help, I am converting a carport into a garage and getting bids. Some contractors say I need three foot deep concrete foundation, others say just the four corners need the concrete, then I can do a concrete slab floor. I called the city building department they say it can be done without even a concrete slab, and can use asphalt, so long as it is built to accommodate shrinking and swelling. Anyone have any advice? The amount of concrete makes a huge difference in the price. Thanks.
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concrete foundation, only option?
- Thread starter ajwonk
- Start date
ConCretin
Well-known member
where are ya?
ConCretin
Well-known member
Location is relevant because the presence of winter frost conditions must be taken into account. What do you get for frost? It would also help to know how the existing carport is supported and how you intend to support the new walls of the structure. It's going to be difficult for us to give you useful advice without s little more info.
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I am over in Grand Junction. The building department here is pretty good. I would give yours a call and ask the inspector what he would do if it was his garage.
maxspeed96ct
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2012
- Messages
- 379
Right now Im sure the car port must have some type of 4x4 pillars set in some concrete or deep in the gorund. These are supporting the roof now
You can try to argue Would differance would it make if you closed the walls in ?
But it seems like a real gray area. Try to get ahold of your local inspector or building departmant, because some contractors are looking for a easy out or easy profit. Its best to find out for yourself .
You can try to argue Would differance would it make if you closed the walls in ?
But it seems like a real gray area. Try to get ahold of your local inspector or building departmant, because some contractors are looking for a easy out or easy profit. Its best to find out for yourself .
maxspeed96ct
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2012
- Messages
- 379
I did get ahold of my building inspector, and he said it wasn't necessary. But the contractors keep telling me it is.
Sounds like you need to call a few more contractors, g luck bud. Try to do as much of your own research before talking to the contractors. You want to at least sounds like you know your sh!t so you dont get ripped off. Not all contracts are looking to rip you, but you never know untill its to late !
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Go into your local lumberyard or ProBuild and let them know you are looking to build a garage. Tell them you would like a referral to a good contractor who has stayed current with his bills. Talk to him or her and get a straight answer.
Pat Mickelson
Active member
Doesn't some of this depend on soil conditions? We're having a house built right now in Highlands Ranch and they took three soil samples to determine the amount of soil expansion due to bentonite, etc. I'm far from knowledgeable in this area, but I think the right answer is, "it depends."
What is the size of the area? The requirements for an adequate foundation for 12x20 are a lot different than for 32x24
the contractors have a reputation to uphold; and they don't want you complaining when a shoddy foundation fails.
the contractors have a reputation to uphold; and they don't want you complaining when a shoddy foundation fails.
dcs Inc
Well-known member
Different codes for different areas. In Indiana an attached structure must match the existing structures foundation in depth not to be less than the frost line which is determined to be 32" here. Unattached can be at 18" unless there is a brick facade or the structure is block. There are poll barn types of construction that requires a floating slab to be installed.
What I'm trying to get to here is it is best to call and find out just what's needed to be code compliant for your area. I've seen projects red tagged and have to be torn down and recontructed because of a contractor or homeowner didn't play by the rules.
What I'm trying to get to here is it is best to call and find out just what's needed to be code compliant for your area. I've seen projects red tagged and have to be torn down and recontructed because of a contractor or homeowner didn't play by the rules.