Renting garage workspace

I think I'd need one where I could roll in from the outside. I agree it's not likely they're going to want me hanging a fuel jug on a pole feeding my carbs inside.

Problem is I think those sorts of units are not common downtown.

I think I'd be happy with $500/mo at that size and with those features, especially since I could use storage for other things as well.

Was your buddy in TO or West Coast?
500/mo for 10x20 sounds like a miracle. I think Evo was paying more than that for 8x10.
 
Look up for more space. Build as tall as possible with a gambrel roof and you could store bikes that aren't being worked on over your head.

I was speaking to local building officials about new shed rules. Current one is 10' x 10', about 6.5' high inside and about 18'' off the ground at one end.

I was thinking a new 160 sq ft one with a vaulted ceiling for extra storage. Visions of a 2 story (or more LOL) shed were trashed when I was told max height to peak of roof could be 4.2M or about 13 3/4' off of the ground.

So, taking the 18'' in consideration and the width of the floor and ceiling joists the inside peak could be 10 - 10.5' (roughly) from the floor. While not the multilevel shed I dreamed about this will give me significantly more storage space. A mansard type roof would maximize this overhead storage space.
 
I was speaking to local building officials about new shed rules. Current one is 10' x 10', about 6.5' high inside and about 18'' off the ground at one end.

I was thinking a new 160 sq ft one with a vaulted ceiling for extra storage. Visions of a 2 story (or more LOL) shed were trashed when I was told max height to peak of roof could be 4.2M or about 13 3/4' off of the ground.

So, taking the 18'' in consideration and the width of the floor and ceiling joists the inside peak could be 10 - 10.5' (roughly) from the floor. While not the multilevel shed I dreamed about this will give me significantly more storage space. A mansard type roof would maximize this overhead storage space.
Municipalities measure max roof height differently. Some use the break in a mansard roof, some use half way up the pitch, some use highest point.

As for the ground, I would be piling dirt to raise ground level 18" near shed. Remove dirt after inspection if desired.
 
I had a customer who rented a storage unit with power as his workshop. He did custom craft stuff as his job there at first. Once he got into motorcycles for a couple years he would start bringing his bike in there. From the looks of it it was at least 10x10 but probably more like 10x14.

It was their alternative to buying a house: they lived in a condo and rented the unit to give him the space he needed.

He didn't do anything that would make the place smell like fuel, so maybe that kept him under the radar, but he did do some painting in there as I remember... Then again he would've been doing painting in there with his craft stuff before too.
 
It was their alternative to buying a house: they lived in a condo and rented the unit to give him the space he needed.
🤔 That just gave me an idea for my current predicament.

It sucks wrenching out in the open in the backyard of the place I’m renting, especially when it’s 0–5°C. But I’m not exactly in the position to buy a place with a proper garage.
 
🤔 That just gave me an idea for my current predicament.

It sucks wrenching out in the open in the backyard of the place I’m renting, especially when it’s 0–5°C. But I’m not exactly in the position to buy a place with a proper garage.
I've setup a tent in a rental back yard before. Obviously low security but you are out of the rain and wind and you can add a radiant heater and lights to make it nicer to work.
 
I've setup a tent in a rental back yard before. Obviously low security but you are out of the rain and wind and you can add a radiant heater and lights to make it nicer to work.
ShelterLogic 6' x 6' Shed-in-a-Box All Season Steel Metal Peak Roof Outdoor Storage Shed with Waterproof Cover and Heavy Duty Reusable Auger Anchors, Grey : ShelterLogic: Amazon.ca: Patio, Lawn & Garden Amazon.ca
This would be perfect and not over 6000 a year like a storage unit.

Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk
 
🤔 That just gave me an idea for my current predicament.

It sucks wrenching out in the open in the backyard of the place I’m renting, especially when it’s 0–5°C. But I’m not exactly in the position to buy a place with a proper garage.
Where are you looking for space?
 
🤔 That just gave me an idea for my current predicament.

It sucks wrenching out in the open in the backyard of the place I’m renting, especially when it’s 0–5°C. But I’m not exactly in the position to buy a place with a proper garage.
If it's temporary just get one of those car tents or canopies. Hell even those sun shade covers (10x10) would help a lot, especially if they have all 4 sides covered.

MUCH cheaper than any other option, and while won't protect you from the cold...it will protect you from the rain/sun/wind. And it's in your backyard so you don't have to drive anywhere.
 
🤔 That just gave me an idea for my current predicament.

It sucks wrenching out in the open in the backyard of the place I’m renting, especially when it’s 0–5°C. But I’m not exactly in the position to buy a place with a proper garage.
Where are you located? I’m happy to help
 
Any other GTAM'ers in a similar predicament and location? Maybe we could jointly rent a space and cut our collective costs.
Assume ten guys and 1500 square feet. You lose a couple of hundred SF to aisles, washrooms, clearances etc so each guy gets a 12' X 12' square at best for one bike and tools.

Count on $20 / SF per year so $30,000 / 10 / 12 = $250 per month. If zoning is an issue it could be more. Automotive usage is problematic largely to environmental concerns and parking issues. A 1500 SF unit won't have enough parking for 10 members arriving by alternate means.

Wheelies, burnouts and test rips down the back alley will annoy other non bike businesses.

Security: Too much visible bike activity is like hanging out a "Steal stuff here" sign.

Insurance could be difficult to obtain for a bunch of rebellious appearing individuals.

No friends bikes. Members only.

Beer with the guys could have negative consequences.

Administration and rules will make it like herding cats.

Wait for a massive recession and you might be able to get that unit for $50 a SF, $75,000. Ten guys chip in $7500 each and set up a company. Costs drop in half per month but the administration headaches may go up.

Twenty years later, if the economy is booming, the unit could be worth as much as 10X. Sell it and cash out with $75,000 each.
 
Assume ten guys and 1500 square feet. You lose a couple of hundred SF to aisles, washrooms, clearances etc so each guy gets a 12' X 12' square at best for one bike and tools.

Count on $20 / SF per year so $30,000 / 10 / 12 = $250 per month. If zoning is an issue it could be more. Automotive usage is problematic largely to environmental concerns and parking issues. A 1500 SF unit won't have enough parking for 10 members arriving by alternate means.

Wheelies, burnouts and test rips down the back alley will annoy other non bike businesses.

Security: Too much visible bike activity is like hanging out a "Steal stuff here" sign.

Insurance could be difficult to obtain for a bunch of rebellious appearing individuals.

No friends bikes. Members only.

Beer with the guys could have negative consequences.

Administration and rules will make it like herding cats.

Wait for a massive recession and you might be able to get that unit for $50 a SF, $75,000. Ten guys chip in $7500 each and set up a company. Costs drop in half per month but the administration headaches may go up.

Twenty years later, if the economy is booming, the unit could be worth as much as 10X. Sell it and cash out with $75,000 each.
That’s a great idea but I don’t think you will ever find a 1500SF unit for anywhere near $75,000. You can’t build a garage that size with heat,hydro,water, permits etc. even if you were given the land for free. I did work at a guys 2000SF unit at HWY.27 and Steeles and I’m pretty sure he paid about $800,000 for it about 2 years ago but I like your idea about wheelies and burnouts!
 
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Agreed you'll be looking at a commute and having to deal with "partners" and money.
 
You might find something for about $500,000 in Durham or other out lying areas.
About 15 years ago, I was looking for a garage on a plot of land near my house in the gta. Sadly, land value had most at $1M+. That's a hard no. It would be nice to have space but the budget required was nowhere near the budget available.
 
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