My garage build - project: "make it usable"

[Cebby]

Help me decide which direction to go.

I've got a 21' x 21' two story all block garage, circa 1950's that is in need of some TLC. The roof is shot, the previous owner moved the steps to the 2nd floor - previously outside - to the inside and cut a load bearing beam which is now suported with house jacks. The two narrow garage doors make swinging anything sizable into the garage a challenge due to the narrow alley it opens to. My lot is 50' wide, this 21' (22'6 or so outside dim) is setback maybe a foot or so from the lot line on one side.

Plans:
I need a number of things to change to make this garage more user friendly for me.

• More length - I'd like to expand the length (depth) to roughly 32' or so long.
• One wide garage door - I'd like to install one 12' - 16' door instead of the two single 8's.
• More height - I'd really like to have a lift, the 8' ceiling won't cut it, so I'd like to either remove the 2nd Floor altogether, or lift the roof and second floor level to give me about 14' of height in the garage. This will require some demo on the 2nd floor since it is 90% done to be a large office space and has a bathroom framed (not plumbed though).
• Slab - is currently sloped pretty severely to floor drains and also cracked. I'd like to figure a way to smooth it out and eliminate the drains. I don't wash anything in there.
• Unheated - kerosene hot dog heats the space in winter. We all know this is less than ideal - especially when woodworking (open flame and all)

Unrelated to the garage, but notable - I plan to pave the area next to the garage for parking/hoops for the kids. This will be roughly 27'x 38'.

So, what makes more sense (I've yet to run the numbers on each):

Make all the changes to the existing block garage?

OR

Knock this building down and start from scratch and build it the way I want it?

I'll post up pics of it's current sad condition in the next day or two.

 

[Cebby]

Reserved...

 

[Bib Overalls]

A block building, particularly one that is used intermittently, is going to be hard (and expensive) to heat in the wintertime. When all is said and done, it may be better, but not necessarily cheaper, to start over and build what you want.

 

[hidollartoys]

Tear it down and stsrt over. Your wish list is to extensive to allow for a quality finished project. Just my contractor opinion.

 

[Kevin54]

Add to it. It gives you a good sturdy basic structure to start with. You can insulate with foam panels outside, fir the outside, and add siding. Inside you can add 2x studs and do conventional insulation. Concrete walls are more theft deterrent, it will stay cooler in the summer, and properly insulated, easy to heat in the winter. Tear part of the second floor out to make room for a lift and use the rest for storage. With a concrete saw, you can put openings where you need them. Tear downs can be expensive with the cost of equipment and the cost of disposal. Builds are expensive. But you already have a footprint of what you need, it's just that it isn't quite to size. But then again, funds are the huge difference. If it is not what you want, and you have the funds for new, then go for it. Nothing worse than trying to save a buck here and there, only to look back and say..."if I had done this a little differently, and done that instead", and regret it all the time you have it.

 

[JMURiz]

Pics will be nice to see.
I'd probably just add another bay onto the side of it with a high ceiling for a lift, but pics are needed.

I'd probably move the stairs back out-side to help with the interior space as well.

 

[woodbutcher]

i think demo is the best way, start fresh imo workin with what you have *****, do it the way you want. aslong as you can afford it, if you cant hack away, keeps the inspectors busy lol