garage expansion questions

[cowanrg]

we've been looking for a new house that fits our many requirements for the last 6 months (it's a crazy market out here) and we finally found something that works. however, the garage is a bit small. It's an attached 2-car (20' x 21'). It can only be expanded on one side (back is against a room in the house, right side is against the house).

I've never done anything like this before and I'm sure there are a lot of variables, but generally speaking, what are the rules about expanding a garage? We wouldn't really even need another door, just another 10-15' of width would make a huge difference. The garage will be shop space only, as we can park in the driveway. The house is located in Boulder, Colorado and there are no covenants or HOA. The property line is maybe 50' from the edge of the current garage. Has anyone ever extended a garage before? I tried searching google, but a lot of it just came back here

 

[JOHN 86GT]

Even though there isn't a a HOA , there probably is a minimum you have to be from the lot line .

I'd add enough space to add a third door , will increase value of home .

A lot will depend on your budget and depending on your budget , you may be better off putting up a shed to free up garage space .

 

[cowanrg]

Cool, thanks. I was thinking an extra door would add the most value. There's already a nice sized shed on the property and the shop will ONLY be shop stuff, but I have a couple CNC machines, laser cutter, 3d printer, etc which takes up a lot of room.

 

[matt_i]

As above, first need to investigate setbacks from city, county, township, etc.

The two most important things are to match the type of foundation that already exists, and then to match the wall planes and truss pitch, etc. Don't want to be able to look up from the street and see the difference in the roofline transitioning to the addition, unless its purposefully offset.

 

[Cyberbear]

Good rule of thumb is to always build as large as you can afford, space permitting. It's also a good idea to frame in the needed header for a future door. This way, all someone has to do is remove a few studs, add the jamb and hang the new door when needed. Saves time and still looks good when done properly. Doing this may also serve as an entry point for accessing all that available space you have not being used.
I once knew a guy that had a small one car garage but had an enormous back yard. He put a pass through door in the garage and ended up building a separate detached four car garage in back for his 1950s Lincoln cars collection and shop. No one even knew it was back there.

 

[raddksn]

Figure how much room you need then double it, should get you close!!

 

[Mike in Ohio]

Really depends on your local rules, the applicable local govt (city county etc) should have a web site with basic requirements then a few phone calls from there will answer most of your questions.