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oprn Samba Member

Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 14727 Location: Western Canada
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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About 10 years back we had a plow wind go through and did a lot of damage. It destroyed the kid's play house, flattened the sides on my utility/garbage trailer, flattened the corral fences, damaged the roof and one side of the holiday trailer, ripped a lot of shingles off the garage and took the roof off our "barn" (a 14'X 16' building).
The insurance adjuster showed up...
"Your policy does not cover fences."
"Anything with wheels is not covered, you need a separate policy for trailers."
"What is in this barn?"
"25 chickens."
"That is a commercial enterprise and not covered under a home owner's policy."
Fortunately it was -25* and he was in street shoes and a suit jacket so I gave him the grand tour. He was so cold by the time we got to the garage that he did not look in it or ask what was in there so in the end I got away with it being my workshop. I was not expecting to!
In the end he paid $1200 for the kid's play house and covered the cost of the shingles but not the labor. "Depreciation" he called it.
That is the way insurance works here! _________________ Our cars get old, we get old but driving an old VW never gets old! |
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Xevin  Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 8604
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:17 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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oprn wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
In the USA, I've never had a home insurance company ask me if I do stuff in my garage or even ask for photos or come look at the house in person to decide on anything. |
The way it will likely work is that when you make a claim the insurance investigator will start kicking up tools in the ashes then... they are done. Your insurance is null and void due to you being untruthful about the use of the premises.
They don't have the time or the staff to police all their customers. If you tell them what you are doing in there they will make a note of it and up your rates. If you do not tell them and make a claim then there is no payout. Either was it's a win-win for them and a lose-lose for you. |
No oprn. That’s not how it works in the US, in all states. Depends on the policy of the insurance company and state rules and regulations. Xatie used to investigate home claims in Oregon. For example, I can do or keep whatever I want in my detached or attached garage. I might not be able to use my garage as a place of doing business though. Again a lot of variables. If I have a fancy kick ass finshed garage I might want to spend more to cover the loss because it raises the value of my home. You being in Canada things are probably different. _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin...  |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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oprn Samba Member

Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 14727 Location: Western Canada
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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EverettB wrote: |
In the USA, I've never had a home insurance company ask me if I do stuff in my garage or even ask for photos or come look at the house in person to decide on anything. |
The way it will likely work is that when you make a claim the insurance investigator will start kicking up tools in the ashes then... they are done. Your insurance is null and void due to you being untruthful about the use of the premises.
They don't have the time or the staff to police all their customers. If you tell them what you are doing in there they will make a note of it and up your rates. If you do not tell them and make a claim then there is no payout. Either way it's a win-win for them and a lose-lose for you. _________________ Our cars get old, we get old but driving an old VW never gets old!
Last edited by oprn on Wed Jun 18, 2025 3:38 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Xevin  Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 8604
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 2:02 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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EverettB wrote: |
In the USA, I've never had a home insurance company ask me if I do stuff in my garage or even ask for photos or come look at the house in person to decide on anything. |
I have, twice. By two different insurance companies. But I live in a neighborhood over a hundred years old in Oregon. Both insurance companies sent a person, similar to an appraiser _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin...  |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 71498 Location: Phoenix 602
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Xevin  Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 8604
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:11 am Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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oprn wrote: |
Back before the common practice of attached garages insurance companies would jack up your rate of the garage was attached to your home. I am not sure if you can ask for and get a reduction today if the garage is separate. It seems to me you should be able to.
Another thing I found out recently is that a garage is in the insurance company's eyes "a place where your car is parked". If you have tools and a work bench it is no longer a garage. It is now a "workshop" and comes at a higher premium! Seems they frown on people doing things in their "garage". |
Rates for detached garage or structures versus an attached garage may or may not affect the cost of a policy in the United States. Many variables are considered underwriting policies. In the US insurance regulations/laws may vary from state to state.
Looks like insurance policies and regulations are different in Canada. _________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin...  |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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oprn Samba Member

Joined: November 13, 2016 Posts: 14727 Location: Western Canada
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Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 9:09 am Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Back before the common practice of attached garages insurance companies would jack up your rate of the garage was attached to your home. I am not sure if you can ask for and get a reduction today if the garage is separate. It seems to me you should be able to.
Another thing I found out recently is that a garage is in the insurance company's eyes "a place where your car is parked". If you have tools and a work bench it is no longer a garage. It is now a "workshop" and comes at a higher premium! Seems they frown on people doing things in their "garage". _________________ Our cars get old, we get old but driving an old VW never gets old! |
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zerotofifty Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003 Posts: 3755
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Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2025 6:13 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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KTPhil wrote: |
With the popularity of wall shelves and racks, leaving the stud locations evident is also an advantage.
But it's to be cheap. |
a magnet can find the studs with nails or screws in it. once one is located, one can measure for the next stud as the studs are standard spacing apart, 16 inch being the most common spacing center to center.
or a stud finder can be used that will locate each stud
of course all the chicks call me stud.  _________________ Sorry About That Chief.
Give Peace a Chance.
Words to live by. |
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jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 1023 Location: half a bubble from plumb
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Posted: Sat Jun 14, 2025 9:18 am Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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I was amazed & impressed with the drone shots of neighborhoods on the show "Love On The Spectrum".
The design & craftsmanship is/was VERY high quality.
I think that was filmed in Australia.
Houses require maintenance.
Hire the best quality you can.
Research before you commit your money.
There's too many Chuck-in-a-truck or Stan-with-a-van out there doing shoddy work.
The good ones stay booked up due to word of mouth.
In the HVAC trade feet go thru ceilings.
Some customers go "OH MY GOSH, WHAT THE HECK " !
Others go "eh, fix it".
We fixed what we broke, that's only fair.
Skilled workers ain't cheap & cheap workers ain't skilled.
Huge difference between ProMar200 and Cashmere interior paint from Sherwin Williams.
A good painter can put a straight line with a Harbor Freight brush but Purdy is more durable.
You can always make more money but never more time.
Gentle blessings ... stay safe
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference ...
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
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viiking Samba Member

Joined: May 10, 2013 Posts: 3145 Location: Sydney Australia
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:50 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Thanks everyone.
We too are not immune from poor tradespeople who cut corners, but when I see so many "unfinished" garages it just is interesting.
No new houses here are ever allowed to be half-finished like this. I realise it is a cost issue. I guess that is why we have some of the highest cost houses in the world due to our high cost of trades. _________________ 1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3 |
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calvinater Samba Member

Joined: September 06, 2014 Posts: 3570 Location: 802 The Pointless Forrest
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:51 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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jinx758 wrote: |
It is a cost thing.
"Builder quality" should be included with jumbo shrimp & small crowd.
And Legislative Ethics. To
jinx |
_________________ "Albatross"! |
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jinx758 Samba Member
Joined: October 04, 2014 Posts: 1023 Location: half a bubble from plumb
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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It is a cost thing.
A builder pays the General Contractor & they allot certain monies to pay subcontractors. The further down the "food chain" the less is available.
Even multimillion dollar buildings have corners cut - hollow spaces under tiles, cracked window frames, & no where near enuff insulation.
"Builder quality" should be included with jumbo shrimp & small crowd.
Another factor mite be whether a garage mounted water heater is gas or electric.
I know enuff to get in trouble ... stay safe
jinx _________________ " It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford
It's not unlike the same difference ...
My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor |
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NJ John Samba Member

Joined: September 21, 2007 Posts: 2877 Location: HdG, MD & NJ
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Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Ultimately it comes down to cost. A house is built, the painters come in and aren’t paid to paint the garage, and it stays bare. _________________ 1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage |
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busdaddy Samba Member

Joined: February 12, 2004 Posts: 52750 Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2025 2:26 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Good point, I also recall when I did my shop that the wiring had to be done differently if it wasn't going to be covered by drywall, armored cables and steel boxes IIRC. _________________ Rust NEVER sleeps and stock never goes out of style.
Please don't PM technical questions, ask your problem in public so everyone can play along. If you think it's too stupid post it here
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Слава Україні! |
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MsTaboo  Samba Member

Joined: June 02, 2006 Posts: 4549 Location: East Kootenay, British Columbia
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2025 12:07 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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It isn't just fire rating (although that's a very important point), it's also about keeping fumes out of the living spaces in homes with attached garages.
A proper drywalled, taped, and mudded garage will keep dangerous off gasses and automobile fumes from entering the living areas.
If you care about your families health making sure there are no leaks from cheap construction between the garage and the rest of your home is a simple precaution. _________________ Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec
The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
All that's needed for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)! |
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chickengeorge Samba Member

Joined: August 18, 2004 Posts: 5667 Location: Spokompton Warshington
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2025 8:31 am Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Cost. The drywall in my garage is finished, textured and painted. I had never seen a garage with textured walls before. My house was very high end when built in '77. Not so high end now.  |
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Xevin  Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014 Posts: 8604
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Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2025 7:13 am Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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raygreenwood wrote: |
A better option in a garage are FRP....fiber reinforced plastic....wall panels. We use them in factories all the time. They have nice rubber strip joints. They make it easy to literally wash the walls if you need to. You can put them in place of sheetrock or do like many do and put them over sheetrock with construction adhesive.
Quote: |
FRP panels are available in Class A and Class C fire ratings FRP panels meet the fire safety standards. They are an excellent choice for commercial kitchens, garages, and restaurants as they can contain flames and smoke. |
Depending on Texture, thickness etc....these can range from ~$25 to $45 per 4' x 8' sheet.
Ray |
Yes Ray exactly what I plan to use in our new 8X20 shed. Unfortunately our 1925 house didn’t have suitable driveway space for the width of modern car.
_________________ Keep on Busin'
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
Clatter wrote: |
Damn that Xevin...  |
skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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raygreenwood Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2008 Posts: 23114 Location: Oklahoma City
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 1:28 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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A better option in a garage are FRP....fiber reinforced plastic....wall panels. We use them in factories all the time. They have nice rubber strip joints. They make it easy to literally wash the walls if you need to. You can put them in place of sheetrock or do like many do and put them over sheetrock with construction adhesive.
Quote: |
FRP panels are available in Class A and Class C fire ratings FRP panels meet the fire safety standards. They are an excellent choice for commercial kitchens, garages, and restaurants as they can contain flames and smoke. |
Depending on Texture, thickness etc....these can range from ~$25 to $45 per 4' x 8' sheet.
Ray |
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NJ John Samba Member

Joined: September 21, 2007 Posts: 2877 Location: HdG, MD & NJ
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 1:22 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Garages in the US are usually sheet rocked, but hardly ever painted. A pet peeve of mine. People just don’t care. Mine only has pegboard on the outside walls. The ceiling and shared walls are dry walled and painted. And if you ever watch a house flipping show, the garage is never shown. Unless the turn it into living space. My stairway for the basement was dry walled and not painted. I painted it before I had my first big party. _________________ 1973 standard, yellow, lowered, 3” narrowed front, 1600 blo-thru turbo w/single dell 15.4@86, so far
11.41 et buggy. Long gone
Let’s go O’s! Let’s go O’s!
https://www.youtube.com/@AirSpooledGarage |
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EverettB  Administrator

Joined: April 11, 2000 Posts: 71498 Location: Phoenix 602
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Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2025 12:30 pm Post subject: Re: Query about unfinished drywall in garages in US |
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Xevin wrote: |
EverettB wrote: |
I could be wrong but I believe in Arizona the roof of the garage must be drywalled, even if there's no living area above it.
On my old house (Built in the 1970s) it was drywalled but the house had a small work area in the back of the garage and part of it was open to the "attic" for storage. When we sold the house, the realtor said we had to close up the hole or it would be noted on the inspection as a safety issue and we would have to fix it anyway. |
Everett, you said roof of garage. Do you mean ceiling?
Roof meaning, drywall up near the roof shingles or probably tiles in your area. |
Yes, ceiling, not the roof. I use those interchangeably sometimes, not sure why.
I will correct my post above
Yes, the roofs here are usually asphalt shingles or tiles _________________ How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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