A small garage expansion

[choppers_rule]

Hi Everyone, this is my 1st post
I'm planning to expand my tiny 1 car garage to possibly get an extra 7'x20' space from my existing 8x20 garage. So, it will be more like an oversize 1 car garage or a small 2 car garage because I don't have much lot to expand.

I have 2 quotes from contractors to do this job and their estimates are between 20k-25k.

Is it worth it to spend $25,000 just for extra 7x20 tiny space?

Thank you,
Denny

 

[matt_i]

Wow is all I can say. $20k for 140 sq ft is $142/sqft. In my opinion, one should be able to have a high end residential space for that much.

Something else must be up, is it hard to get materials to your site? Is the entire metro area humming with construction and every contractor is busy? Or is there something in your plans or ideas which involve a big teardown, or a large "match this" clause? More info needed, pics would ideally be helpful.

 

[choppers_rule]

Thanks for the clarification.That's what I thought, EXPENSIVE. Yea, I think the contractors are very busy here in Portland lately. I've called 5 of them and only one return my call.
Nothing fancy. They just need to knock down one wall for the expansion, extend the roof line, and pour foundation. I will take some pic later.

 

[Kevin54]

Too much for basically a long oversized closet. Depending on the foundation, the roofline, and the siding, I think you should be able to get it done for $10,000 give or take. Do you have a pic of the garage and where you are adding on?

 

[T_R]

IMO that is double what it should cost.

 

[72Anthony]

With such a small project there a lot of fixed costs...being in Portland I'm sure you need permits and probably sealed drawings. Some subs may charge a day rate, so even though you may only need a quarter or half day of site work, they may charge for a full day. All of this makes the cost per square foot seem huge.

It comes down to a personal choice. Can you afford it? If so, and you plan on staying there for awhile, it becomes worth it if you enjoy spending time in the garage.

 

[choppers_rule]

I do have the funds to do it but I just don't want to be raped.

I have three motorcycle projects I'm building along with my welder, press drill, tool chest, bench, buffer, belt sander,etc. So, I do need the extra space.

 

[matt_i]

The "knock down this wall" seems to be an idea that's nearly free on TV. (just like I almost never see a tape measure on TV-building shows)

Usually that can be more labor intensive than just cutting out the studs.