Recent content by malibuquest

Yes, figured it would be six figures. 7' ceiling at one end only would be satisfactory as it is all about the area above. Again, the entire reasoning behind an underground garage in the first place.

Thanks for the video, this is just the same thought process that I am going through! The only difference is that I would like to put lawn on top of mine. The comments about heat efficiency are right on the money too.

H Here is a quick rendering of the underground garage in question. This might help explain why the space requries a drastic measure such as this.

Thanks Dan. I know exactly where Elk Lake is. Would be very interested to see this house someday!

Exactly. HEre is a link to ICF type flooring/ roofing forms http://insul-deck.org/ . Even easier to get into place to pour etc. Lots of waterproofing products, spray on and wraps too.

Not when the yard is only 50' wide and the garage in question blocks the view of the swimming pool!

Thanks for this. HAd a look and they obviously do this sort of thing all the time. Again, not rocket science, just standard building practice done the right way!

Yes, I thought of the lift idea and it is still on the drawing board. Thought it would be too expensive as some places are asking $50,000 for lifts! Also, not sure how the building department would treat this, could be one more big headache! Figured the ramp would be simpler, cheaper and...

Thanks for the photo! That is what I figure too. Not as far out as it sounds, just thinking outside the box a little bit. In our heritage neighbourhood and with our heritage home, tact is very important.

Thanks for all the input, lots of good warnings and suggestions. Yes, there is a lot of water in the ground around here, our new basement addition has sump with a back up and it runs all year round. ICF foundation makes it dry and warm and not damp at all. That, along with radiant in floor...

Good point. Interior drainage, ice and water from cars etc. would be a necesity for sure. I wonder what the building department will say. They can be difficult and would probably have a meltdown when I bring them plans for this!

Help me out here, if you can. HOw long does the sloped driveway need to be to get down to 7' of depth?

Cheaper than buying the neighbouring house and tearing it down to build new garage. Also cheaper than buying property eleswhere and building new. Would much rather be able to walk into the backyard to work on cars etc too!

I think we have come a long way in terms of waterproofing over the past 70 years, thanks for the comment though.

Thanks for all the comments. Clay sub-soil below top soil. I believe it would be just like building a basement, except that this basement will have a concrete roof with grass growing on it. All of this stuff is conventional here in Ontario, Canada. Waterproofing is very important, but do-able...