If I build it, they will come

[redpoint5]

Recently I purchased a Prius plug-in after finding a good deal on Craigslist. While looking into getting a level 2 EVSE, I discovered that I could upgrade my existing EVSE units to level 2 for almost no cost. Then I decided to install a 240v outlet in preparation for the upgraded EVSE units. Now that I've got the 50 amp circuit half installed, I'm starting to think it would be a shame to have all of that charging potential with a lowly PiP connected to it. Now I'm thinking I want to buy an EV and sell the Acura.

To charge 2 cars, I'd need to get both of their 70" widths into my 250" wide garage with room to ingress/egress from both vehicles.

One major occupier of garage width is the massive steps. Here are the relevant codes regarding stairs.

• Risers shall not exceed 7¾ inches and the run shall not be less than 10 inches with a ¾ to 1¼ inch nose or an 11 inch tread.

• Landings at exterior doorways shall not be more than 7 ¾ inches below the top of the threshold

• Where a stairway of two or fewer risers is located on the exterior side of a door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door.

The threshold of the door is 23¼" above the garage floor. The way I'm interpreting the code is that I can have my 2 risers totaling 15½", and then a 7¾" step up through the doorway. Is this interpretation correct?

Either way, I'd never let The Nanny State tell me how I can enter and exit my own home. I'll just build the stupid platform again if I ever sell the house.

What are your thoughts? I didn't see any codes regarding ramps instead of stairs.





I'll move my workbench to the far end of the garage since it is extra deep- if I have to.

In order to run an EV and the PiP, I'll need 2 outlets that provide 240v. I'm wondering how I can splice in another outlet from the same run I'm already installing? I assume I can put multiple outlets on the same loop since I have a 50A breaker and 6awg-4 NM-B.

Last, I'd like to cover my stained and cracked concrete garage floor with something. Any recommendations for this that won't totally break the bank? I'm thinking lighter colors to brighten up the garage. I need something that will hold up to floor jacks being dragged around.

How about this?
http://www.amazon.com/Valspar-81020-...ge+floor+paint

Or this?
G-Floor 9 ft. x 44 ft. Levant Standard Grade Slate Grey Garage Floor Cover and Protector-GF55LV944SG - The Home Depot

Any place to get this cheaper?
G-Floor 10 ft. x 24 ft. Coin Commercial Grade Slate Grey Garage Floor Cover and Protector-GF75CN1024SG - The Home Depot

That's all my questions for now. What do you do to make your garage more usable?

[user removed]

She pulls her car in nose first. I back mine in with about 6 inches clearance to the wall. This way both drivers doors open into the same space. If either of us is carrying a passenger we pull outside of the garage door for the passenger to get in the car.

regards
mech

[user removed]

LOL, my garage is, guess what!
250 inches wide.
I can't move the steps, it's a load bearing wall.

regards
mech

[UltArc]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

She pulls her car in nose first. I back mine in with about 6 inches clearance to the wall. This way both drivers doors open into the same space. If either of us is carrying a passenger we pull outside of the garage door for the passenger to get in the car.

regards
mech

Beat me to it. I barely fit one car into my three car garage (guess how many projects a three car garage fits...), so other than this I will be no help. (Commented to follow)

[jamesqf]

Extension cords, keep the cars outside.

[freebeard]

Here are the relevant codes regarding stairs.

• Risers shall not exceed 7¾ inches and the run shall not be less than 10 inches with a ¾ to 1¼ inch nose or an 11 inch tread.
  
• Landings at exterior doorways shall not be more than 7 ¾ inches below the top of the threshold
  
• Where a stairway of two or fewer risers is located on the exterior side of a door, a landing is not required for the exterior side of the door.

The threshold of the door is 23¼" above the garage floor. The way I'm interpreting the code is that I can have my 2 risers totaling 15½", and then a 7¾" step up through the doorway. Is this interpretation correct?

IMHO, yes. Except that I wouldn't consider that an exterior door. In any case it aligns with the garage door opening, and I see it provides useful storage.

[redpoint5]

Here is a fisheye look at how my garage is currently setup.



My plan is to remove the gigantic stairs and replace them with 2 smaller steps. I can move the work bench to the far end if needed, but I think it might be able to stay where it is. The punching bag and pull-up bar will have to go. There goes my dreams of being an MMA fighter. Hopefully I don't have to give up the futon, and removing the ping pong table is out of the question. I can install more wall shelving, and I've started to move more things up into the attic above.

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

LOL, my garage is, guess what!
250 inches wide.
I can't move the steps, it's a load bearing wall.

Mech- Is it 250" to the cinder block wall, or to the framing your bike is hanging from? I'm hoping I can fit the motorcycle between the 2 cars, or along one of the walls in my garage.

[user removed]

250 inches wall to wall. the steps are 3 feet wide and the beams are 4x4 which is 3.5x3.5.

Figure the distance between the beams next to the steps and the outside (opposite) wall at 210 inches.

You might be able to just come straight off the door to the house with two or 3 steps. I don't think a rail is required if the height difference is 2 feet or less on porches here in Va I think it's 3 feet but not positive.

With both vehicles parked close enough to the outside walls I can easily move my bike between them.

regards
mech

[freebeard]

I looked at the code again and thought about the ambiguities. You have more than 'two or fewer' risers, so you don't need landings. If you could do 3 or 4 treads, I'd think—the 4th one at the door-sill level. The edge case would be a 4th tread less that 7 3/4th inch. No less than one inch. What's the current width? With a 10 inch riser you're looking at 30 or 40 inches. It's probably 36 inches or 3ea 10 inch risers and one 6 inch one.That would gain 30 inches of wall space.

Try putting one car in each side successively (or not....sorry, but pix or it didn't happen) In architecture it all comes down to the door swings. If the steps take you directly to the car door, but you can't open it because the steps are in the way, then fire the architect.

[redpoint5]

The heavy bag and pull-up bar have been relocated to my parent's barn, likely to not be used again until I have children and they visit my parents.

After tidying up a bit, I'm now parking both cars and the motorcycle in the garage. It isn't perfect, but it works.