Help Me Plan Out My Garage

[focusd313]

Hello All,

I'm a Michigan resident looking to make some changes to my garage, while maintaining a strict budget. My garage sits approximately 20 feet from my house (shown in the attachments).

Inner dimensions are 20'10" x 13'4"

I will store one vehicle, household power tools, basic lawn equipment (lawn mower, trimmers, edgers, etc...) . I plan on doing basic auto maintenance and some side projects in the garage when it's too messy for the basement.

What I need advice on:
There is a concrete slab to the north of the garage that is the entire length of the garage and approximately 6 ft wide. It's 3 1/2" thick.

I'd like to take advantage of this slab already being there, by either extending the garage, creating an addition for lawn equipment), or anything else that can give me more space and keep me under $1,000 (if that's possible).

 

[btdobie]

You could do a roof only over the slab and keep some things there protected from the rain at least. I'm no carpenter, but I can't think of anyway to extend a garage with a hip roof that doesn't involve completely replacing the roof and trusses.

As for the inside you could try a fold down work bench so you con stow it out of the way when you need the extra floor space.

 

[Homerr]

Adding on to what btdobie suggested - just outside he 6' edge of the existing slab add a series of four 4x4 posts on metal standoff column bases on concrete footings that go below the frost line. Run a 4x beam over top of these at a low plate height (5.5'?) projected down from the existing roof to keep that same roof pitch. Add on rafters and reuse the gutter along that run at the new roof edge. Sheath and tie in roofing to take care of the structural portion.

To enclose it put a p.t. plate down along the edge of the slab and build what is essentially a non-bearing stud wall on top of it (the posts will be just outside this wall).

I'm not sure how this ends up in your budget, but it'd be about the cheapest way to do it. It's not a 100 year solution but would get you by. Just try to manage the water and snow around the building edge by lowering the grade for a few few out from the slab edge.

 

[DetachedGarage]

Agreed with both btdobie and Homerr. I'd be worried you are going to end up spending more to try and work with what you've got vs a teardown. That other option would be the covered overhang.

Let us know what route you head down.

 

[bczygan]

Pulling permits?

Which AHJ?

Bill

 

[focusd313]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Agreed with both btdobie and Homerr. I'd be worried you are going to end up spending more to try and work with what you've got vs a teardown. That other option would be the covered overhang.

Let us know what route you head down.

I understand the complications of what I've said now, so what about a brother structure instead (think shed). I think I've seen it referred to as a "lean on" or something similar to that. Would that be a better option?

 

[Homerr]

If the lean-to on the garage with a low plate works as storage that could be okay cost-wise. Pricing it out is the only way to know. Then price that against a local shed manufacturer in your area.

 

[bczygan]

You're in Detroit?

 

[matt_i]

Can it be done, yes. If I understand correctly it would be extending the footprint back. That would mean projecting the rear roof-plane back also. Which could be framed without even tearing the other plane off totally.

I would recommend leaving the rear wall in-place if possible and cut a portal/door. You can use this wall to create a structural point so the existing ridge can be spliced via sistering.

As for the $1000 I can't say. It's always more than you want. Depends largely on your abilities as a framer, sider, and roofer.

 

[focusd313]

You're in Detroit?

Redford.

I've decided to just go with a shed. Thanks guys.

 

[bczygan]

Redford.

I've decided to just go with a shed. Thanks guys.

It's a lot easier to straighten out the garage. And you need to do it anyway.

Will your zoning allow a shed? Many places only allow one detached structure.

Bill

 

[ddurrett896]

Hello All,
What I need advice on:
There is a concrete slab to the north of the garage that is the entire length of the garage and approximately 6 ft wide. It's 3 1/2" thick.

This is fine for storage, but not for walls. You need a footer/thickened edge to support the walls.