First time addition

[Schwartzint1]

Alright guys... Please go easy on me hah. I have a much to small for me 2 car garage. I want to this spring/summer put on a 12x20 possibly a 14x20 (if I can) addition to my current garage. I have an idea of what it will look like in my head, but need to transfer that to paper. Once the snow melts I will be able to more accurately measure. I have a small knowledge of construction, however work with some guys who have built houses/additions/all types of stuff. This great group of guys have offered to help with labor once the time comes. However prior to that there is a lot of work to do. Looking for any advice I can get. My initial step is to estimate a total cost and of course draw up a blueprint and obtain a permit. I have zero artistic abilities, but am able to follow instructions. Anyone have a good guide, program or just some good pointers from those who have done it? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[np32]

I am interested in the feedback you get because i would like to do the same thing to my garage sometime in the near future. hopefully someone chimes in with some good knowledge!

 

[YukonXL04]

Google sketchup is a great program to play around with to get things to scale and on paper. Its pretty easy to lean and get the hang out. And it lets you 3d view the whole thing. You dont need any artistic abilities to use it either, just be able to get it out of your head and on the screen

 

[dfiler2]

I would go to your local lumber yard and have a chat, they should be able to give you a pretty good idea of cost, then use sketchup or go buy some graph paper and start drawing something to scale.

 

[Falcon67]

I used a very high tech method to get my shop's initial site plan - grade stakes, string, graph paper and a pencil.

 

[volleyball]

Posting good pictures of the current space and the space you want to add would be a good start. Maybe we can give you some suggestions on where to go and then yo can draw up a rough plan. I assume the city will want engineered drawings and you can use your plan to get pro plans with a list of material you will need. A lumber yard can then give you a cost.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Recently built big addition and garage.

Step 1: you likely will NEED engineered plans, so shop around. I hired a local guy who did it part time. He was probably 1/10 the cost of an architect.

Step 2: Most likely, you'll need a full-on survey, unless you have plenty of room from any setback requirements.

Step 3: Build it as BIG as you possibly can afford. Garages fill up fast!

Step 4: be prepared to spend extra. I budgeted $100k for my project and it ended up well over $200k......... lots and lots of unforeseen extras

Good luck.

EDIT - I did the rough floorplans with Microsoft Excel. Very easy

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[Cyberbear]

In my area anything under 600 sq/ft does not require a blueprint or a simple sketch, although something showing a few details will help those helping you to know what you are trying to do. You'll need to decide whether you want to extend the existing garage or add a shed type addition. In any case you'll need to think first about a slab and adequate foundation for your area, just use enough rebar. Being on the West coast we don't worry about winter freeze. One step at a time will get you there.

 

[Schwartzint1]

Thanks for the tips so far guys. I am absolutely going to check out Google Sketchup. I went and sat down with the local building inspector. What a relief. They gave me a little three page cheat sheet of what they are looking for. They are way more laid back than I expected. The want no details about heating/cooling, electric or plumbing. He said he prefers to scale, but does not require it. I think I would like to learn how to do it the correct way so I will work to make it to scale. He told me prior to submitting the plans ask myself this.... If I gave these to a builder, could he build the structure? If he could then they most likely will be sufficent. hah

Well here are a couple cell phone pictures of where I plan to add. The pad that is there currently is about 8'w. Unfortunately I will probably have to remove it. I would like to go 14' w and 20' deep (2' less than current garage) then blow out the adjoining wall and put a header up.

 

[volleyball]

So you just want to make it wider? Are you going to match the brick? I think it will tie it together.
I would do a taller garage. Match the existing depth. That way you can add a roof and not have to reroof the house to match. Unless it needs it anyways.
A tall door for things like a handicap van will make it more valuable to you and future buyers.
To design you pretty much copy what you have in the current garage.

 

[bczygan]

I'm in Detroit and a designer. I will tell you in detail, what you need to do and how to do it.

PM me with your phone number.

Bill