Need some advise for new garage

[APLawson]

Hello to all,
New to this forum. I am on the 10 year plan for my garage and as it stands now I have 24w x 12d footers for a 40w x 30 deep garage in the ground. First run of block are in and level. My plans are in my head and Im having problems conveying them to my mason. I thought about getting a GC to handle the build but have no idea how to go about it. I am knowledgeable about construction but it will take me years to complete as I work full time +. My garage will be 2 levels with a gambrel roof and the 2nd floor entirely in the gambrel. Half of the bottom of the building will be underground and house a storm shelter. Are there any good free websites that I can draw plans and get elevation drawings?

 

[CraigStu]

You mention storm shelter so I would look at whatever federal agency has info on them as a start.

 

[BB Sig]

fema-p-320-building-safe-room

 

[3onthetree]

Start with pencil and graph paper. It doesn't matter how pretty it is, just that you are communicating the important information. The worst project for both an owner and a contractor is one where the owner "points his finger" about how he wants it done. It will always end in disaster for one of them.

If you decide you have the time to learn how to use a software program, I would suggest the free version of Google Sketchup. But no program draws it for you, and it will not "generate" elevations or details. Those are created by you, a software program is just a tool to create drawings via computer rather than by hand.

If you are doing a storm shelter, FEMA issues construction details as linked above ^^. Here is the direct link to the *.pdf of drawings
FEMA P-320

 

[dcg9381]

There are various softwares for elevations. Simple pre-fab buildings you can find on sites like Mueller.com, but if you're doing *anything* site specific, you're probably better off with a hand-drawing. If you can read a drawing, you're probably capable of drawing one..

If you want it converted, search craigslist or your local community college that has a drafting/CAD program and have it converted to scale...

Are you doing steel or stick and brick? If you're buying a "kit" - they should come with plans that you can get..

 

[iowa4x4dieselman]

As stated, a free option is sketchup. If you have a local lumberyard in mind, it might be worth a call to see what they would charge to draft one up. With that they could provide material lists also.