Hypothetical Question - Expand or Build New

[thebark]

When the POs built our house, they created an 18'x24' slab for the purpose of building a detached garage. We've been here almost 12 years and haven't been able to afford to doing anything with it. Now our financial situation has improved enough that it might be possible. However, I'd like something bigger than 18x24. Is it possible to expand the existing slab, or would we need to start from scratch? I'm just talking about the concrete / structural aspect. Logistically, I'm not sure which way to expand it. It's currently 11' from the property line on one side and I haven't checked the local codes to see how close it can be. Expanding the other side may involve relocating some underground lines. Expanding the back will involve relocating some fencing. I may just have to **** it up and build on what I've got... assuming I ever get around to it.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Would an open carport work for you?
Here is a round tuit for you.

 

[Daniel Dudley]

If I had that, I'd frame up something so fast your head would spin.

 

[Makoto]

most of the cost will go into the slab. i say frame up a good workshop with a nice tall ceiling and have fun.

 

[matt_i]

My thoughts are that if you want to build bigger you should probably tear that out. I think it would be tough to integrate the "curb" into a larger floor area.

If you want to try to frame right on that size I'd do a small test hole to see about the depth and possible subgrade prep to have the slab be suitable for the footing.

Best is to check HOA, building + zoning, etc to find out "what" you are allowed to build. That may help shape your thinking and planning.

 

[sleek98]

If the slab is there I would frame on it. The cost to go 5 foot bigger on either side would be huge. I would guess you could have the building up for pretty cheap if your doing the work yourself.

 

[lakeroadster]

Check with local zoning. If the slab and foundation wasn't done with permits you may not be able to use the existing setup at all.

18' x 24' is tiny. Do some soul searching now rather than regretting later.

 

[54stude]

An 18x24 space would make a nice one car garage for working on cars. Add leans on 2-3 sides for storage and parking. Plan these leans into the framing as you are framing.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Check the local regulations first..

 

[lakeroadster]

An 18x24 space would make a nice one car garage for working on cars. Add leans on 2-3 sides for storage and parking. Plan these leans into the framing as you are framing.

Doesn't look like a lean-to conducive area... pretty upscale looking homes.

 

[lostmind]

Doesn't look like a lean-to conducive area... pretty upscale looking homes.

Looks like the neighbor is putting up a pole barn , probably have lean to's ?

 

[Old Man Roger]

Loft.

 

[thebark]

Check with local zoning. If the slab and foundation wasn't done with permits you may not be able to use the existing setup at all.

18' x 24' is tiny. Do some soul searching now rather than regretting later.

Thanks, that's something that I hadn't thought of. It would be just my luck that they didn't build it to code. We've run into that before when we went to finish out the upstairs. Huge unfinished space, but it wasn't framed properly to accommodate finishing it out later.

 

[thebark]

Doesn't look like a lean-to conducive area... pretty upscale looking homes.

Looks like the neighbor is putting up a pole barn , probably have lean to's ?

LOL! That's actually... well, I was never sure what the poles were for. That is a deck next to an above ground swimming pool. I think he was going to do a pergola at some point, but they moved before it was finished. The current owners cut the poles to a more reasonable length.

And it's not THAT upscale. It's a nice neighborhood, but there is no HOA to worry about. Doing a lean-to would not be a problem. Another neighbor has done that exact thing and it looks nice.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Makoto]

Guys, if you're only comment is that someone should check their local regulations/gestapo-ruling you might just take a pass on adding that. Its a given.

 

[Old Man Roger]

It may be the picture, but it looks smaller than 18x24?

 

[JimVonBaden]

If I had that, I'd frame up something so fast your head would spin.

You can expand it if you like. Pour to the side whatever you can fit, and code allows, and have them tie the two slabs together. It is pretty simple, and often done. I had the same done on my garage.

 

[lakeroadster]

Guys, if you're only comment is that someone should check their local regulations/gestapo-ruling you might just take a pass on adding that. Its a given.

A given.... the OP didn't think of. So mentioning it helped the OP and that's what we're here for.

Check with local zoning. If the slab and foundation wasn't done with permits you may not be able to use the existing setup at all.

18' x 24' is tiny. Do some soul searching now rather than regretting later.

Thanks, that's something that I hadn't thought of. It would be just my luck that they didn't build it to code. We've run into that before when we went to finish out the upstairs. Huge unfinished space, but it wasn't framed properly to accommodate finishing it out later.

 

[cangusfarm]

Go for it I added an extra bay on my 2 car workout great.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk