It's a problem many of us would like to have.
Where can I store my boat and still have access to it? How about that vintage automobile, the one I only use in the summer? Or my bus-sized RV?
And what if I want to work on that boat or vehicle or RV, shine it up and do some upgrades? Or maybe just have some guys over to watch a big game while admiring our big-money toys?
At most storage facilities, that's just not going to happen.
Enter Guy Garages, a unique option now available in only one place in B.C. — just outside Parksville.
Guy Garages is a three-phrase strata complex on Fairdowne Road. It has a total of 41 units in seven buildings.
Once you own one of these units, you can dress it up any way you like — flooring, work benches, tool cabinets, lighting, a comfy mezzanine area. And unlike most storage facilities, you can have access to your unit 24/7.
"It's your space, you own it," said one of the owners of the Parksville Guy Garages facility, Ron Chiovetti. "It's the difference between storage and active use — it's a big difference. What people want is a private space."
The units range in size from 1,000-2,000 square feet and start at about $200,000 each. The strata fee is $115/month.
Each Guy Garage is outfitted for security, telephone and cable with three-phase, 100-amp electrical service, optional mezzanine space, an HRV ventilation system and natural gas radiant heaters with ceiling fan. They all have a private two-piece bathroom, separate work sink and counter.
The largest toys will fit easily into the units — 25-foot-wide bays with 20-foot interior wall height and 14x14-foot insulated garage doors and metal walk-through doors. There's an on-site car wash station that's 50 feet by 25 feet and features catwalks so you can wash the top of your huge RV.
"People are coming from Calgary and the Lower Mainland — they have stuff, toys," said Chiovetti, explaining that these 55-75 year-olds are looking to live in a condo or smaller house here, one that does not provide for the parking or storage of the RVs or boats or cars they use for a few months of the year.
When they are not using these vehicles and boats, they would like to tinker with them, work on them and hang out with buddies while they do so, said Chiovetti.
"This provides a hobby garage," he said.
You can read more about these units at guygarages.ca.
You can see the units at 925 Fairdowne Road (right beside Isle Golf Carts) by calling Chiovetti at 250-729-1891.