New House - Garage Sim Build

[bsdubois00]

Hey guys. Well here we go - starting to build a new house and the garage has room for a sim. The big question will be the height of the ceiling, I'm estimating 9' - 9'6". The way they build houses in Texas I can't get them to make it any higher, the developer won't do that so it's just a hope and pray it's no less than 9' (are any garages less than 9'?!?! lol).

Started working on my layout today and mocked up the garage. This looks like it works great so good news there. Going to go with either a SkyTrak or GC2, obviously 1 is much more affordable than the other. The purpose of my sim is mainly fun, playing some rounds with friends, getting swings in when its raining, etc.



Currently I have a computer at home that is a few years old so I'm buying a new one for the house and will use my current computer for the sim.

Specs:

• Intel Core i7-4790K Devil's Canyon Quad-Core 4.0
• 32gb RAM
• SSD (Don't remember size but HDDs are cheap)
• Current GFX is a GeForce GT740 but I would replace this with a 1070 or better

Overall the system should be a-ok for running E6 or similar right?

[jerry3]

Almost all new garages are at least 9' tall from my experience in st. louis. If the ceiling on the main floor is 9' then the garage would be 10'. Even if it is 9' tall garage ceiling that's enought to swing all but driver for most people. Even driver might be doable depending on how tall you are.

Just a few observations from the looks of things if you want to accommodate both lefties and righties you'll need offset hitting mats. But if only righties you could still be centered. One other thing to keep in mind is you might want to look at using a jackshaft garage door opener and a high lift kit, or alternatively using roll up garage doors.

You're computer once you get the new graphics card in should be good to go. I recommend gc2 if you can afford it.

Good luck!

[bsdubois00]

I don't have any lefty friends, all my friends are normal :-P

They build my exact plan down the street and the garage in that house is 9'4" so I'm assuming I'll be similar. I'm going to beg to get 10' but we will see.

[mikemcd22]

My Sim is 9'4" and I'm 6'2" and can swing driver no problem. Haven't had anyone hit the ceiling yet. Also, if you do some looking on this forum, you will find some really cool DIY options for garage set ups (retractable screens, motorized frames, screens on tracks, etc.). Also, Also... you need to get a new builder! If you do decide to move inside and want to make modifications you mentioned, at least tell them to leave it unfinished. I get it, fixed designs... but how about a little "the customer is always right!!!" love from the seller??

[bsdubois00]

I wish it was as easy as a new builder. In Houston there aren't many places where you can build a full custom home. Typically what happens is a developer (or a few) buy a plot of land and then they have 10 or so plans you can choose from. They almost never allow for any structural changes since they have everything permitted already and changes just add $$ and time. I'm not giving up pushing for it just sorta use to hearing NO from them.

[jerry3]

9'4 will be enough for almost anyone to swing driver imo. Also just noticed you're in Texas, probably want to invest in something like a mr. cool diy mini split to keep it cool in there!

[bsdubois00]

Totally, wish I had room inside but the garage is better than nothing. I'm not sure the HOA would allow a mini split but I can figure something out.

[jerry3]

Garage's make great sim spaces for sure, plus kind of keep the noise to a minimum when compared to hitting inside the house. Mini splits are pretty low profile on the outside so never know might be a good option if hoa approves, fairly cost effective too.

[Dax]

Will they be able to raise the tracks of the garage door for you so that they are tight to the ceiling. Also, can the motor for the garage door opener be put off to the side. Just to make sure everything is out of the way you swing.

[bsdubois00]

I will install a Liftmaster 8500 if I have to so I can get the motor out the way. From what I'm thinking the tracks won't be in the way. I also could set it up so I'm swinging between the two tracks and that could work also.

[Dax]

I would double check as I think the tracks could be in the way. If it is a new build and they can get it all done and out of the way for you at move in, this would definitely save some time.

[jerry3]

I agree with dax it could be an issue, and cost would be relatively small to have the garage door tracks raised.

[bsdubois00]

Dax I'll have to look at that after. Unfortunately the way builders build in Texas they give you 10 plans to pick from and don't really make any modifications unless you build full custom ($$$). I may have to have them moved after I get in (I can get the same ppl installing the LM 8500 to do this).

Question - would this layout be better? I could have the screen come down between the two doors:

[bsdubois00]

Would I be better off putting the screen and hitting in this direction?

[jerry3]

i would say if you don't need the parking the centered hitting area would be most ideal. But looks to me any of them will work.

[Stetson]

The track down the center would be ideal in terms of not having to move the garage components. You will then just have to put the projector off to the side.

[bsdubois00]

Last Question - In theory I could have someone come and add a double tray ceiling. I asked the builder won't but that won't be that much to come in and do it after. Doing so would make the 10' ceiling section about 12x10 and the 9' ceiling section about 14x12.

Would the 12x10 with 10' ceiling be more than enough? Indoor is obviously MUCH better.

[jerry3]

Lol lots of ideas and honestly any of them will work.

i have a garage setup with nearly the same dimensions as you and love it. Here is a pic...

it’s a mess right now but plenty of room to swing comfortably. I can tear it all down in 10 minutes and put back together again in 20 minutes if I need to park inside. Also I’m short and this is 9’3 ceilings and no issues for me.

[bsdubois00]

The more I talk about it with the wife I'm thinking the garage is the way to go. We have a 2 year old so I'd hate to get yelled at for waking her up while I'm playing at night. The garage solves that issue.

[jerry3]

I think it's a good way to go and I'll bet you'll like it once you find a setup that works well for you. It will also help alleviate any sound issues that hitting within the house might cause.

[Dax]

I think the centered idea works well, but for me I also like the in the house option if you can do the tray ceiling easily. Sad that the builder won't make some small changes for a small fee. The tray ceiling is just something that the truss company can do as part of designing the roof. The only reason I like the indoor set-up is that the house will be cooler for you in your summers...