The day our realtor showed Julie and I the property. Finished shop in above photo.
We’ve moved six times in 25 years. Workspace is always a factor in house selection, and garages, more often than not, are perfect spaces for this one-man side gig. The bigger the better, and no cars allowed. It all began in Chandler, Arizona — just married, and three years in a tight, one-car garage. Then into a two-car garage for four years, and finally, six years in a massive 30'x40' outbuilding with glorious 10-foot ceilings on our acre-and-a-half property on the edge of town. More kids—more space needed.
After our move to Portland, Ore., we spent six years in a home with a huge 25'x55' shop in the walkout basement, then we bought the hilltop home with the shop pictured above. The 24'x24' space needed serious attention, so within a few months we had the perfect workshop once more. Three years spent there.
And now Houston! Another two-car space with just 7-foot ceilings this time. I’m tall, and I’ve knocked myself silly a few times on low hanging garage door runners. Other than that, it’s our latest haven of creativity.
Shop No. 3: Six years in the 30'x40' Taj Mahal, Chandler, Arizona
1200 sq. ft, and this shows just the half of it. We added windows, drywall and AC.
Shop No. 2: First-time homeowners and four years in this new Chandler garage. Right: Gluing up a curved apron dining table in 1996. Before making signs, I was building furniture in my free time.
Shop No. 1: Three years in a one car garage rental home. This is a changing table made for our first child.
Shop No, 4: Six very productive years in this Portland walkout basement.
Shop#6: Houston— since 2014.