Help! Ideas! 12'x20' permit restricted

[CREAKCHUB]

I got a permit for an 12'x20' detached. I know its not big but thats my restriction. I need to make as much room out of the 12'x20' space. and the door as wide as I can.
Is that the inside deminsions? The outside dimensions? The slab dimensions?
The land slopes off halfway in the back. Is there a way to put it over a basement? Maybe add a loft also?

 

[autoist]

Go high so you can use a lift.

 

[gto65goat]

I would do as autoist suggested: Build it TALL. Add a Lift (now you have room for (2) cars.) Of course the lift takes up room too.
Make sure your garage floor is at least 6" thick if you do add a lift.
Add pull down stairs for all the "stuff" that you will need to place in the attic.
If you have an SUV, consider a 8' Tall X 8' wide garage door.

 

[logical]

Chances are, the 12 x 20 you are restricted to is outside dimensions.

If you go tall, you are likely into 2 x 6 construction so you are down to 11 x 19 inside. That's a bare minimum one car size and you can likely not get more than a 9' door. (a full size pickup will likely not go through a 8' door without folding mirrors in). Putting a 4 post lift in to be able to store 2 cars will fit but it is now even more cramped and unless you have small cars, you'll have a storage-only garage...no room to work. 4" floors is fine for a standard 7000 lb. 4 post lift.

 

[PanelDeland]

Look into your restrictions a little further.If you are wanting to use the garage as a shop you might be able to extend the legnth buy building a carport off the door side.This will give you covered area but it will not be useable in winter.Or maybe one side depending on your space.Also a storage shed in the backyard will give you a place to store lawn equipment and such freeing up space.

 

[rsanter]

what is the intension of this space? that will make all the difference in the world.
I have heard some good ideas that I was thinking as well, but they are only good ideas if they fit within your desired useage.

alternatives:
1 build high with a storage loft. cant go wrong with that one
2 mix post/beam/polebarn construction so that you can go high without loosing floor space.
3 concider having sides that open up so you can have working room around the lift (if you plan to use a lift)
4 the patio/carport is a good idea. depending on where it is and how you use the backyard. this pation cover could have more than one use.

bob

 

[boiler7904]

I got a permit for an 12'x20' detached. I know its not big but thats my restriction. I need to make as much room out of the 12'x20' space. and the door as wide as I can.
Is that the inside deminsions? The outside dimensions? The slab dimensions?
The land slopes off halfway in the back. Is there a way to put it over a basement? Maybe add a loft also?

If you are restricted to 12'x20', that would most likely be the footprint of the foundation / exterior exterior dimensions of the building. Will the building department let you cantilever a space for a workbench off of the end or one side? It's worth asking the question. With a 12' wide building, you're probably limited to a 9'-0" wide door but 10'-0" might fit - it'll be a tight squeeze.

If you already have a permit, you won't be putting it over a basement unless you have the foundation and main level deck designed by a locally licensed structural engineer or architect. Adding a basement to the project will require a resubmittal for permit and the subsequent review process for your building department (town, township, or county)

I'd pitch the roof as steeply as possible and add a loft or attic for storage. Make sure you're within the height requirements for an accessory structure since it's detached.

 

[rsanter]

how about installing an old style 'pit' in the floor for working inder cars?

bob

 

[CREAKCHUB]

Thanks, Great information and ideas, lots of things I did not think of. I am jotting down these great ideas. I just contacted an architectural firm (good idea) in my area and they are going to connect me with two or three architectural engineers and builders to help me. Maybe they can help me fight city hall $$$ lol. Thanks Everyone, and keep the info coming!

 

[Bib Overalls]

You should consider a steel framework around your garage door. Bolted to the foundation and integrated with the garage's wood frame, it will provide resistance to racking. Commonly used in earthquake areas to strengthen large openings.

 

[Kevin54]

Is there any way to add to the house and increase that size. How big is your ot size? for a garage I would think that you would be able to go a little larger than that. For an older fullsize car, it would not much more than fit in, then you would have to crawl out of the windows to get out. LOL!!! For a detached you might be limited but if it is attached, maybe you can go larger.

 

[CREAKCHUB]

I want to thank everyone for their support and ideas. I don’t have to get exotic about my build after all. My new garage build starts Monday. It has taken a while to find the right contractor to get some strings pulled. I have gone from a 12’ X 20’single story restricted permit to a 22’ X 24’ garage with a full 10’ X 24’loft. Isn’t it amazing what the right contractor can do? I am having it built with an unfinished interior no insulation or drywall. I hope I’m not making the big I’ll finish it myself later because I want to save the extra eight grand mistake. Well At least I’ll be able to start working on my Vintage Chopper projects. They have been in basket crates for way to many years. I’ll finely be able to start showing pictures soon.

 

[JMURiz]

Awesome news, that's great stuff...it sure does pay to have someone that knows the rules, so they can pull some strings.

I have a neighbor that thinks he's only allowed to build a 16x20 garage on his lot (under 350 sq/ft) but I looked into the laws and you really can build up to 550 sq/ft, which is what I did, on a lot even smaller than his. It pays to read the zoning laws.

Anyway, again great work and can't wait to see the progress.

 

[Kevin54]

I have gone from a 12’ X 20’single story restricted permit to a 22’ X 24’ garage with a full 10’ X 24’loft.

Good deal. Now get the batteries charged up in the camera

 

[dcjredline]

Good deal. Now get the batteries charged up in the camera

I 2nd that!!