Detatched garage on floating slab

[ilaudio]

I am researching how I can build a detatched shed/garage approx 20x20 without increasing my taxes. I have to at least have a floating slab. The tax man said as long as the building is not attached to the foundation/slab, you will not be taxed on it.

Can the building be constructed with a single garage door and a man door to allow it to simply set on the floating slab without worry of shifting?

Also---how do you prevent water from running underneath the walls with a floating slab?

I am in northern IL.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[kd3pc]

Building to avoid taxes, is going to net you an unstable and likely uninsurable shed.

A lot of the structure of something that has trusses is a firm foundation. Leaving the floor plate/sill, unattached, is not good practice.

You need to now talk to the construction/building/zoning folks. I am all but sure that the "tax" man is thinking you are going to set a "portable" shed on that foundation. I am also all but sure the permit/zoning folks are not going to allow you to build four unattached walls, with truss roof, electrical, doors and such.

Good construction of the slab, albeit floating - will need to be at least 3 or 4 inches, if not more above grade to keep water below. That is fairly dependent on the grade of the lot and where the water goes during a deluge. You need to grade or swale water away from the foundation and make sure that the contractor builds an adequate, draining base for the slab. Again speak with the AHJ, as they may have very specific requirements for the slab, alone.

Best of luck.