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25 x 40 Texas Detached Garage

TexZ

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Jan 21, 2010
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Houston
Like many of you, I've been lurking for a few years and trying to pick up on all of your tips and design cues. I've been in and out of temporary garages over the last 10 years or so.

In February, my wife and I bought our first home together and I was somehow able to convince her to let me build my dream garage (lot dimensions limited). We were able to secure an 8400 sqft lot (60' W x 140' D) which is "oversized" for our 1950s neighborhood where most lots are 6500-7200 sqft. I had been working on a design basis for my garage for the last year or so based on the lot sizes in the neighborhood. Once we were under contract on the remodeled 1948 home, I started working on the final design to give to the architect.

Here is the existing 20' x 20' garage. It's only a couple years old but it just doesn't maximize the space that I bought the lot for. It is hard to tell from the pictures alone, but there is 25' behind the existing garage, so the front of the new garage will be 15' further back from the front of the existing garage. As soon as my plans are finished I'll be applying for the demo permit along with the building permit and this small storage building will be no more!






The new design is 25' x 40' x 8'. The center 15' or so of ceiling will be vaulted, and the remaining roof structure on either side will be storage trusses. One 9' door will be dedicated for my wife's car, and the other will a 16'+ door dedicated to my car and motorcycles. Dormer's will be added for architectural appeal (read: to please my wife by breaking up the 40' roof line that quote "she will have to look at every day" haha). They will also be good for adding some natural light. There will be a half bath and also a second shop sink.








I plan on keeping as much of the existing driveway as possible and extending/widening it to what you see in the renderings.

The floor plan will be pretty basic with the two cars as I mentioned on the right side, with the Rotary two post in the center and the fab/work bench area along with parking spaces for my two motorcycles on the left.




I will be the GC as city codes don't require them to be licensed. Currently the plan is to sub out the concrete, wiring, plumbing and sheet rock (all pending budget). If I can save enough pennies on the dirt work and concrete I might have the framing and roofing sub'd as well :thumbup:.

The architect/drafter is supposed to be starting on my plans this week; I expect the plans to be finished in about 3 weeks, 2 weeks for HOA approval, and another 2-3 weeks for bldg/demo permit approval. The updates might be slow at first but I hope to finish the building phase by end of June. During the design/HOA/permit phase I have some other work to do including landscaping, removing some trees




Removing this crappy fence




And installing a driveway gate and potentially building a new fence.

 
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Bsj04

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Aledo, TX
Welcome! I swear there is a build thread on here with that garage. It looks very familiar but I don't know who's it was.
 
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TexZ

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Jan 21, 2010
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Houston
Looks like it is going to be a nice build. Where in Houston are you located?

Oak Forest. It's north of 610 between Ella and 290.


Great project. That wrought iron fence sure gives the place a lot of class.

Not sure if you're serious, but it doesn't go with the style of the neighborhood and it will be 100% useless once the new driveway gate goes in.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
Welcome! I swear there is a build thread on here with that garage. It looks very familiar but I don't know who's it was.


I'm taking a lot of inspiration from Tig's "Bald is Beautiful" project (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91146), but I'm limited to a "two car" garage in my deed restrictions. The center door will be wider to allow my motorcycles to squeeze past the lift bay. This picture show's what I'm wanting to achieve with 8' walls and a vaulted ceiling:

 

MacTexas

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Granbury Texas
Speaking from experience you are going to wish you made it 28 ft rather than 25ft. Great looking plans and nice looking house.
 

Gentle_Ben

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Manitoba, Canada
Speaking from experience you are going to wish you made it 28 ft rather than 25ft. Great looking plans and nice looking house.

I got this same advice when I was designing my garage, and I am glad I got it.

I basically turned my garage design 90 degrees to make it 28' deep and 25' wide instead of the other way around.

Is it possible to have the existing garage moved off site and sell it rather than demolish it?
 
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TexZ

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Jan 21, 2010
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Houston
Can you gently dismantle the old garage and send the pieces to me. I will pay shipping.


PM sent.


I got this same advice when I was designing my garage, and I am glad I got it.

I basically turned my garage design 90 degrees to make it 28' deep and 25' wide instead of the other way around.

Is it possible to have the existing garage moved off site and sell it rather than demolish it?


I have gotten this advice from a couple friends as well. My limiting factor in the deed restrictions is that the garage roof can't be any higher than the peak on the house, which is ~17'. I also have the wife to contend with on how much yard I can steal (actual grass; she's not happy about having half of the yard covered in concrete). Unfortunately, like I mentioned in my first post...I just don't have the space to build it 100% to my liking...but it's hard to complain with 1000sqft after coming from 400! :cool: The dimensions aren't set in stone, but currently they provide space for my needs for the next 5 years or so.

I am considering deconstructing the existing garage and selling it, but ideally I would need to have a buyer prior to making that decision. Once I get the building permits approved I'm going to push the schedule to get it completed quickly...I'm tired of paying for storage units and having my stuff spread out!
 

msgross

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Feb 22, 2013
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Central PA
Subscribed...

I'm trying to decide between 26x38 and 28x36 with your similar setup.... If I stay below 1,000 sq ft then I avoid a full building permit, fees and inspections. Largest i'm thinking of is 30x40.
 

fredtech

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Aug 16, 2007
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Manvel, Texas
Really nice!
We all have different needs (and constraints) but this is what I would have done (see sketch bellow). It's a bummer to have to completely demolish the existing garage. I would also add another garage door at the back. I have one now and it's a blessing in summer time to get a nice breeze, even in Houston heat... I don't know what kind of bikes you have but it also makes washing my dirt bikes an easier chores and and gives me some privacy because 90% of the time I leave the front one closed.

My 2 cents.
 

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BRIANBB

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Katy Texas
Looks like it will be a great project. Are there any lot setbacks/easements to contend with? Good luck with the HOA.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
Looks like it will be a great project. Are there any lot setbacks/easements to contend with? Good luck with the HOA.

I do have 5' building lines plus an easement. I'm hoping the HOA doesn't give me too much trouble, I'm trying to play by the rules. :sad:



Really nice!
We all have different needs (and constraints) but this is what I would have done (see sketch bellow). It's a bummer to have to completely demolish the existing garage. I would also add another garage door at the back. I have one now and it's a blessing in summer time to get a nice breeze, even in Houston heat... I don't know what kind of bikes you have but it also makes washing my dirt bikes an easier chores and and gives me some privacy because 90% of the time I leave the front one closed.

My 2 cents.

I have gone through a few revisions, including one similar to what you sketched. The reason I ended up with what I did is that I can end up with much more door space (9' + 16' doors), as opposed to just one 16'door if I kept the existing garage; this way I don't have to shuffle projects around the wife's car. I'm still playing with a few designs to get a few more sqft out of it. I'm probably not going to do a door in the back but I am contemplating large windows or even skylights, but will eventually put HVAC in.
 
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Gentle_Ben

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Manitoba, Canada
I have gotten this advice from a couple friends as well. My limiting factor in the deed restrictions is that the garage roof can't be any higher than the peak on the house, which is ~17'.

I had a similar height restriction, the way they do it here is they measure your roofline to its midpoint, and then from there to the ground, and that cannot be any higher than 15' off the ground. I think my overall height at the peak is 17', so pretty much same limitations as you have.

In order to get the garage designed the way I wanted, I just had my rafters custom built to work with my height restriction. Surprisingly they didn't cost any more than normally stocked rafters, just had to wait a little longer for them.

The reason I decided to listen to my friends advice about going with a 28' depth is I staked out my garage on the lawn (and accounted for the 1ft of interior space I would lose with the 2x6 walls) and then I parked my truck on the grass "inside" the garage to see how much room I would have. I quickly realized that a 20' long truck leaves barely any room to walk around in 24' of space.

I am considering deconstructing the existing garage and selling it, but ideally I would need to have a buyer prior to making that decision. Once I get the building permits approved I'm going to push the schedule to get it completed quickly...I'm tired of paying for storage units and having my stuff spread out!

You could advertise it locally "To Be Moved". In my field of work I deal with buildings being moved all the time. Some of the building movers I know will watch local ads of this type too.
 

MacTexas

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If 1000 Sq ft is the criteria I would go with 30 X36. I had a 24 ft depth garage and like Gentle Ben said you will wish you had the extra depth when you have a car parked in the garage.
 
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TexZ

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So after waiting on my architect for a couple weeks, he tells me 3 hours before our meeting yesterday that he is too busy for my project now...:mad:

Back to the drawing board and trying to find a new architect to draw up some plans. Not sure if an architect is worth the money anymore; they're all so busy right now with the construction boom in Houston. I am still considering finding a set of completed plans on-line, it would save me time and money but would keep me from getting the dimensions exactly how I want.

Option 1: Find new architect/design-build firm
Option 2: Buy On-line plans
Option 3: Buy add-on for my software and complete plans myself

Does anyone have any experience in buying the online garage plans? Which option would you pick?
 

Gentle_Ben

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Manitoba, Canada
So after waiting on my architect for a couple weeks, he tells me 3 hours before our meeting yesterday that he is too busy for my project now...:mad:

Back to the drawing board and trying to find a new architect to draw up some plans. Not sure if an architect is worth the money anymore; they're all so busy right now with the construction boom in Houston. I am still considering finding a set of completed plans on-line, it would save me time and money but would keep me from getting the dimensions exactly how I want.

Option 1: Find new architect/design-build firm
Option 2: Buy On-line plans
Option 3: Buy add-on for my software and complete plans myself

Does anyone have any experience in buying the online garage plans? Which option would you pick?

Have you tried talking to your local building materials suppliers? The two I used for my garage build both employ several engineers who can draw up plans for whatever you want. In my case it was very fast turn around time b/c they start with a basic garage design and then just plug in the dimensions you want. I had engineer stamped plans finished same day. It wasn't a free service but it was a nominal charge.
 

kerryt1

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Feb 12, 2009
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Oklahoma
So after waiting on my architect for a couple weeks, he tells me 3 hours before our meeting yesterday that he is too busy for my project now...:mad:

Back to the drawing board and trying to find a new architect to draw up some plans. Not sure if an architect is worth the money anymore; they're all so busy right now with the construction boom in Houston. I am still considering finding a set of completed plans on-line, it would save me time and money but would keep me from getting the dimensions exactly how I want.

Option 1: Find new architect/design-build firm
Option 2: Buy On-line plans
Option 3: Buy add-on for my software and complete plans myself

Does anyone have any experience in buying the online garage plans? Which option would you pick?

Option 3: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/home-designer-pro/

Then pay a structural engineer to review and stamp them. Ask the building inspectors if you have code questions.
 

jsherid1

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Lucas, TX
Neat house and build--I really like Mid Century homes. Have you considered doing a hip roof with shed type dormers? That might be a better match to the style of your house.

I'd second the recommendation to get a structural engineer to look at your plans to prevent over spanning, check the foundation design, spec your shear walls (including nailing schedule) and to make sure loads are properly supported. We are currently building a house and the engineer was worth every penny that he cost.
 

jsherid1

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One thing with on line plans, they are a good starting point but generally need modifications to meet local code requirements. That and you would have to adapt them to your specific needs anyway. If you are handy with design software, and it looks like you are, option 3 might be your best bet.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
Have you tried talking to your local building materials suppliers? The two I used for my garage build both employ several engineers who can draw up plans for whatever you want. In my case it was very fast turn around time b/c they start with a basic garage design and then just plug in the dimensions you want. I had engineer stamped plans finished same day. It wasn't a free service but it was a nominal charge.

I don't have any experience with large scale building suppliers (mainly just lumber yards) but a quick search shows there a few who offer minimal design and construction planning services. I'll have to look into this more.

Option 3: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/home-designer-pro/

Then pay a structural engineer to review and stamp them. Ask the building inspectors if you have code questions.

This is probably the best way to get it designed exactly the way I want it, downside is it will delay the finished product.

Neat house and build--I really like Mid Century homes. Have you considered doing a hip roof with shed type dormers? That might be a better match to the style of your house.

I'd second the recommendation to get a structural engineer to look at your plans to prevent over spanning, check the foundation design, spec your shear walls (including nailing schedule) and to make sure loads are properly supported. We are currently building a house and the engineer was worth every penny that he cost.

I have definitely played with a couple other floorplans, and also like the shed dormers. My main concern, even with the gabled dormers is how complicated (for me) they will be to build when my vaulted ceiling is taken into account, not to mention the structural engineering requirements.

Also, a structural engineer has also been part of the plan. The last architect had one on retainer and my fee was $300 for him to review/stamp. I would've tried to forego a PE stamp if the building code hadn't required it (any supported spans 26' or greater require stamp). I will still have to find one to review my self-designed plans if I go that route.

One thing with on line plans, they are a good starting point but generally need modifications to meet local code requirements. That and you would have to adapt them to your specific needs anyway. If you are handy with design software, and it looks like you are, option 3 might be your best bet.

A buddy of mine encountered the same thing, but his modifications were minimal. His plans cost about what the software upgrade is going to cost me.

I did find a design/build firm in the neighborhood that will give me a quote for materials and labor based on my design and material take off. I think this quote will determine if I can subcontract the build within my budget or not.
 

kerryt1

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Oklahoma
This is probably the best way to get it designed exactly the way I want it, downside is it will delay the finished product.

Watch the demo video. I'd bet you can design it in a Saturday, given you already have the dimensions you want. Plus it gives you a materials list and estimates concrete. Will also allow for custom foundation where you need 6" for that two post lift.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
So I opted for the Chief Architect Pro and have been working on one of my secondary designs that is an all-around improvement except for architectural appeal.

I was able to get more floorspace by extending the first bay, that would've other wise just been driveway. I'm working out all the bugs and construction details but it will probably take me a week or two to finish them; then I need to find a reasonably priced PE to review/stamp them.

Here are a couple quick renderings:





 

Gentle_Ben

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Manitoba, Canada
So I opted for the Chief Architect Pro and have been working on one of my secondary designs that is an all-around improvement except for architectural appeal.

I was able to get more floorspace by extending the first bay, that would've other wise just been driveway. I'm working out all the bugs and construction details but it will probably take me a week or two to finish them; then I need to find a reasonably priced PE to review/stamp them.

Here are a couple quick renderings:








I like this design a lot, I nearly went with an L shaped garage as well, here is a quick rendering of what I was going to do initially.

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t31.0-8/892241_10152651128550137_12960984_o.jpg

https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t31.0-8/892952_10152651128650137_714570886_o.jpg

sometimes I kick myself for not going with this design, I really liked it but I wanted the entire garage to be 28' deep so it didn't leave me enough square footage to do the L shape anymore.

Going back to your engineered stamped designs, I should have been more clear but its basically the two lumber yards here in my town that do them. I had gotten all kinds of crazy quotes from places, and decided to just to stop in to see what kind of solutions they had. The place I ended up going with said they would do it for $200 and be done the same day or else next day. I gave them my hand drawn plans and they went from that. I got a call later that day saying they were done and the engineer only charged $100 b/c it was as simple as plugging my numbers into his design software, hitting print and stamping and signing.
 

jsherid1

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Really looks great with the house, the hip roof really ties it together architecturally! Looking forward to seeing this come to fruition.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
I like this design a lot, I nearly went with an L shaped garage as well, here is a quick rendering of what I was going to do initially.

sometimes I kick myself for not going with this design, I really liked it but I wanted the entire garage to be 28' deep so it didn't leave me enough square footage to do the L shape anymore.

Going back to your engineered stamped designs, I should have been more clear but its basically the two lumber yards here in my town that do them. I had gotten all kinds of crazy quotes from places, and decided to just to stop in to see what kind of solutions they had. The place I ended up going with said they would do it for $200 and be done the same day or else next day. I gave them my hand drawn plans and they went from that. I got a call later that day saying they were done and the engineer only charged $100 b/c it was as simple as plugging my numbers into his design software, hitting print and stamping and signing.

I understand, it's tough to get everything you want if given a space/budget constraint.

I'll make a few calls around town. I've already paid for the software, so I'll still be doing the plans myself, but I will still need a stamp. And I've seen a building suppliers that have a design optimization service; they go through your design to see if anything can be done more cost effectively, etc. It would be ideal to find a PE with construction experience that could provide the same service.
 

a&mbronco

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Nov 8, 2010
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The one big drawback on your hip roof design is it will be more difficult to have storage trusses.

Also, PM sent on the plans and PE stamp.
 
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TexZ

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Houston
Progress has been slow, but thanks to a&mbronco I now have a PE to help me finish the plans. We are probably still 6 weeks away from submitting for permits, but it will at least give me time to save a bit more money!
 

gipraw

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Cypress, TX
Nice looking project. I am looking forward to seeing the progress.

What are the plans for that old metal fence you are removing?
 

CooperS7777

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Lakes Region, NH
Im in a similar boat and limited width wise to 26', luckily well be able to go 42' back. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
 
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TexZ

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Jan 21, 2010
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Houston
Nice looking project. I am looking forward to seeing the progress.

What are the plans for that old metal fence you are removing?

Fence will be scrapped. You are welcome to it!

Im in a similar boat and limited width wise to 26', luckily well be able to go 42' back. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

I might end up with very similar dimensions to yours!



Small update:

The engineer I'm using has been trying to make the vaulted ceiling work within the ASCE 7/timber code restrictions and is having a hard time making the design work with standard 2x lumber, mainly due to 140mph wind loading for our area per ASCE 7(even though city only requires 110mph). Currently his STAAD model is failing with 2x due to slenderness issues and in turn the minimum is 3x10 for joists and studs.

4x10s are out of the picture due to obvious cost reasons so we are looking at what can be done to utilize pre-built trusses to keep current design; if not we will have to revisit the drawing board and use a simpler design that uses trusses.

Hopefully I'll have some progress to post in the upcoming weeks as we are still waiting for his TX PE license to be issued (was licensed in FL).
 

Trey T

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Houston, TX
Congrats on the new home. 1950s neighborhood..hmm... I'm guessing Oak Forest or Spring Branch/Valley area?
 
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