Looking for ideas

[frank13]

Ok so I live in a row home in Pa.


Out back we have a useless piece of property behind our houses seperated by a common driveway.

its about 17wide by 25 deep.....


I am thinking dig it out. cinderblock wallto stop the dirt from the neighbors from falling in and to become the "garage" walls. 8 foot tall walls, and maybe a second story/loft for storage.

i need to store the race car and more storage. I need a place to store all my tools, and parts.

My basement/garage is being turned nto a family room, so all of our storage will be gone!

i need ideas. another idea is the driveway area behind the house, building a garage/extension on that with a deck on top from my kitchen


too many thoughts in the head

original plan was to finish the basement/garage into a retro garage with living quarters and back the car out if we need the space for company....



help me before i explode!

 

[elevator joe]

Can you add a knee wall with storage trusses so you can have storage for managable stuff upstairs and race cars below? just an idea.

 

[frank13]

if you are talking in the current basement/garage, the answer is no, the cieling is less than 7 foot

 

[frank13]

no ideas or advice?

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Would you be happy with changes, whatever they may be, when you are done? Sounds like you need more room for the family, have you considered selling and moving to a bigger place that suits the needs of all? How about renting/leasing an old shop in the area for garage and storage space until you have some firm plans in mind? Would your local government even permit any of the ideas you presently have in mind? Sometimes you have to find out what you are allowed to do; making the decision process more straightforward. Keep us posted.

 

[Raze]

make your first story at least 12' tall to leave room for a lift so you can store 2 cars in there, then build your 2nd floor above that

 

[jamesemery728]

Move.

 

[1320stang]

Build garage with 2nd story, extend 2nd story to house over driveway.

..Simple, no?.......

 

[NUTTSGT]

make your first story at least 12' tall to leave room for a lift so you can store 2 cars in there, then build your 2nd floor above that

That'd work for me.

 

[BWS]

Talkin with a contractor OR a building inspector usually yields,folks with an agenda....think about it(cont = $$$,in a promise you anything way....inspector=no hassle,easy inspect)

I'd be looking for someone(preferably a homeowner)in as close of proximity to your property as possible........who's "been through it".Ask what the problems were.What would they've done different type of questions.And "maybe" an older contractor,but finding one without a log sized chip on shoulder(not that I blame them) may prove tough?

And you might consider an architect.....they know how to circumvent ALOT of BS in these kinds of builds.So,it may seem like an unecessary expense....but may payoff in the longrun.BW

 

[red]

Check with zoning dept, may not be build-able as per restrictions on original deed. Usually part of the package of cluster building. Town allows more density (which saves the builder $$$$) in exchange for set asides. Would hate to see you invest time and money on something not allowed. Good Luck!