28'X40' two story Multitasker garage build!

[lockeed]

30'X41' Multi-task 2 story garage build!

Hi Guys. My name is Jean and I'm an addict.

I discovered this forum a couple months ago and now I really need help. I just can't stop... so many lifts, so many nice cars, so many great builds... I just can't take it anymore and I need to stop... Stop lurking and start building that is!

I'm located in eastern Quebec, where the annual snow fall is measured in yards rather than inches... So the time frame we have to build something here is pretty short. From May to mid November is all you really have...

So late last fall, I decided to get going and start the build. Which in my case, wasn't so much a build but more of a demolition... The garage will be located just behind my house where, at the moment, is a 15' high uphill slope leading to a plateau, which needs to come down. A LOT. Good news is, I have room and I have a place to put the excess material. Bad news is: it's rocks. And I mean, real rocks. It's like digging through mount Rushmore...

So with the help of a local contractor and friend, we started digging and breaking rocks. We accomplished probably 1/3 of the job so far. We took out approximately 45 truck loads of rocks. But then, it started snowing and we had to stop for the winter. As soon as the snow starts to melt away, we should be able to do most of the digging required for the build... depending on how it goes. Unfortunately, I won't be able to work on the build during the summer as I'll be caught up at work 6 days a week until late Sept... But, with some help from a local company who builds pre-fabricated structures, I'll be able to cheat a little bit and get a roof over our head before the snow gets us...

Here's the specs:

40' X 28 two story
Lower level splited into a large 2 car garage (3 if need be), and a workshop (can still be changed)

Upper level will have two large separate storage closets, and a large main room that will be my recording studio/lounge/office. It'll also be used as a music room of course and a place to store my music instruments and gear.

One thing I know for sure is that the slab will be heated.

That's about it! Feel free to comment and suggest!

There is two thing I'm not 100% sure off at the moment.

1) should I build with two 9' garage doors, or one 16' door?

2), should I leave the first floor open, or split it into the two sections I planned?

Any inputs is appreciated!

Just getting started so more to come....
Cheers!

One 16' door.

Two 9' doors

Side view

1st floor

2nd floor

 

[CNGsaves]

Wow, beautiful and useful design!! Love the dormers on roof, and look of the entire garage.

I'd vote for one big door . . . . . however, go with 8 ft x 18 ft door so you'll have plenty of room to drive 2 cars in and out at same time.

Looking forward to your build . . . best of luck!

 

[socapots]

I like it.
Personally I'd go with one door. 8X18 like started above.

 

[REPO]

For our Canadian winters I would stick with two doors. If you open up a 18' door in the middle of winter, you have lost every bit of heat you had.

 

[Mike14k]

#1 I'd go with dual doors spaced a bit further apart. I allowed 5' between mine so I have plenty of room to move around the cars. I like being able to open one door for lots of light and breeze, but still cut down on drafts... and visibility of people driving by looking in at my "stuff".

#2 If you go with dual doors, add an outlet 120VAC and also 240VAC between the doors. This is a nice place for the air compressor, centrally located.

There you go.... your plan is awesome !!!

 

[lockeed]

Thx for the kind words!

Couple things I can and cannot do or things that wouldn't be practical considering the location on the garage, which is just behind my house... There will be aprox 24' between the rear wall of my house and the front wall of the garage. So, the driveway leading up to the garage location will need to be curved around the corner of the house and somewhat narrow, that's why the garage door is on the far right on the garage.

 

[dubber]

#1 I'd go with dual doors spaced a bit further apart. I allowed 5' between mine so I have plenty of room to move around the cars. I like being able to open one door for lots of light and breeze, but still cut down on drafts... and visibility of people driving by looking in at my "stuff".

#2 If you go with dual doors, add an outlet 120VAC and also 240VAC between the doors. This is a nice place for the air compressor, centrally located.

There you go.... your plan is awesome !!!

This seems like a solid plan.

Oh and btw the way as per your intro,

Welcome and thanks for sharing Jean.

 

[lockeed]

Thx!

One quick thing I should've pointed out in my previous post:

If I decide to go with two garage doors, I can't really put them further apart... First because I want to keep my 16' wide workshop on the other side... so the way we see it on the plan is about the only way I can have two 9' doors properly fit in my 24' wide garage section...

Now, I could delete the interior wall and leave the first floor wide open... which would give me a little more room to do just that, but I already planned a space for my compressor under the stairs... so in the end, there's really no purpose in doing it... Other than the fact that I think a 9' wide door is stronger and tends to flex less than a wide one... plus you don't loose as much heat when you bring a car in...

BTW, the garage is hidden from view by the house which is 63' wide.

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

I think the advise about the power outlets between the doors is still valid if you only have a couple of feet between them. That way it's easy if you want to run an extension out into the drive for any reason.

Personally I would go with the two doors for all the reasons that everyone else has already said.

Sweet looking build

 

[REPO]

What program did you use for the pictures and drawings?

 

[Sunbimmer]

What program did you use for the pictures and drawings?

Yeah...that was my question too

 

[Trey T]

Very nice. When you plan to break ground?

BTW, that's a 1.5 story not 2.

 

[lockeed]

Thx guys.

Program used is Chief Architect Premier X4. Great program.

@Trey, I plan to break ground late in the summer, probably Sept... Then order all the pre-fab walls, floor and trusses... Should have a closed building by Oct.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

The garage/workshop design is very nice; going with two doors is what I would do even though you have to negotiate a tight driveway turning radius for the one door.

Looking at your floor plan for the upper floor leaves me puzzled. I realize you have to work with unequal roof pitches for the front and rear, but having the storage rooms at the front seems to break up what could be a well-lit spacious feeling room. The dormers seem to be isolated in little tunnels; I would move all storage rooms to the rear wall of the space. I would also reduce the 'choppiness' by removing the walls to the upstairs 'foyer' and use a railing around the stairwell. To facilitate heat isolation between the upstairs and down, I would wall in stairwell and place the door in that wall at the lower landing. So, in essence, there would only be one long wall adjacent to the upper landing, extending the length of the space with as many 'storage cubbies' as you choose to install. Your studio would occupy the entire space at the front of the building, allowing you to benefit from the light coming through the 'unobstructed' dormers. To gain even more useable head room at the front of that space, I would even suggest you mirror the back half of the roof design and modify the dormers to suit. Perhaps my thoughts don't suit your needs for that space but it's just my $0.02, and since Canada no longer uses pennies, my thoughts round-down to ZERO! LOL

 

[Amazzen]

The garage/workshop design is very nice; going with two doors is what I would do even though you have to negotiate a tight driveway turning radius for the one door.

Looking at your floor plan for the upper floor leaves me puzzled. I realize you have to work with unequal roof pitches for the front and rear, but having the storage rooms at the front seems to break up what could be a well-lit spacious feeling room. The dormers seem to be isolated in little tunnels; I would move all storage rooms to the rear wall of the space. I would also reduce the 'choppiness' by removing the walls to the upstairs 'foyer' and use a railing around the stairwell. To facilitate heat isolation between the upstairs and down, I would wall in stairwell and place the door in that wall at the lower landing. So, in essence, there would only be one long wall adjacent to the upper landing, extending the length of the space with as many 'storage cubbies' as you choose to install. Your studio would occupy the entire space at the front of the building, allowing you to benefit from the light coming through the 'unobstructed' dormers. To gain even more useable head room at the front of that space, I would even suggest you mirror the back half of the roof design and modify the dormers to suit. Perhaps my thoughts don't suit your needs for that space but it's just my $0.02, and since Canada no longer uses pennies, my thoughts round-down to ZERO! LOL

Hey Omph, we still use pennies...we're just not making them anymore!

I also agree with keeping the dormer side "partition free" as it makes for a more practical use of space and natural light.

Jean, welcome and bonne chance with the new Project!

 

[lockeed]

Thx guys

...and until I have the hammer in my hands, plans are subject to change! So keep your suggestions coming!

 

[REPO]

Program used is Chief Architect Premier X4. Great program.

Ok I looked this program us it seems pretty cool. But on he website it says $2200.00 !!!! WOW!!!!!

 

[lockeed]

Just wanted to give you guys a quick update as there's been some developements in the past couple weeks. Actually, got more done than expected which is good

What was once a rocky slope behind my house is now a 20 foot deep hole! It's flat and flush with my driveway which is exactly what I wanted. Yeah!

In about a month or so, I'll have a local contractor build the footing for the garage which increased in size to 30 X 42

So you'll get more updates as we go!

Now I'm still designing the entire garage and haven't fully decided on the look... Still looking for great 2 story design with an offset garage door(s)... Share them if you have some!

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

Nice hole you're got there. Look forward to seeing you fill it up again

 

[Crazy68Dart]

How did you come across the design program? Did you look at a few and choose this one for any particular reason? I have been playing with sketch up so far but am looking for something to get some better renderings (short of paying an architect).

On your elevation (side) what is the height to your roof peak? What is your ceiling height on the 1st floor?

I am in the planning stages of a residential (sided to match house, asphalt roof, etc.) build as well. My wife really likes the look the dormers add. I see it as extra $$$, but they do add a nice touch, and to keep her happy it is probably worth it! We don't have to deal with an HOA or anything like that, but want it to compliment the main residence.

I like the multi pitch roof, interesting. I like a gable truss for the added head room but the wife does not care for the "barn look". You have a nice compromise.

Nice design.

 

[lockeed]

Thx for the kind words.

I was initially looking for something simple and effective to design an aircraft hangar I built not too long ago and found Home Designer Suite software which is great and affordable. In the same family of software was Chief Architect which is the professional version basically... Being already used to the way Home designer was built - I tried Chief and loved it...

Elevation is approx 23.5'. First floor will probably be 10', haven't fully decided yet. Will be based upon final design.

 

[lockeed]

After a couple months of going back and forth, trying different floorplans and design... This is pretty much what it'll look like

I'm happy with it, GF is happy with it - so let's get some quotes now!

 

[MagKarl]

Very nice looking garage!

 

[bazzateer]

I'd live in the bit on the left and play with my cars in the garage!

 

[Buzz Lightyear]

I think this design is a nicer one than the original. I don't know if there is less floor space or not but purely aesthetically I think it's a real improvement.

Just my

 

[Kevin54]

Nice design. I was going to chime in about the doors. On a personal note, and take it from someone who has two 9' doors....big mistake on my part. I've mentioned it before in other threads when one tries to decide on doors. I have a fullsize Dodge Ram. I have to watch pulling in, and really have to watch backing in that I don't smack the mirrors. Then when I had a car trailer, I had a load of wood flooring that I didn't want to unload that evening, so I figured I would back it into the garage. What a pain in the ***. I literally had 2" on each side of the fenders to get it in. I unhooked it from the truck and finished backing it in with my JD tractor. I also built my garage at 28' deep. Not enough room to get the trailer and the tongue all the way in. And I had to keep it straight because there was no room to park it cockeyed in the garage due to the door width.

I'm hoping to add on the front of my garage, and when I do, I am sure as hell putting a 16' wide door on. If I would go to double doors again (which I won't) but I would go NO LESS than 10' wide.

 

[lockeed]

Thx for chiming in guys. I agree, this new design and the 16' door is a good decision.

Contract had been given on the footing and slab. Workers should be here within a couple weeks... Just got a first truck load of 0-3/4" rocks to get them started.

Should see some real progress now!

 

[Thedoc14]

Nice when does the slab get poured?

The second concept looks the better option.

 

[lockeed]

There's a chance the guys will be here to start by the end of next week. I couldn't be more happy with my contractor. I know him personally and never though he'd have time to do my foundation as they usually do more "commercial" oriented jobs...

They did the building for one of my business back in 2011-12, so I know how they work. Again, couldn't have a better group of guys.

 

[lockeed]

Contractor started late last week. Lots accomplished already. I'm really glad with the way things are going after just 3-4 days of work.

Footing's done. They just poured the walls this afternoon. Decided do go with 8' high walls instead of the initial 48" planned as they act as a barrier for rocks that might falls...

So far so good. After that, a little break untill we get to September. Then, I'll order the walls, floor structure and trusses and start closing. With a roof over our head, we'll pour the floor in.

I think i'm in love

 

[lockeed]

More work done today.

Important delivery today, in floor heating kit arrived!

 

[ijason]

that is going to be a real nice garage i live in quebec too and would love a garage im going crazy on weekends in my stupid condo looks like a great garage if you ever wanted i really really want to learn more mechanics id love to come and help you with some car projects or any engine type project good luck.

Jason

 

[Press_Corpse]

This looks promising! I look forward to following this. Sub'd

 

[lockeed]

Quick update: Since we built a good part of the 28' walls at 8' high like the rear one, it would be a little complicated to order a pre-fab kit for the first floor. So my contractor offered to finish the first floor structure when I'm ready. Then I'll take over with some friends, order the second floor beams, walls and trusses then close that thing up. I'll work on getting some quotes now...

 

[lockeed]

Quite a lot done since the last update! Received the walls, second story floor and supper beams, roof trusses etc. We assembled everything and since snow is already here, we put all our efforts into finishing the roof and shingles.

Now on to the exterior before we get buried in 6 ft of snow.

Pretty simple, just follow the plan

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would be paranoid about that hill slipping over time ! Did you have anyone look at retention options before you poured the back wall ?

 

[lockeed]

Those are rocks. Almost feels like granite. I had to use an hydrolic hammer on a 400 series Volvo excavator to get through them and prepare the site, it'll never slip or move.

I'll still be adding some soil and grass on the back and side slopes to help with water accumulation.

 

[Thumper68]

I really like the last version of the plans, something only a Canadian or Minnesotian could have come up with.

Very nice looking garage/shop, What are you going to be working on in there?

 

[Donothing]

Looks awesome

 

[lockeed]

Thx. Well I plan on keeping my "fun" car in top shape for as long as I can. (E90 M3) I'm also finishing up the restoration of an ultralight aircraft which I hope I'll be able to bring back to flight within a year. That's the main reason why I wanted a comfortable shop area, separated from the garage. I'll probably be taking on a kit aircraft in a near future too... this time from start to finish.

Ultimately, I'll be looking for a cool project car, something like an older 911 or late 80's early 90's BMW M5 or M3... Maybe a cool AMG like a E55 would be great too... We'll see!

Taking up most of the second floor will be all my music instruments, amps, effects, recording gear, computers etc... I plan on building a soundproofed booth to record in. Basically turning this floor into a studio...!