Recent content by danix

I was able to negotiate with the builder and we're under contract. I still have watershed/infiltration engineering work to be done and a treatment area to be built, then I can move ahead with the garage. But it's moving. I'll be updating with component questions as I move ahead but there is...

Me again. I'm down to doing a 40x30x12 with no upstairs (storage rated trusses only). I have a quote from a builder I trust and while the GC fees are ridiculously high, I know it will get done right. I think I've also decided on a 4 post lift but the slab will be ready for a 2 post as well...

Here we are now in April, I'm still waiting for final permit signoff of the deck/porch project that is now over a year in the making. Once that is done, I'm seriously tempted to say screw the city and build whatever I want, but I know that's not the right long term choice. Still leaning towards...

Yes, utilities are on the side of the house so I could not directly attach the garage to the whole house, it would have to be a breezeway. I plan on a separate 200A service for the garage, septic is not in the garage area. Ideally I don't want to GC the whole thing myself, but I could. I'm...

OK let's talk about some specifics while I look further at lifts. Please comment on the quality/level of the following components: slab 4" with 8x40 apron, mesh Oversize brick foundation with 4” block. 3’-4” tall on right front to 6’-0” tall on left rear.Foundation to extend approx. 2ft above...

Thought about it but it's highly unlikely. In addition to being under the city planning jurisdiction, I am under a local watershed restriction as well. So for example to get my permit for a 20x20 porch I had to have an engineering study, soil analysis, and just avoided having to build the...

Went down the rabbit hole of 4 post vs 2 post lifts and stalled out again. I think the 2 post is better for doing actual work, the 4 post requires less from the slab and is better for storing the car (which in my case seems to be 90% use case) so I am now leaning towards 4 post. I'll update...

I'm going to chat with a couple of general contractors as to how difficult/costly the attachment to the house would be. Once attached the garage becomes an addition, and all restrictions related to size and location are out the window. Putting some photos here to illustrate. Option 1 is the...

From my cursory research, a 2 post lift is what I want as I plan on the lift for working on the car (vs storing the car in the air and putting another under it). Seems that most 4 post you drive onto, so that means you can't work on brakes or suspension. mid-rise lifts you can't as easily work...

So, yes a breezeway works. Where it gets complicated is that I wanted the 2nd story of the house (where there is currently a window into unfinished attic space) to become a doorway into the garage upper story. All that adds a lot of cost and complexity. I think I'm OK with the detached - as...

Yes, I realized after reading a bit that 2 post lifts need to be fastened, 4 post can be movable. I guess with a 2 post if I don't like the location the worst case is I have to drill new holes/anchors and fill the old ones. Reading up on lifts shows me a lot of variation in specs - Rotary is...

Exactly, that's where the 40x26 comes in (1040 sq ft). My current estimate for the 40x26 detached is right around $115k. I've been told by a different builder that they "couldn't possibly do anything that begins with a 2" for this size with an upstairs that would be attached to the house. I'm...

Hey neighbor! Yeah my experience in dealing with the watershed issue when doing our deck (permitting process took close to a year) will likely help you. I know some lifts can be on casters and while I plan on keeping the lift in one place, what if I want to move it? I guess I should do some...

Hello. Long time listener, first time caller. I moved to the Raleigh NC area almost 3 years ago, and bought a house on 3+ acres of woods in what I thought was county (not city). Well it is, but a long series of surprise revelations have come about: I am in the county but subject to city...

Of course. I said "a lot of cost". Just framing out a space/landing wouldn't add a whole lot I think, but obviously putting in finished walls, kitchen, floors etc would add a lot more. For now I'd be happy with having the structural option, and finishing it later.