Dividing Creek
Well-known member
Sorry to read of your permit troubles. Explored the western edge of your country, this summer Zurich down to Geneva. Gorgeous countryside.
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Above 1200 Sq/FT Swiss Garage / Workshop / House Build
- Thread starter JDMjunkies.ch
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Here we go.
Sorry for the lack of updates. but i wanted to wait with posting details until everything is settled with the government.
But i have some good news: Long story short - after argueing about 10 months with the local government,
we finally got the permission to build yesterday!
It wasn't an easy task and we had to make some slight modifications to meet the new regulations which the government forgot to give us in the first attempt.
The idea to build two separate houses on top of one big sub-terrain garage had to be slightly adjusted. two single houses were not permitted anymore.
However we found a good compromise and put two attached sheds between the houses. Visually they're still two separate houses. but technically it now counts as a double-unit house. which was required by the government.
Due to the slight move of the houses we had to make some adjustments to the basement / workshop area as well, but i feel it was a pretty good compromise and even brings some advantages to the initial plan.
Over the last few months we've also prepared some stuff. My father-in-law (we're married meanwhile) dug out one of the old trees (still a few to go):
This is how the area looks today. Posts will be removed soon.
And the cat is now studying invitation letters and catalogues to choose suppliers and craftsmen for the various work
We already chose the 4'000L water tank for rain-water-collection (from the roofs) to use the water for our automated garden-watering-system which i plan to create. This is quite useful to save water in rainy areas like switzerland and use it during the dryer periods in summer. Since it's dug down into the ground it will also not freeze during cold swiss winter months
I guess we have more regular updates now. It's planned to start the build by end of June. not sure yet if this works out but we'll see..
Sorry for the lack of updates. but i wanted to wait with posting details until everything is settled with the government.
But i have some good news: Long story short - after argueing about 10 months with the local government,
we finally got the permission to build yesterday!
It wasn't an easy task and we had to make some slight modifications to meet the new regulations which the government forgot to give us in the first attempt.
The idea to build two separate houses on top of one big sub-terrain garage had to be slightly adjusted. two single houses were not permitted anymore.
However we found a good compromise and put two attached sheds between the houses. Visually they're still two separate houses. but technically it now counts as a double-unit house. which was required by the government.
Due to the slight move of the houses we had to make some adjustments to the basement / workshop area as well, but i feel it was a pretty good compromise and even brings some advantages to the initial plan.
Over the last few months we've also prepared some stuff. My father-in-law (we're married meanwhile) dug out one of the old trees (still a few to go):
This is how the area looks today. Posts will be removed soon.
And the cat is now studying invitation letters and catalogues to choose suppliers and craftsmen for the various work
We already chose the 4'000L water tank for rain-water-collection (from the roofs) to use the water for our automated garden-watering-system which i plan to create. This is quite useful to save water in rainy areas like switzerland and use it during the dryer periods in summer. Since it's dug down into the ground it will also not freeze during cold swiss winter months
I guess we have more regular updates now. It's planned to start the build by end of June. not sure yet if this works out but we'll see..
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Stas26
Well-known member
Here we go.
Sorry for the lack of updates. but i wanted to wait with posting details until everything is settled with the government.
But i have some good news: Long story short - after argueing about 10 months with the local government, we finally got the permission to build yesterday!
It wasn't an easy task and we had to make some slight modifications to meet the new regulations which the government forgot to give us in the first attempt.
OMG, in Russia you can lost 1-2 years for it
wingnutthehutt
Well-known member
Wow! What a crazy story. Following.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Thanks guys.
Let's have a closer look at the background of why and how this Garage is done:
Here's the plan. Everything within the orange lines is our part of the basement. while the rest belongs to the in-laws. We will have a total of three parking spaces for us plus a Lift area and a Workshop space and an additional storage room for parts and other stuff. One of the parking spaces plus another existing Garage box outside belongs to my in-laws plus one of the rooms in his area will be his little workshop too.
Why we build this (among our house) is because i have my car projects scattered around in various places and it *****. the parts or tools you need are always in another garage and never where you need them and it slows the progress down pretty much when you just can't have a look but have to drive to a different area just to figure out that exactly the part you're looking for is at another garage....
Here's my current workshop. and old barn-type garage which i rent from some people who used to store their tractor there:
It's dirty, unheated during winter, dark and directly at the main-street in the town so everybody tends to stop and ask what i'm doing and keep me off getting my stuff done
Then i have the outside parking at our current home for my daily, which i want to put inside in future.
our current double-garage. It makes me a bit nervous seeing my wife handling the gardening tools right next to my beloved car...
My basement parts storage compartment:
With a little additional workspace for small kind of electrical work:
Our tire storage in the next basement:
so in future i will have everything in one place, have it cleaner and more organized and have an appropiate workspace with a lift, better lighting and lots more space. And the advantage of having a father-in-law next door with a lot of experience, tools and knowledge
More on the car-project in another post..
Let's have a closer look at the background of why and how this Garage is done:
Here's the plan. Everything within the orange lines is our part of the basement. while the rest belongs to the in-laws. We will have a total of three parking spaces for us plus a Lift area and a Workshop space and an additional storage room for parts and other stuff. One of the parking spaces plus another existing Garage box outside belongs to my in-laws plus one of the rooms in his area will be his little workshop too.
Why we build this (among our house) is because i have my car projects scattered around in various places and it *****. the parts or tools you need are always in another garage and never where you need them and it slows the progress down pretty much when you just can't have a look but have to drive to a different area just to figure out that exactly the part you're looking for is at another garage....
Here's my current workshop. and old barn-type garage which i rent from some people who used to store their tractor there:
It's dirty, unheated during winter, dark and directly at the main-street in the town so everybody tends to stop and ask what i'm doing and keep me off getting my stuff done
Then i have the outside parking at our current home for my daily, which i want to put inside in future.
our current double-garage. It makes me a bit nervous seeing my wife handling the gardening tools right next to my beloved car...
My basement parts storage compartment:
With a little additional workspace for small kind of electrical work:
Our tire storage in the next basement:
so in future i will have everything in one place, have it cleaner and more organized and have an appropiate workspace with a lift, better lighting and lots more space. And the advantage of having a father-in-law next door with a lot of experience, tools and knowledge
More on the car-project in another post..
MacTexas
Well-known member
Looks like a good project to follow. I have to ask what happens when you want to sell one of the houses? Looks like with a common garage you really have one big house when it comes time to sell it.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
This has been one of the trickier parts to solve, but it is now written down in the Land registry / Property registry which Party owns which area exactly.
It's basically two different properties with each one house and the Basement is shared. for the Basement there exists a drawing on which Party is allowed to use which area and parts for parking, drive-through, walk-through etc. also it's registered that for example no big trees may be planted above the Garage area etc. it's all well thought-through and over-regulated, as usual in switzerland.
We put a lot of thoughts into the Topic in case of my in-laws leave the earth at some Point - we wanted to have our part of the house and Garage "safe" while make it as easy as possible to sell the other part if needed - in future.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
So In case if you're wondering about the cars that will move in, as my name hint's its all about my love for japanese cars of all age.
This is my current daily drive (Mazda 6 Station wagon):
My right-hand drive, and as far as i know the only EK9 typeR in switzerland. Bought in Tokyo, trucked to yokohama, shipped to germany, driven to switzerland. Took me a few years to get it homologated here:
and the current project. A full nut-and-bolt 240Z restauration. currently at the bodyshop. One of the rarer european 5-speed versions:
Oh, and a few weeks ago i scored this: A full Lista workbench with drawers in great shape including a 5 meter (!!) solid table-top.
The "advantages" of working at a company that now outsources all their mechanical work to other countries is that you can get stuff almost for free if they want to get rid of it.
Just checked the price. It would normally cost about 2500.- USD here in switzerland.
I paid 80 Bucks... even fitted into my mazda so shipping was free
Currently stored at my parents place:
This is my current daily drive (Mazda 6 Station wagon):
My right-hand drive, and as far as i know the only EK9 typeR in switzerland. Bought in Tokyo, trucked to yokohama, shipped to germany, driven to switzerland. Took me a few years to get it homologated here:
and the current project. A full nut-and-bolt 240Z restauration. currently at the bodyshop. One of the rarer european 5-speed versions:
Oh, and a few weeks ago i scored this: A full Lista workbench with drawers in great shape including a 5 meter (!!) solid table-top.
The "advantages" of working at a company that now outsources all their mechanical work to other countries is that you can get stuff almost for free if they want to get rid of it.
Just checked the price. It would normally cost about 2500.- USD here in switzerland.
I paid 80 Bucks... even fitted into my mazda so shipping was free
Currently stored at my parents place:
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Congratulations on the progress, Nils! You'll feel like a new man once all your parts and projects are in the one place, and right underneath your house no less!
I'm really bad at reading plans, can you tell me how the cars enter and exit the garage in post #46?
I'm really bad at reading plans, can you tell me how the cars enter and exit the garage in post #46?
wingnutthehutt
Well-known member
$80 for a Lista workbench?! 
WOW! 
WOW!
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Thanks man
Well there might be some "tight" Corners to navigate around, but unfortunately it was the only possibility with all the regulations.
Cars will enter through the Garage door at my in-laws part of the property (that dotted square with the "X" symbolizes the open Garage door)
Indeed that was a really great deal.$80 for a Lista workbench?!
Also scored a big swiss "Gressel" vice for my dad for 30.- those old heavy-duty vices usually go for about 800.- or so..
Now they have those heavy-duty pallette-storage shelves for sale, which cost a fortune usually. I guess i need some of those to store all my parts. just have to check aviability and Prices. Timing is the key to get those hot deals
GeorgeK
Well-known member
Bravo!
I am starting on mine in Wallis after...5 years of planning, putting money aside, arguing with regulation and lawmakers, choosing contractors.
I know how you feel, the good and the bad.
I am starting on mine in Wallis after...5 years of planning, putting money aside, arguing with regulation and lawmakers, choosing contractors.
I know how you feel, the good and the bad.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Oh nice, wallis is a beautiful place. was in Andermatt a few months ago and used to be in the army in wallis every year.
Congratulation to your Project approval and enjoy the build. do you have a Project thread?
Augus7us
Well-known member
Congratulations! I found this thread last year but have been buried in work with my own new house and haven't checked back until today. I have to admit I think this is a really cool project and I figured because of that, I was going to get to the end and find out they denied you and that was it.
I'm happy you're back on track and looking forward to some build and shop shots!
-Clint
I'm happy you're back on track and looking forward to some build and shop shots!
-Clint
95riosnake
Well-known member
It's great to see that you are finally getting to move forward with this project! I'll be eagerly following this thread, such an interesting design.
Captain
Well-known member
Excellent news that your build is finally going ahead!
Congratulations on getting though the planning stage.
Congratulations on getting though the planning stage.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Thanks for your kind words, guys
Now a lot of detail planning ahead, get a contract signed with the bank, buy the property from our in-laws (wanted to wait until we have the build-permit), convince my wife that we really DO need all those gimmicks in our house and in the garage, and so on.
But at least the fun part beginns soon, where you actually can see some progress..
Father-in-law also started to cut the branches from the trees on the future construction site and feed them to his sheep (they seem to love apple and cherry-trees)
Now a lot of detail planning ahead, get a contract signed with the bank, buy the property from our in-laws (wanted to wait until we have the build-permit), convince my wife that we really DO need all those gimmicks in our house and in the garage, and so on.
But at least the fun part beginns soon, where you actually can see some progress..
Father-in-law also started to cut the branches from the trees on the future construction site and feed them to his sheep (they seem to love apple and cherry-trees
)
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Nothing big, still working on a lot of background planning, signing a deal with the bank etc..
But meanwhile the Posts have been removed and the father-in-law cut the two smaller cherry-tree's on the future construction site. We have a ton of fresh cherries now
Big tree will go down by next week i hope.
But meanwhile the Posts have been removed and the father-in-law cut the two smaller cherry-tree's on the future construction site. We have a ton of fresh cherries now
Big tree will go down by next week i hope.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Here we go...
After returning from our incredibly nice wedding in sweden and some days off up there yesterday, work begann immediately today.
When arriving on site at 8 o'clock the father in law (Forester) and some of his helpers already had started to cut the big apple-tree with their machines. So we were basically just spectators. better keep me away from the chainsaws
Few minutes later it looked like this:
Meanwhile i started to cut up the neighbours fence, since he allows us to store the excavation there, so we can use the rest to re-fill after the basement is finished.
And while the machine was there, they used it to remove some other stuff from the construction site, including a little old concrete stairs:
See the concrete steps behind the Trunk.
We wil have the trunk checked by a local carpenter over the next days and if it's useable. we make our new dining-table out of it
This is how the soon-to-be construction site looks now.
On monday they wil bring some heavy machinery, and a week later (they have some other contracts to fulfill first), they should be starting with digging. in the middle of August, they should already start to pour the basement and stuff. Finally it seems like there's some movement in this project
After returning from our incredibly nice wedding in sweden and some days off up there yesterday, work begann immediately today.
When arriving on site at 8 o'clock the father in law (Forester) and some of his helpers already had started to cut the big apple-tree with their machines. So we were basically just spectators. better keep me away from the chainsaws
Few minutes later it looked like this:
Meanwhile i started to cut up the neighbours fence, since he allows us to store the excavation there, so we can use the rest to re-fill after the basement is finished.
And while the machine was there, they used it to remove some other stuff from the construction site, including a little old concrete stairs:
See the concrete steps behind the Trunk.
We wil have the trunk checked by a local carpenter over the next days and if it's useable. we make our new dining-table out of it
This is how the soon-to-be construction site looks now.
On monday they wil bring some heavy machinery, and a week later (they have some other contracts to fulfill first), they should be starting with digging. in the middle of August, they should already start to pour the basement and stuff. Finally it seems like there's some movement in this project
GeorgeK
Well-known member
Great news.
Go find a yoga class and practice breathing.... sometimes the delays will kill you. But it is worth it in the end.
The place is beautiful.
Go find a yoga class and practice breathing.... sometimes the delays will kill you. But it is worth it in the end.
The place is beautiful.
bwap
Active member
Exciting stuff!
Looks like it'll be a great home and garage.
Looks like it'll be a great home and garage.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
good news. They already started digging today
As it's national holiday mid-week, they will only continue by next monday, but they started even before we signed the contract and ahead of the schedule
Next week the crane will be set up and the digging fur the underground garage begins Some local farmers will pick up some of the removed soil, so we dont need to pay for transportation and storage, which is great too.
Now planning our full "Loxone" smart Home automation system with a lot of cool functions...
As it's national holiday mid-week, they will only continue by next monday, but they started even before we signed the contract and ahead of the schedule
Next week the crane will be set up and the digging fur the underground garage begins
Some local farmers will pick up some of the removed soil, so we dont need to pay for transportation and storage, which is great too.Now planning our full "Loxone" smart Home automation system with a lot of cool functions...
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OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Last friday a big excavator was delivered to the site. Today the "real" digging started
Since good quality soil is expensive (both to buy and to dispose), we managed to organize a win-win situation: Local farmes lined up with their Tractors to get free soil which they spread on their fields, and we didn't have to pay for transport or dispose of it
Meanwhile a local forester picked up the Apple-tree we cut last week and brought it to a nearby saw-mill to cut it in nice Boards, which we will use to make a niec table-top, once the house is completed (the boards need approx. 1 year to get rid of the moisture...)
Oh and then i scored another Lista bench at my work today. this time only 20 Bucks. WIN
By the end of the week the excavation should be done. Crane is a bit delayed, but at least once the crane arrives, the temoparery electricity for the construction site should be finished, which the crane needs to be set up.
Since good quality soil is expensive (both to buy and to dispose), we managed to organize a win-win situation: Local farmes lined up with their Tractors to get free soil which they spread on their fields, and we didn't have to pay for transport or dispose of it
Meanwhile a local forester picked up the Apple-tree we cut last week and brought it to a nearby saw-mill to cut it in nice Boards, which we will use to make a niec table-top, once the house is completed (the boards need approx. 1 year to get rid of the moisture...)
Oh and then i scored another Lista bench at my work today. this time only 20 Bucks. WIN
By the end of the week the excavation should be done. Crane is a bit delayed, but at least once the crane arrives, the temoparery electricity for the construction site should be finished, which the crane needs to be set up.
GeorgeK
Well-known member
It sure goes better on your side of the country. Here all the workers are on holidays until monday, 20th.
VERY good news about the soil. It gets silly expensive, and you don't want to know what happens with the soil in the truck after you paid for its "disposal"...
About those Lista Workbenches: Any left at that price? I'd take a few... even pick them up and visit the construction while I am there...
VERY good news about the soil. It gets silly expensive, and you don't want to know what happens with the soil in the truck after you paid for its "disposal"...
About those Lista Workbenches: Any left at that price? I'd take a few... even pick them up and visit the construction while I am there...
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Yeah vacation was here to, but i think it's depending on the school-holdiays in each kanton, people are back at work here
Usually the "disposed" soil is then sold to someone else, so basically the guys earn twice the money on it. that's how it works i guess
Unfortunately it appears that all the lista workbenches are gone, but they show up every now and then. will keep on checking and let you know if some new ones show up in a few months. unfortunately the big lot (about 30benches) were gone already before i got notice a while ago... Also my workplace is an hour drive from the construction site
Usually the "disposed" soil is then sold to someone else, so basically the guys earn twice the money on it. that's how it works i guess
Unfortunately it appears that all the lista workbenches are gone, but they show up every now and then. will keep on checking and let you know if some new ones show up in a few months. unfortunately the big lot (about 30benches) were gone already before i got notice a while ago... Also my workplace is an hour drive from the construction site
GLTHFJ60
Well-known member
Excited for this!!!
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Super busy at the moment with related appointments, but found an hour today to get an update from the father-in-law, overlooking the build (right next to their current house) and have a closer look at what happened since monday:
The hole got a big bigger Luckily below the surface soil it's all clay, so it's quite easy to shape and no additional support needed for the steep walls, even if there would be heavy thunder rains
See my wife here for size comparison
And a quite cool panoramic photo of our future garage... Mind the hill will be removed as well so the size will probably be double at the end...
The construction engineer was here today to take some measurements and make sure everything is level and has right size:
and the contractor brought a temporary office and and a service container:
Next week the crane should arrive and be setup as well as temporary electricity for the construction period (same line will then be used later to power our homes). We also have appointments with our bank, the electrician and the kitchen designers next week. But at least that's more fun than arguing with government people
The hole got a big bigger
Luckily below the surface soil it's all clay, so it's quite easy to shape and no additional support needed for the steep walls, even if there would be heavy thunder rains
See my wife here for size comparison
And a quite cool panoramic photo of our future garage... Mind the hill will be removed as well so the size will probably be double at the end...
The construction engineer was here today to take some measurements and make sure everything is level and has right size:
and the contractor brought a temporary office and and a service container:
Next week the crane should arrive and be setup as well as temporary electricity for the construction period (same line will then be used later to power our homes). We also have appointments with our bank, the electrician and the kitchen designers next week. But at least that's more fun than arguing with government people
95riosnake
Well-known member
Very exciting! If your wife hadn't been in that picture I think I would have totally missed the size of that hole, that is a good size excavation! So excited that this project is moving forward after the rocky start!
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Thanks mate. Haha yeah it's tricky to picture the real dimensions without any reference.
I hope to be able to post another update in a few hours
GeorgeK
Well-known member
Absolutely great. from now on, every day there will be visible progress. Document as much as you can!
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Indeed
Just had a visit to the site and a lot happened again:1) A lot more got dug out. not much left to dig...
2) a base layer of "light" concrete was poured at the rear part of the garage. this is only to stabilize the ground to have a better base to work on.
3) Oh and the local electricity supplier showed up today to install temporary power for the construction period.
rixtrix1
Well-known member
Good to see you moving forward, finally.
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
The work goes on in fast pace
Yesterday a huge-*** crane was delivered and set up under heavy summer-rain...
Well let's say it's by far the tallest "thing" in the little village where we build
Meanwhile a base-layer of "light" concrete has been poured at the rest of the area as well, and they've started to dig out some channels for the drainage lines as well (in case of much water pressure from the hillside):
and a little extra photo from the lower point of view
Yesterday a huge-*** crane was delivered and set up under heavy summer-rain...
Well let's say it's by far the tallest "thing" in the little village where we build
Meanwhile a base-layer of "light" concrete has been poured at the rest of the area as well, and they've started to dig out some channels for the drainage lines as well (in case of much water pressure from the hillside):
and a little extra photo from the lower point of view
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Came to the site today to see this: They still worked on digging the channels for the drainage lines, sewage lines and frost barrier (required here due to the cold winters)
The reason they were not able to do more was because of this:
Part of the steep wall fell down due to the moisture, so they had to put some concrete for extra stability...
Also the Engineer was here late yesterday to install the "reference lines" which specify the exact reference points for the build. The lines on the ground now refer to the outside of the walls:
Tomorrow sewerage lines should be laid down and then we'll see what's next. i guess they need to dig for the TV-and telefone wire and water...
The reason they were not able to do more was because of this:
Part of the steep wall fell down due to the moisture, so they had to put some concrete for extra stability...
Also the Engineer was here late yesterday to install the "reference lines" which specify the exact reference points for the build. The lines on the ground now refer to the outside of the walls:
Tomorrow sewerage lines should be laid down and then we'll see what's next. i guess they need to dig for the TV-and telefone wire and water...
rixtrix1
Well-known member
This is going to be very interesting! Subscribed
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Absolutely will keep the updates coming when time allows me to - thanks
I think it's a great idea if you don't have a lot of space. I definitely wouldn't do it with some random stranger-to-become-neighbour, but i think it's the best option to make in our case of what we have
Thanks mate. Can't wait to see the walls coming up and finally stand "inside" the garage
OP
JDMjunkies.ch
Well-known member
Today's update:
Sewage lines have been laid out in pre-dug channels:
Small temporary support wall for the garage has been poured with rough concrete:
While the temporary support wall in the rear has been completed:
A Manhole has been installed (not finalized yet) so we'll be able to check the water level in the drainage system channels:
And the apple-tree we cut and brought to the saw-mill is now back. It will be put on sticks so it can dry during the winter and will be ready to make a nice table-top before we move in...
Sewage lines have been laid out in pre-dug channels:
Small temporary support wall for the garage has been poured with rough concrete:
While the temporary support wall in the rear has been completed:
A Manhole has been installed (not finalized yet) so we'll be able to check the water level in the drainage system channels:
And the apple-tree we cut and brought to the saw-mill is now back. It will be put on sticks so it can dry during the winter and will be ready to make a nice table-top before we move in...