organizational elements before you build. Remember to include spots for all tools and smaller items, like nuts and bolts. You can hang smaller tools on the wall using "S" hooks or you can install wall shelves when you add cabinets. Include drawers in your organizational system if you have a lot of smaller items. When you organize larger tools, like a table saw, in your layout, be sure to take the overall placement into consideration when you place the item. It doesn't do you any good if you have a table saw that doesn't have enough room around it to fit a board.

Don't Forget the Extras

• Although you want your garage workshop to be an efficient work space first and foremost, don't forget to add the extras and details that will make the space your own. If you have the space, save yourself time later and add small appliances, like a small refrigerator to keep drinks and snacks inside. Find functional items that reflect your personality, such as your grandfather's favorite workbench or a refrigerator that looks like a gas pump.