Garage Extension to my 20X20 Garage

JimVonBaden · Nov 30, 2016

I have wanted to do this for a while, and finally got the OK from the wife. Actually, she told me she wanted to park in the garage, so this is the plan.

I plan on a 12X16 extension to my 20X20 garage. It will be my workshop area, and I can use the garage when needed. The motorcycle lift will be inset in the floor, and all my storage will move to the workshop. The garage will then, barely, fit both cars and her bike. My bike will go in the workshop.

Here is the layout and plans. It mimics the existing garage and will appear seamless when done. I have to notch the right side to clear the fence, but I will use the extra space to add a mini-split AC/Heat system.

Tell me where I messed up please.

boomer12831 · Nov 30, 2016

Looks like a good project, wish I was closer to help out.

Colin Len · Nov 30, 2016

You're lucky you're into bikes and that sort of size would work! My (and likely everyone else's) question is - why not go bigger? Depending on what you use the back yard for it looks like you have room to go further back or even out to the left.

Another question would be whether you've thought out getting in/out of the workshop. If there are 2 cars and a bike in the garage does that leave room to push another bike back into the workshop? Personally I hate moving cars for stuff like that. I'd consider a wider exterior entrance door, maybe even a rollup on the left side instead of that standard sized man door.

Lastly, if it were me I'd need more workbench square footage.

Wish you the best of luck regardless - and I'm quite jealous as my 18x20 is tiny and I'd LOVE another 12x16 addition! I actually had an 8x14 shed build off the back of mine which is extremely helpful but still not an entirely new workshop!

JimVonBaden · Nov 30, 2016

Colin Len said:
You're lucky you're into bikes and that sort of size would work! My (and likely everyone else's) question is - why not go bigger? Depending on what you use the back yard for it looks like you have room to go further back or even out to the left.

Another question would be whether you've thought out getting in/out of the workshop. If there are 2 cars and a bike in the garage does that leave room to push another bike back into the workshop? Personally I hate moving cars for stuff like that. I'd consider a wider exterior entrance door, maybe even a rollup on the left side instead of that standard sized man door.

Lastly, if it were me I'd need more workbench square footage.

Wish you the best of luck regardless - and I'm quite jealous as my 18x20 is tiny and I'd LOVE another 12x16 addition! I actually had an 8x14 shed build off the back of mine which is extremely helpful but still not an entirely new workshop!

Believe me, if I could build bigger I would. The green space rules in my city do not allow it since I have a large patio and front parking. I can pull one car back and park my bike in the open end for easy access since I ride my bike daily and my cars sits for weeks at times.

I would love bigger, but it is what it is!

Thanks,

JimVonBaden · Nov 30, 2016

boomer12831 said:
Looks like a good project, wish I was closer to help out.

There will be a few points where I could use a hand. Thanks for the sentiment! :rocker:

captain14 · Dec 1, 2016

Are you going to do most of the labor?

And this is a winter project or are you waiting until springtime?

I have followed your other projects here and will certainly follow this one.

Good luck from College Park.

JimVonBaden · Dec 1, 2016

captain14 said:
Are you going to do most of the labor?

And this is a winter project or are you waiting until springtime?

I have followed your other projects here and will certainly follow this one.

Good luck from College Park.

I have guys to pour the pad. I will probably do half of the construction labor. Too many things take two guys or more for me to do it alone, and my wife isn't much good for heavy lifting. I want to start soon, but it depends on if I can get the pad down before it snows. If not, it may wait until March.

Thanks!

LX-Markham · Dec 1, 2016

I wish I had room like that to add on to my 20x20 garage.
That's going to be real nice when done. Great plan.
Looking forward to seeing the build.

stonesfan68 · Dec 1, 2016

I'd add a 220V electrical outlet somewhere. You never know if/when you'll want/need a big compressor, or welder, etc.

Bluedodge · Dec 1, 2016

If it was me......

I'd make the "left wall" man door larger. Large enough to pull your motorcycle in and out of. I'd actually go with a single stall over-head door. Then I'd turn the bike-lift thingy 90 degrees so you essentially park on top of the bike-lift thingy when you get home. Extend your brick patio area another 15' so you can ride in and out of the side of your new addition.

Now if you really want to do it right, you're going to put your bike-lift thingy on a turntable. That way you can drive both into and out of your new garage. ...like the dang Bat Cave! Plus you can position your bike for lighting and tool access when working on it.

JimVonBaden · Dec 1, 2016

LX-Markham said:
I wish I had room like that to add on to my 20x20 garage.
That's going to be real nice when done. Great plan.
Looking forward to seeing the build.

Thanks!

JimVonBaden · Dec 1, 2016

stonesfan68 said:
I'd add a 220V electrical outlet somewhere. You never know if/when you'll want/need a big compressor, or welder, etc.

I plan to have it available at the CB Panel, though I have no "current" use for it.

JimVonBaden · Dec 1, 2016

Bluedodge said:
If it was me......

I'd make the "left wall" man door larger. Large enough to pull your motorcycle in and out of. I'd actually go with a single stall over-head door. Then I'd turn the bike-lift thingy 90 degrees so you essentially park on top of the bike-lift thingy when you get home. Extend your brick patio area another 15' so you can ride in and out of the side of your new addition.

Now if you really want to do it right, you're going to put your bike-lift thingy on a turntable. That way you can drive both into and out of your new garage. ...like the dang Bat Cave! Plus you can position your bike for lighting and tool access when working on it.

I plan on parking the bike in front of the car normally. I drive once a week at most, but ride nearly every day. However, the 36" door is just wide enough to get my bike out if needed. A rotating bike stand sounds cool, but would mean a much larger hole in the floor, and round, plus rolling panels that I can stand on. Now it is getting a bit complicated. I may get a 42" outside door instead, no garage style doors on that side since it will be facing the patio. The wife wants it cozy, not garage like.

Part of installing the pad for the extension is adding 10 feet to the existing patio. This will bring it right up to the other side of the workshop door. Good call.

John in OH · Dec 1, 2016

stonesfan68 said:
I'd add a 220V electrical outlet somewhere. You never know if/when you'll want/need a big compressor, or welder, etc.

Ditto this 240v suggestion!! Also, wondering why you are not putting any outlets in the rear wall?? Don't skimp on the scope of electrical outlets or lights.

Except for the electrical suggestions it looks like a great addition!! Enjoy!!

NUTTSGT · Dec 1, 2016

JimVonBaden said:
Believe me, if I could build bigger I would. The green space rules in my city do not allow it since I have a large patio and front parking. I can pull one car back and park my bike in the open end for easy access since I ride my bike daily and my cars sits for weeks at times.

I would love bigger, but it is what it is!

Thanks,

Is it possible to get a variance for a little bigger like 16x16 ?

JimVonBaden · Feb 28, 2017

NUTTSGT said:
Is it possible to get a variance for a little bigger like 16x16 ?

It will actually be 12X16. The angle of the land makes it narrower towards the back, and the greenspace issue.

Anyhow, good news, the work starts this weekend. I am increasing the size of the pavers, and adding the pad for the garage.

Original project:

Can be seen completed here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145450

From this proposed size:

To this:

We extended the side pavers for a Hot tub that will be delivered tomorrow. We also extended the pavers to the end of the garage, and I added the outdoor furniture plan. Lastly, you can see the gray concrete pad at the back of the garage.

Stay tuned.

captain14 · Mar 1, 2017

Let's hope we have good weather for the weekend!

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

The garage extension has begun!

LX-Markham · Mar 4, 2017

Exciting stuff!

LOL, the garage looks smaller than 20x20 in those pics. I guess I 'think' mine is bigger because it's a semi detached.

captain14 · Mar 4, 2017

2 nice but cold and windy days this weekend. Do you think you will get the footer dug and ready for inspection this weekend?

I think you said your BIL crew was doing last of the work?

Good luck

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

LX-Markham said:
Exciting stuff!

LOL, the garage looks smaller than 20x20 in those pics. I guess I 'think' mine is bigger because it's a semi detached.

Yeah, detached looks very small.

When I first moved in:

Of course 20X20 is pretty small.

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

captain14 said:
2 nice but cold and windy days this weekend. Do you think you will get the footer dug and ready for inspection this weekend?

I think you said your BIL crew was doing last of the work?

Good luck

The digging and forms are almost done now. I am pretty sure they will be able to pour, weather permitting.

Yes, BIL's crew. Same guys who did the other pavers.

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

Ready to pour, next week!

rburke65 · Mar 4, 2017

Looks like it's going to be a great addition! You're going to love the space.

captain14 · Mar 4, 2017

I am hoping that Saturday is a great day for the foundation work.

JimVonBaden · Mar 4, 2017

Thanks guys!

MikeF2316 · Mar 5, 2017

I'm not sure how I missed this thread last fall, but I have a couple of suggestions. My detached garage is like yours, no roof overhangs, no shelter outside the doors. I wish I had some, if nothing else it makes your outside lights last longer. And make a decent "pad" outside the door, to make it easier to get stuff in and out.

oldmxracer · Mar 5, 2017

Jim,

Just asking, You said about inserting the lift in the floor, but I see no provision for that in Your pour ?

JimVonBaden · Mar 5, 2017

oldmxracer said:
Jim,

Just asking, You said about inserting the lift in the floor, but I see no provision for that in Your pour ?

Yes, you are correct. I am still considering it. I have until Saturday to make up my mind.

JimVonBaden · Mar 5, 2017

MikeF2316 said:
I'm not sure how I missed this thread last fall, but I have a couple of suggestions. My detached garage is like yours, no roof overhangs, no shelter outside the doors. I wish I had some, if nothing else it makes your outside lights last longer. And make a decent "pad" outside the door, to make it easier to get stuff in and out.

Yeah, it is an issue. Extending the roof overhang on the front is a possibility, I may add porticos on the man doors, but I rarely use them.

Thanks,

JimVonBaden · Mar 5, 2017

Ancillary to the garage extension is a paver expansion with water and electrical.

I laid out the pipes, conduit and water, to ensure I have it available for my outdoor kitchen, and to move the backyard hose to the actual back yard. I will be running 12Volt wiring as well, for the outdoor lighting.

PassnThru · Mar 5, 2017

Can't believe I missed This! I'm living vicariously through you right now.
Excellant!

bruincounselor · Mar 6, 2017

Inspiring. I'm still over a month from demo of my existing "garage".

JimVonBaden · Mar 6, 2017

bruincounselor said:
Inspiring. I'm still over a month from demo of my existing "garage".

Remember, my garage is "the slow build". Once the pad is down it will be a couple months before the walls go up. Family in town and the yard to finish for the wife, and the hot tub.

MikeF2316 · Mar 6, 2017

JimVonBaden said:
Remember, my garage is "the slow build". Once the pad is down it will be a couple months before the walls go up. Family in town and the yard to finish for the wife, and the hot tub.

Lot's of time for plans to change... and change again... :lol:

JimVonBaden · Mar 11, 2017

Waiting on my concrete, I did a little springish planting:

JimVonBaden · Mar 17, 2017

Finally some progress, while I was out of town!

Tomorrow I will get a better look, and start gathering the materials for the build.

bczygan · Mar 17, 2017

24x16

JimVonBaden · Mar 17, 2017

bczygan said:
24x16

Current garage is 20X20, the extension will be either 18X12 or 20X12. I need to check zoning laws on how close I can be to the fence.

Garage Extension to my 20X20 Garage

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Super Moderator

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member