While trying to check a rattle underneath my car over the weekend it occured to me that since we will eventually be building a new house that it might be a good idea to get a mechanics pit installed in the garage floor. Any reason why this can't be done here?

I don't think so, I have one. Its about 6 feet deep, 3 feet wide and 20 feet long with steps down at one end. Its covered with 2 by 6s when not in use. Its great for cleaning the bottom of the lawn tractor too!

You might have a hard job convincing the builder of the new home to do that, as it might be against the safety regulations. Well of course you can do that later, but what effect will that have on the basement?

That also means you won't be able to hang out there with your friends like some people do, when you go for a walk in certain neighbourhoods

Perfectly feasable assuming you figure the cost is justifiable over a reasonable period of time.

You might want to look into rental space. There are businesses who rent out garage work space by the hour in Canada. Pits, hoists, engine block lifts. You just book a time, drive in and go to work on your car.

We have no choice but to have a side garage due to archtectural constraints so non of the garage will be above the basement. Don't really feel like digging out brand new concrete later.

"That also means you won't be able to hang out there with your friends like some people do, when you go for a walk in certain neighbourhoods"???????????????????????. Sorry, but I'm feeling thick today

Sound like a good idea. I enjoy doing most of the work myself, but catagorically refuse to do anything under the car using ramps/axel stands hence the idea of a pit.

I dont believe anybody's garage is above the basement. I think its against the building codes.

I would imagine that having a "pit" these days will be affected by all sorts of regulations, due to the fact of "poisonous" gasses being able to hang around (refrigerant springs to mind)....so you will have to check this out....The reason i say this; is some while ago when i was "working", we had all our pits put out of use, and we had to use ramps until a proper extraction system was fitted.....This proved to costly and the ramps stayed.

I'll ask around at work and see whats what...and if i come up with anything I'll let you know.

Well I asked an all knowing blokie at the site, and in Calgary (Cochrane may be different)...They don't allow "Pits" in New builds anymore, and has been for some time. However older properties that have one are allowed....strange...

there you go.....or maybe someone might say that I'm talking out my backside...who knows..

Thanks. Looks like I'm going to have to spent the money on kitchen appliances instead

Better choice if I may say Seen the LG fridge with the TV in front of it? What a waste of money if you ask me. We have been looking and getting ideas also on appliances for when we move into our new house next year.

It seems to be all stainless steel now, and the white appliances are now dead cheap, cos no one wants them.