Garage Conversion questions

[REXAMUS]

In response to another thread I have decided that I will most likely be converting my current garage into a bedroom which will allow me to build a bigger better garage later! Hopefully it will be around 24x32 or 24x40.

Looking for some suggestions on a couple of things.

I absolutely do not want to undertake this project if I cannot make the front where the garage door is look exactly like the rest of the house. Surely the brick work can be completed as to match what's already there right? I would also cut out a portion of the concrete driveway that currently leads to the garage and put a flower bed there to connect with the current one.

I also want to frame a new floor above the concrete slab so that it's the same height as the rest of the house. It's about a 2ft drop from the floor to the slab. Would it be better to tear out the existing slab and make it a crawl space like the rest of the house? The only problem is that the 2ft clearance would prevent me from having access to it after the floor joists are put in place. I know if I keep the existing slab in place I would need to put some plastic down. Not sure whether or not I would need to add vents.

My span is only 14ft so I believe that I can just run a 2x10 from wall to wall on 16" centers using a ledger and not have to worry about using sleepers or any other type of support for the joists. What do ya think?

A permit will be obtained and I will hire a pro for most of the work. I'm just trying to get everything figured out beforehand.

 

[DC73]

Surely the brick work can be completed as to match what's already there right?

Depends on whether or not an exact brick match is available. Depending on how old your house is, they may not make that particular brick anymore and different brick batches may have different colors. I'm finishing up my new workshop and deed restrictions required it to match the house. My house is only 12 years old but I couldn't get an exact match on the brick. It's close enough that most people wouldn't notice since the two bricks are not next to each other but in your case, it might be very noticeable if you don't get an exact match. Worst case - you may have to replace the brick across the front of your house.

If you can't match the brick, maybe you could create a raised bed planter in the area where the garage door is now, and use a complementary stone or other material for the sides.

Would it be better to tear out the existing slab and make it a crawl space like the rest of the house? The only problem is that the 2ft clearance would prevent me from having access to it after the floor joists are put in place. I know if I keep the existing slab in place I would need to put some plastic down. Not sure whether or not I would need to add vents.

I wouldn't think it was necessary to tear out the existing slab. As to plastic and vents, visit BuildingScience.com and GreenBuildingAdvisor.com. Both sites have information on how to properly handle a crawl space. It could be climate specific.

DC

 

[REXAMUS]

Depends on whether or not an exact brick match is available. Depending on how old your house is, they may not make that particular brick anymore and different brick batches may have different colors. I'm finishing up my new workshop and deed restrictions required it to match the house. My house is only 12 years old but I couldn't get an exact match on the brick. It's close enough that most people wouldn't notice since the two bricks are not next to each other but in your case, it might be very noticeable if you don't get an exact match. Worst case - you may have to replace the brick across the front of your house.

If you can't match the brick, maybe you could create a raised bed planter in the area where the garage door is now, and use a complementary stone or other material for the sides.



I wouldn't think it was necessary to tear out the existing slab. As to plastic and vents, visit BuildingScience.com and GreenBuildingAdvisor.com. Both sites have information on how to properly handle a crawl space. It could be climate specific.

DC

Yea, mine was built in 1991 so I probably won't be able to find a match. Hopefully I can figure something out!

 

[REXAMUS]

Anyone else have any suggestions?