I have no idea

[Bill LeMieux]

That beautiful car parked in front of my door IS part of the reason I want a garage. (Mississippi doesn't have front tags) I awoke a few weeks ago to a beer bottle sitting in my back seat. It got there via the rear window. THROUGH the rear window! I have no proof of who did this to Olivia (my 1988 Oldsmobile lovingly named by my daughter) but the party that lasted 'till 3am next door points in that direction. 4 of their cars were not touched. And being as old as she is she's always needing something done to keep her on the road. She get's me to work every day and to Wisconsin twice a year to see family. She may not be much to anyone else but she's everything to me.

I also want this garage/workshop because I want to build an ultralight airplane, from a kit, that has folding wings. It can be built then trailered in and out of the garage for storage. Maybe I should call it "the hanger" instead. I'm also a musician of sorts and could use it for getting some friends together for a barbeque and music.

Using the 12/2 method I calculate that I would have 5.75 feet of headroom at the far end of the hanger. The bottom of the soffet is 101". 16'x2"=32". 101"-32"=69"/12"=5.75'. The garage door would have to be located at the house end of the hanger instead. 12 feet out from the wall the roof dropped 24". That's 6.4'. Hmmm. I'll just saw the top of the door at an angle to accomodate!

There is no way to put a door from the residence to the garage. The entire wall is taken up with the bathroom and kitchen stuff. Don't forget, it's an efficiency. And I believe that all the electrical has been upgraded already. I've been in the attic and have done miner stuff with outlets. There is a ground fault interupter in the bathroom. I think I am good there. The ideas coming from y'all and great things to think and about be concerned about.

This may all be a pipe drem and never happen, then again it might. I have a feeling that Landlord Bob is always too busy to come over for a chat so maybe I'll just email him the info. That is, if I can figure out how to get the CAD drawing off my computer and into an email. Thanks again for your thoughts...

 

[captain14]

Why not try your building skills by building a small shed ie 6 x 6, 8 x 8? This will give you experience and enough time to complete by yourself before the weather changes. Kits are available for this size. Start small, gain confidence , complete the trim. You will be tired at the end of the work day but proud of the completed project.

 

[signcrafter]

Bill, I don't think anyone including myself didn't mean good in our posts. I don't have a "man cave" by any means and there are lots of folks on here with amazing knowledge in just about any area you can think off. We are all willing to help and give advice as we can, this forum is great for that. My post above and other's posts were just voicing a valid concern. If this was your property I would say go for it and learn as you, that's the kind of person I am also. I just don't like to learn on other people's property. If something goes wrong or isn't built right the landlord will come after you. Also if you start opening things up and run into problems or other things that need to be fixed(which is almost a guarantee in an older house) then you have to go ask the landlord for more money. Or worse if you start and get into something you can't do you have to go tell the landlord he has to hire someone to finish the job, won't go over to good. These are just some concerns that come to mind. I've done my share of construction and even having some decent knowledge I run into unexpected problems all the time.

What you want to do can have some challenges. Tying into the existing wall making sure it can support the new load. The roofing being such a low pitch. And some others. I'm not saying it can't be done and as I said in my first post I'm not trying to be negative. I'm just trying to help you see the whole picture and that this project will be like trying to climb up a huge mountain if you have zero experience like you said.

Take a trip down to your local library and see what books they have on building. That would be a good start. Then take you plans to the local building codes office and have a talk with the inspector. Hopefully he is a decent guy and will work with you and can help you out with some details. Some can be nice and some can be real jerks and won't give any advice at all. If you have specific questions I'm sure you will receive great advice on this forum and members including myself will be more than happy to help out where we can. I just like to keep things real and look at it from all angles and think about all problems that might be run into. I do wish you the best of luck and hope your dream can come true.

 

[LB-1911]

There is no way to put a door from the residence to the garage. The entire wall is taken up with the bathroom and kitchen stuff.

A couple of questions that need to be answered sooner than later;

Are you on city sewer or is there a septic system on site?
Any idea where your water supply line and sewage waste lines are?

The answers are going to have a direct impact on your project.

 

[Sureshot]

Hire out the concrete work after some drawings are worked up.

I think the concrete would be the easiest part of this DIY project from a tool and tech perspective. Lots of physical work though.

 

[ChevyEFI]

looks like a 4 hip roof.

might consider the addition roof to mimic something like this:

http://chestofbooks.com/architectur...g-how-a-Plan-of-a-Roof-can-be-used-in-Con.jpg
good luck

I was thinking something simple, like this.
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z366/william424/paint_zps68604590.jpg

Just a thought, Bill. The suggested addition to a 4 hip roof is going to be a whole lot better at runoff and leaves not collecting.

Here's why I took note of this in particular: I just yesterday trimmed trees at a property south of me. Two are right next to the east end of the roof. There is an attached carport and shed so the roof is continuous, but flattens out over the shed. What will happen? Eventually the collection of leaves and berries will keep accumulating, hold water and lead to the early demise of the roof.

Plus the suggested roofline looks good.

Happy building. It's good to see you wade through suggestions and continue planning.

 

[nolimits76]

Wow, nice gutters.

Great point about the utilities. The first step prior to starting any project is figuring out where the existing utilities are located. Around here, we have a FREE locate service. All you have to do is call and within 48 hours they will come mark all the lines. Different colors for different services (orange=communications, yellow=gas, blue=water, etc).

You obviously don't want to build on top of lines (or easements!). Not to mention the cost associated with trashing one of their lines, or damage it may cause to you or others (think exploded gas line ).

 

[Glenn M.]

Just wondering where the rain water goes that comes off the front of your efficiency - toward the street, or around the corner and toward the rear, or to the side, or ?
It might be a small consideration when you add roof area.

 

[Bill LeMieux]

Well Landlord Bob came over tonight and put the cabosh on my idea. BUT, he IS willing to accomodate me with a carport and a shop. There's a guy down the highway that sells such things. He told me to gather the information and get back to him with it. He even said that by doing it this way I could hook up a washer and dryer in the shop. If y'all let me stay on this site I'd be happy to start a new thread and tell you all about it and get some input on more things. I had a good time even though my plan didn't work out. It kept my brain working though and I think I'm a little wiser for it.

So should I start a new thread on the carport and shop or is that boring stuff?

 

[LB-1911]

Well Landlord Bob came over tonight and put the cabosh on my idea. BUT, he IS willing to accomodate me with a carport and a shop. There's a guy down the highway that sells such things. He told me to gather the information and get back to him with it. He even said that by doing it this way I could hook up a washer and dryer in the shop.

A couple of questions that need to be answered are;

Are you on city sewer or is there a septic system on site?
Any idea where your water supply line and sewage waste lines are?

The answers are going to have a direct impact on your project.

 

[Craptain]

Well Landlord Bob came over tonight and put the cabosh on my idea. BUT, he IS willing to accomodate me with a carport and a shop. There's a guy down the highway that sells such things. He told me to gather the information and get back to him with it. He even said that by doing it this way I could hook up a washer and dryer in the shop. If y'all let me stay on this site I'd be happy to start a new thread and tell you all about it and get some input on more things. I had a good time even though my plan didn't work out. It kept my brain working though and I think I'm a little wiser for it.

So should I start a new thread on the carport and shop or is that boring stuff?

Bill, It is all good stuff for a thread. You don't have to ask. In fact there have been a few lurkers who show up occasionally that have contributed less than you in several years. At least you got people talking. I am still a noob myself but keep posting.

From the picture of your place his idea is a lot more in proportion, and probably a whole lot easier. A lot will depend on how big the shop will be and what you hope to do in it.

 

[larry_g]

Most definately hang around and regale us with your build. I think all are welcome here as long as they share forward motion and contribute to the forum.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Carsandtools]

If your landlord is paying for the material and you want to provide the labor, I say go for it. You have never built anything but now you will get your chance. People learn by doing and by not being afraid to ask questions and learn from others.
As long as the landlord doesn't expect perfection and you are not charging him for the work, I don't see any legal problem. I am a licensed builder in Michigan. In my state, the property owner is responsible for construction on their property. If they hire a licensed builder, then the builder is responsible for workmanship, code compliance and liability to his workers. If the homeowner builds does his own construction or hires a nonlicensed builder, then he takes the risk. There are few absolutes and every situation is different with certain exceptions and caveats.

I read most but not all of your posting and I would offer a few pieces of advice.


1. Let the landlord pull the permit for the work.
2. Get his agreement in writing that you are not a professional builder and that you are merely helping him, you are not the general contractor and you will not receive cash payment for this work.
3. Every structure needs a proper footing and a proper foundation. Don't even think of building a residential structure without this.
4. Sketch up a plan along with a material list and work from the plan as much as possible. Your local building authority will want a plan filed along with the permit application.
5. Get some good construction manuals and learn the basics of construction safety procedures, foundations and framing.
6. Get some help lined up. If you know anyone with building experience, let them teach you along the way. You will need help to raise walls, to set rafters and to sheath the roof.
7. Set aside plenty of time and keep the momentum going so you will finish the project.
8. Get a copy of your local building code. Then read and understand it before starting.
9. It does not take a lot tools to do basic construction. Keep this in mind when you buy your tools.

Buy high quality tools and take care of them. You will need a framing square, 4' level, torpedo level, framing hammer, chalk box, plumb bob, crow bar, 8" circular saw, electric drill and 12 gauge extension cord, tool pouch and utility knife. Start with electric power tools instead of battery powered. Don't buy air nailers or other specialized tools because they are completely unnecessary unless you do a lot of building. You will learn more if you drive nails by hand. Nail your shingles by hand. Keep us posted.

If you live in an area where building codes are not strictly enforced, build to the code anyway because you don't want to be in a situation where you will have to take the structure down and start over.

 

[Sureshot]

Ya stick around even though I think you **** because you can have a washing machine outside

Not happening here. 46F is the forecast for tonight. Momma is already grumping about winter. May 12th was out last freezing day here.