Build a New Garage

The person who coined the phrase "he who dies with the most toys wins" must have owned a gigantic garage. Anyone with a passion for collecting automobiles might very well believe that. In many cases, the need for multiple cars also attracts the various automotive accoutrements that help define a personality and prove vital to the hobby, or sport, of collecting. This further confirms (to all who share this fervor) that there is never enough storage space.

Big Ideas
The DNA-ness of car collectors reveals that we must have more cars than we can drive at one time. A daily driver is necessary, of course, but a pick-up truck or SUV also is important; something to carry stuff, or tow stuff, and handle any number of weekend projects. Then there are the options: one or two cars primarily for the weekend, a car show and/or something to impress the neighbors and valets; perhaps one or two project cars, works-in-progress in various stages of restoration, or maybe just semi-permanent confinement.


Thus, according to the chromosomal code of automotive ethics, space requires a commitment and, ultimately, an investment. If a credit card can't pay for construction, perhaps a home equity loan will. Flush with cash, the sky's the limit.


But, that's never truly the case, is it? Building a garage is like any home improvement project: it takes time, money and a good contractor—a good, reliable contractor. Oh, and space for the new shelter, i.e. land. A homeowner has to have room to add his or her new "sanctuary." Generally, a permit has to be acquired as well. And then there's patience. One needs to have that more than anything. Well, almost as much as a viable bank account, which is necessary to get that good, reliable contractor—which, in turn, well, you get the idea. It can be a vicious cycle, but only if you let it become that way.

Planning Ahead
Start with a clear plan of what you want to achieve. Visit your city hall and make sure you have the proper setbacks from your neighbors' yards and roof height restrictions, or you'll risk getting your project denied. Study garage planning guides or other books that focus on workshops or similar vehicular retreats. Create a budget based on what you can afford then accept the fact that it will likely cost you another 25 percent above that. Most important, consider everything you want in advance: storage space, cabinets, workbench, sufficient room for extra tires, boxes, a motorcycle, whatever. Start with wanting everything, but be realistic. As costs come into play, then you can scale back. The dream is there, but realism will require more modest application. Do this before your plans are in place.


Now, get someone to draw up those plans. The architect doesn't need to share your need for a new building with which to house your precious vehicles, but he or she has to understand the importance and your vision of this single-purpose retreat. It also helps, by the way, if your designer is interested in cars; things will proceed on a much sounder footing, literally and figuratively.