Above 1200 Sq/FT My “Ghetto Leno” garage build thread

[inphx]

Hi all, I have been a member of the group for about a year now. I get smarter from reading the boards, occasionally can help and sometimes reach out to the knowledge base for advice. Thanks!

I have been working on my new home/toy shop in getting ducks in a row, permits and now site preparations and I wanted to open a thread to share my experience and get advice/feedback on my build.

If there is one consistent message on the forum – bigger is better on a garage size. I currently have a 40x50, its full and some vehicles are outside at my current home. I am now going to build a 50 x100. It is maximizing available buildable space. I am going with a steel building shell and working to best blend it into neighborhood as well as matching the house. The site is under several overlays of restrictions for CCR, hillside and scenic corridor so there are aesthetic details to be concerned with which have influenced the placement and profile.

I called the thread “Ghetto Leno” because I can share Jay’s passion for toys but my scale is down a few decimal points. All my prized vehicle assets had modest price tags in acquisition. I have a backlog of project work due to “making hay while the sun shines” in my day job. The craftsmanship and techniques you all share is something I look forward to trying to apply.

I will post some catch up photos recording site prep over the holidays. Concrete pads are next.

 

[Boyd]

Wow! That's going to be an amazing home and shop! Can't wait to see the build progress. Good luck!

Btw, you can't mention "Leno" without posting some pics of your cars. Let's see 'em!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Looking forward to your pics..

 

[CodeRedZ]

wowza should be a great build

 

[LilRichard]

Wow... Can't wait to see this!

 

[JimVonBaden]

There is nothing "ghetto" about that design!

Jim

 

[941designs]

If that's "Ghetto Leno", then my place is "Frugal Foose"....

 

[bop_pa]

Leno would be proud.

 

[Tallted]

I do not think that word means what you think it does....
But nice looking house, can't wait to see it completed!

 

[ConCretin]

Very Cool Design. This is going to be a really good one.

 

[BHR4CE1]

Looking forward to watching your project.

 

[j p smith]

That's going to be pretty awesome H. Were you able to get in contact with the concrete guys? Jeff

 

[inphx]

Jeff, i did speak to the concrete guys you recommended. Thet are currently busy and the location across town for them makes it a "pass" on the opportunity. So i can stll use AZ concrete recommendations.

 

[inphx]

Here is a pic of the current site conditions - it has come quite some way to be shaped as it is. The rendering is somewhat accurate but does not catch the elevations well. The weather cooperated with clouds to match the rendering. This shot helps clarify - its a small 2 story home.. the lower 3 car garage makes it look more formidable.



I staked out the toy shop.. and i see i will need to decide how to deal with access for the centered door (without $$ for more retaining walls). I do have an option of moving door off center i guess. I am still undecided.

 

[Bib Overalls]

You can off set the door but if it is not what you really want you most likely won't be happy with the result.

I like the arched roofs on the main house. Would look good on the "Little Dog Garage" building as well.

 

[motofool33]

looks like a beautiful build, subscribed for updates

 

[memphisnate]

Looking forward to watching this build through its stages

 

[ChevyEFI]

I like it; the rendering inspires a few thoughts outside of your plan.
How low is the lower, and is there any flood concern near you?

 

[ufvj217]

Looks like a cool build. Subscribed

 

[Krokodil]

Subscribed to this one!

 

[bidouchon]

post for following

 

[Boosted1]

Very nice plans.
Will it have only 1 garage door?
Have you considered a taller garage door for access of larger vehicle?

 

[inphx]

Thanks all,

No flood concerns. But i do need to get drainage right which is my current challenge on cutting the drive to the accessory building. At far pad edges elevations drop and there is a wash down below i need to divert water flow in to. Designs looked good on paper but there is some contour variations in the actual conditions.

Accessory garage will have a 16' x 10' garage door. Currently one at each end. The far end has no real use except ventilation/view. I am shoe horned into what is known as "Natural And Open Space" (NAOS) where i can not disturb or alter portions of the lot set aside. So that back end garage door is something i am reconsidering.

 

[j p smith]

inphx. H, I sent you another name & number to your email. Later, Jeff

 

[dubber]

Great thread title, although i'm not sure ghetto would apply to what your building

 

[inphx]

I did some more site work. I had an earlier thread where I made use of a water spirit level ( http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218787 ) . I'm sure that process works but the immediacy of a laser level is pretty cool. I bought on ebay a Trimble LL300 and it worked out great.



On the accessory building pad the Grading and Drainage did not call out for any retaining wall but reality is it seems it does. The soil is granite and hard dig but im sure if wet it would erode over time.



So my choice is to do nothing on the retaining wall ( to plan), do something less than 3 feet tall so no permit - as block wall or prefab retaining wall. I like the www.redi-rock.com solution but its not dramatically cheaper for block materials delivered (still needing assembly/stacking) versus turn key built on site with block.

That side of the building aganst the hill wont get much use, What is a minimum 3,4 feet for an alley? or 7 feet in case you need to sneak a vehicle in there? I guess a concrete truck is 8'6" ... but after build this space is not going to be used - so i am inclined to be around 4 feet padding achieving excess of 20' setback. I would really prefer to have the open space on the other side of the building.

 

[JimVonBaden]

If you are going 3' or less, this is a very reasonable retaining wall:

36' at 2.5 feet high ran us less than $500 for materials.

 

[marty_p]

You'll love the room, and I love your view!

Keep us posted, boss!

 

[inphx]

I have read many of the Porcelain tile threads and it seems to be my selection, with 3200 sq feet i am condidering larger than 12 x 12" tiles. I like the rectangular looking tiles. The city is relentless in requiring a "slope" on the pad and the "slope" needs to be indicated on plan but as far as i can find "slope" is a specification without a definative % specification.

So if you were specifying surface finish of the concretre expecting to lay tile what do you ask for? Brush finish or polish finish?

BTW i currently used rustoleum home depot epoxy in baby blue on 2K sq ft and other than dulling of surface it has held up just fine in 15 years of my use. I just like the color brightness of near white and the abilty to DIY for porcelain. Also teh ablty to repace one off's if damaged.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Brush finish will give more bite and is cheaper.

 

[metalhead140]

Nice plans. That will be an awesome (and huuuge) garage space when you are done!

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Subbed.Sweet..... Been Jonesing to move out that way. Appache Junction maybe.

 

[DrBaker]

Any pics of the cars? Love the plan.

 

[rmckee]

Any pics of the cars? Love the plan.

Ditto!

 

[inphx]

I need to apologize to all for falling off radar. A letter received dampened my desire to share the project unfolding in a public forum. It was a slow build since i worked on the project every weekend but the final step is a city certificate of occupancy. I am so happy with results and will catch up soon.

 

[4*4]

Great to hear! Look forward to reading. Sometimes the internet is good and bad!

 

[dubber]

Definitely looking forward to seeing your project.

Side note: My wife was in your area for work last week, crazy temps from what she was saying. Warmest it has been in near 60 years.

 

[OzarkMan]

Thanks for checking in!

 

[Growlertdi]

Following. looked like a great plan.. time to see how it turned out.

 

[wingnutthehutt]

Leno? Looks more like Tony Stark! Love the modern design aesthetic. Thanks for checking back in and can't wait to see the finished product!