I am looking for some help with a plan on how to upgrade my humble garage into a nice build space for future projects. I'm done renting and ready to start upgrading my own place to fit my needs. What I have is a 24'x24' detached two-car garage with a handful of 120v outlets. The building was put up in the 60s and has fared well over time, and there is even some built in storage up front and down one side. The walls are not insulated which I would like to ad for working on projects in the winter. The electrical needs upgraded from the fuse panel to a breaker box, with the addition of 240v for a welder or air compressor. I might even be able to score some cabinets from a kitchen remodel to help with storage. The problem is I am a bit of a noob when it comes to home upgrades.



1- Insulate walls - Is standard fiberglass insulation good for use in a garage application? I'll have temporary propane heat when working in winter but other than that the space will see from -20 to 100F. Should I run my electrical first or is conduit over the wall a fine option for a garage?
2- Electric Service - What do you have run to your garages and what should you have installed looking back? I'm planning for indoor and outdoor lights, a stereo, power tools, and big loads like a welder or air compressor. I would need to run a new line from the house, I believe the current one is set in the dirt without a conduit that I could snake a second source through.
3- Storage - Where can I find some good ideas for storage? As you can see the junk is already piling up. I have some peg board that the previous owner installed years ago, but I think I'll be ripping it down to insulate.
I have a very similar space. Check out my thread for some storage ideas, I have way too much stuff in my garage.
I find old carpet to be much better than any wall insulation ever will be, you just notice such a difference laying on carpet vs cold concrete. Plus, I like to use the space between the studs to store stuff.
Check you local building codes for electrical rules. Some places need conduit, other places allow just romex wire inside walls. Just make sure you run multiple circuits. Nothing like tripping a breaker when you turn the tool on only to be left in the dark.
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/rcutclifs-garage-build/96035/page1/
Since it's a garage I would insulate first and then run your conduit for electrics. And fiberglass for insulation is fine. There are better materials but for a simple stand alone garage that will only be heated intermittently fiberglass is the cheapest option. Improving the weather seal on the doors & windows will also help. The ceiling is the most important. I would add 8-9 inches of faced batt insulation and then drywall the ceiling. Don't forget to make sure the area above is vented. You need sofit vents as well as roof vents near the roofs peak. If you don't have them now add them.
The garage door you have now doesn't look to be insulated. Either replace it with an insulated door or add ridged foam board insulation to the inside surface.
nocones
SuperDork
8/12/15 10:50 p.m.
I have a 40 space 100 amp panel in a 1.5 story 1200 sqft garage. I have 3 free spaces and used some slim splits because I am using 6 220v circuits. I am happy with the amperage but probably should have used a bigger panel. I am probably over divided but this way each circuit has some future proof. Run 20 amp everything 110 unless it's low loads.
Also check out building code in your area. Around here sheetrock on all three walls of a garage makes it a finished space and subject to taxes at the same rate as the house. Using OSB for the ceiling or one wall instead keeps it taxed as an out building.
If you haven't yet, look over at garage journal. There are so many question threads and builds from start to finish that you should be able to find what you need there.
Good starting point though, and good luck!