Jeff590
Well-known member
I was going to title this thread “Tiny Garage build in Fairfax” since what I am building is pretty small compared to what some of you guys are building. 
I thought about going bigger, but I think this will work out ok for me.
Started to plan last fall for a detached 2 garage and to get some estimates. Estimates had a pretty wide range with the top being $90k. The guy I got that from was pretty booked, so I think he threw that out just to see if I would bite. Finally found a guy to work with and drew up plans for a 24x24 stick-built with attic storage. I wanted something a little nicer, so this has Hardi-plank and Hardi-shake siding, upgraded windows and doors, a pent-roof, etc. Here is what it is going to look like:
Nothing fancy on the inside, just storage. I already have a woodworking shop in my basement and another garage with car stuff, so this will just be a place to keep things. No electrical at this time – I will run it later.
I had heard that the building permit process in Fairfax County was a pain, but it actually wasn’t that bad. Went to the Health Department first since I am on well and septic, and they rejected the location plan since it was no drawn to scale and they were concerned it encroached on my backup septic area. They were right about the scale thing, so my fault there. But I was never told where the backup septic was, so they provided me with the plans for that. The next day I went again with a new plan and it was approved by the Health Dept. The next day I spent about 2 hours there going to the various groups, but got it all done.
Equipment is staged and we break ground today!
I thought about going bigger, but I think this will work out ok for me.
Started to plan last fall for a detached 2 garage and to get some estimates. Estimates had a pretty wide range with the top being $90k. The guy I got that from was pretty booked, so I think he threw that out just to see if I would bite. Finally found a guy to work with and drew up plans for a 24x24 stick-built with attic storage. I wanted something a little nicer, so this has Hardi-plank and Hardi-shake siding, upgraded windows and doors, a pent-roof, etc. Here is what it is going to look like:
Nothing fancy on the inside, just storage. I already have a woodworking shop in my basement and another garage with car stuff, so this will just be a place to keep things. No electrical at this time – I will run it later.
I had heard that the building permit process in Fairfax County was a pain, but it actually wasn’t that bad. Went to the Health Department first since I am on well and septic, and they rejected the location plan since it was no drawn to scale and they were concerned it encroached on my backup septic area. They were right about the scale thing, so my fault there. But I was never told where the backup septic was, so they provided me with the plans for that. The next day I went again with a new plan and it was approved by the Health Dept. The next day I spent about 2 hours there going to the various groups, but got it all done.
Equipment is staged and we break ground today!
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