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There's a solution here that intersects in the right way with affordability and sense...that's where I'm stuck lol. Like, it's not worth sinking 30K into an old building, jacking it up, etc...Better off just razing it and starting completely over. But the footers are good, solid. It hasn't moved...

It's amazing how bogged down one gets in other areas of their massive renovations...Well, 3 years later and I've been doing tons of other work on my house and never got to this, which isn't that surprising; I had to figure out some longer-term visions before committing to a potentially pricey...

Finally following up on this...I got sidelined by a massive kitchen renovation I did, but my plan now is to tackle the garage project this Spring when everything thaws out...Of course, I may just do the demo/lift over winter. One thing is clear, though: this will not be a permitted living...

Yeah, good call. Thanks. I would never park a vehicle in there, but would retain garage functionality -- my plan, anyway... I'd have a door in the back, yes.

Thanks for all the info!!! And sorry for the late reply...For some reason I'm getting updates to replies on here...Oh well. So, I'm not making this into a livable unit...looking for a workshop-style use: exercise, tools, artistic stuff too. Basically, multi-use. That said, I think insulating...

Sorry for the late reply and I really appreciate your response/feedback...I think the purpose of repouring the floor would be to insulate underneath, have something fresh without all kind of nasty oil and chemicals on it (not really awesome for gym use). This would create a vapor barrier, as I...

Are you planning to insulate? I'm doing some research and if I put some insulation under the concrete, I think that would provide a vapor barrier and keep moisture from coming up through the floor, which I imagine could happen here or where you are, Maine

Thanks a lot for that info/feedback...My plan would be to put french doors on the garage bays, so preserve it as a garage if I were to ever sell. But I wouldn't be parking in there ever...It would be for equipment/workshop and a gym. Insulating would definitely tighten up the building...I...

After realizing my dream of expanding and/or converting my 18x18' garage into an ADU is just too cost-prohibitive, I'm trying to figure out another plan to make it a more upgraded usable space...without breaking the bank. It's very well-constructed, old-growth lumber, probably built when the...

I was going to move in there hahahahah :) But seriously, yes, I considered it, and renting the house during certain seasons when I'm not around, but ultimately it would go to an aging parent (single story living)

I really appreciate your input here....and putting up with my moving target of a mind ! :) There is some motivation to use the existing structure because of setbacks and zoning around existing buildings. But not a dealbreaker either... I think you're right, though. Making this a better garage...

Thanks! Yes, $1500ish would be about right...but if it costs me too much to make this, I'm just looking at increasing my tax base and remortgaging... That's why I've considered not making it a livable space (meaning, no water/bathroom) but bettering the foundation, electric, insulation. People...

Yeah, I just read story about a guy on here who ran gray water into his yard...town got wind of it and the EPA got involved, Hazmat, etc. That was enough to scare me! Talk about lost 100% equity right there. I'm back and forth on whether a nicer garage would add value or an ADU. I think an ADU...

Cool thanks! I suppose if I had this and like a graywater tank/feed into my yard, this would save me a fortune. Not as convenient, and more like lux camping. But people do it.

I wonder if anyone could point me in the right direction with this idea...? I'd basically be using Tiny House technology. But I might be able to discretely put one of this mini-septic tanks in my back yard...Or maybe that's a step too far. Or just use a composting toilet and use a gray water...

Yeah! You'd really need to compost toilet, though. I'm struggling to find good info on this, so if you know of any, feel free to send along.. I'd think that I could pipe gray water (shower and sink) to the yard, because of the nitrates and such, so long as I use biodegradable stuff. Involving...

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing about my idea...I don't need an independent hot water heater since it would be a small shower, just dishes, etc. So coming from the main house would be fine. The issue (and it's the big pricey one) is sewer. This would probably all be illegal anyway per code...

These are interesting ideas...Thank you! TBH, I live a very simple life, and part of me wonders if there's a way to do this more on the downlow, where I could avoid the hassle of connecting water and sewer. I'm a 2-min shower guy and I'd do a tiny home in a second if it were legal in MA (I...

Are you familiar with any DIY content to get this done? It's a small enough space and I don't need a perfect-looking slab as this will be a workshop...I could demo and hire out, for sure, but if this can be done with a few friends, I could attempt that. Thanks!

Not at all...I'm certainly naive to several aspects of a job this big. I could probably get some trades friends to help with the excavation and rough-in and have the plumber finish the connection and sign off...but perhaps too many variables here.