Newbie post/Mancave Opinions

[n2omichael]

Not sure if this is the right forum? If not, I apologize!

After 50+ years of sitting 200ft from the water we have decided to move our small cottage to the waters edge. The cottage currently sits on "footings" about 18" deep around the perimeter [24ft by 36ft]

I am thinking after the cottage is moved I will use the existing perimeter as "forms" and pour a concrete floor and build a garage with a loft/games room

I would LOVE pics, opinions, links, etc from anyone who has done something similiar. The garage wont be big enough to hold my boat, but, there will be a boathouse "down the road" sometime for that [I am puttering away on this with the plan to retire there eventually]

I was thinking of building a "games room" in the loft, or maybe a guest suite, but, open to suggestions and idea's.

I am looking at pre fab buildings, building myself, or a combination, right now its in the "planning" stage, cottage should be moved by summers end, the land is there, the permits are in place, just looking for some good ideas, thats why I am here [-:

Any input is appreciated!! If you would rather send Emails feel free!

Thanks guys!!!

Michael

 

[trbomax]

You do not say where you are but generally speaking, building or digging in any way close to water requires a bunch of time consuming,expensive, and frustrateing permits.In Mi you cant even cut a tree down or change any grade within 100' of water without the dnr,deq.health dept,on and on. be carefull what you start because it could get very expensive if you do it wrong.

 

[n2omichael]

You do not say where you are but generally speaking, building or digging in any way close to water requires a bunch of time consuming,expensive, and frustrateing permits.In Mi you cant even cut a tree down or change any grade within 100' of water without the dnr,deq.health dept,on and on. be carefull what you start because it could get very expensive if you do it wrong.

We are "Grandfathered" in, any "new" building must be at least 100 Feet from the water, we are allowed to be 65FT, and are going to be around 70ft just to be safe [Plan to build a couple of nice decks and walkways as a "bridge" to the shore. You ARE right about permits, we had to have the septic completely redone, soil tests, etc, etc, etc.

The existing cottage is about 250 feet from the water [at least] and that is where the garage will be. Its plenty far enough from the water. The only "issue" is "up here" there is a limit as to how much structure you can have vs the size of your property [we are on about 1 1/2 acre] Thats why I am not building a 200ftx400ft garage with an attached 1200sq ft house, LOL

The one thing they are REALLY sticky about is work IN the water, a few years ago I wanted to Dredge some silt out of the water for a boat launch, I eventually DID get a permit, but, MY GOODNESS! I have seem international oil embargo's that required less paperwork! LOL

PS: I am on "Wolfe Island" near Kingston, Ontario, just North Of Cape Vincent, NY, heart of the 1000 Islands

 

[akdiesel]

This sounds like a very nice place you have.
I am not familiar with Canadian codes or how level your property is compared to the open water, but if you have not already planned for it build the shop pad as high as you can. Not sure if a french drain would do much good but it may help to redirect any run off water from building on the pad itself.
As for the boat, a pole barn on the side of the shop would be great for UV and what not coverage and then you could close it in with a canvas to help cover it up more if needed.
For the inside include a floor drain and tie unto the french drain.
Run power from the shop to the pad for lighting and power.
One other item not for shop but for the truck. Install a front hitch to maneuver the boat to the launch or park at the shop. I have one on front and it makes things so much easier to position trailers.

 

[n2omichael]

Great Idea's

The cottage sits on an Island thats roughly 21 miles by 7 miles, other than cottages, its mainly large dairy farms, although they ARE very sticky about work being done in or near the "water" Generally, outbuildings are pretty lax when it comes to permits and stuff, farmers are constantly building, re building or moving buildings, so, unless you do something that affects your neighbours or is a complete eyesore they are pretty easy going

Great idea about the "boat port" eventually there will be a boathouse for the boat, but, it might be a good place for the trailer, those darn things are ALWAYS in the way and they take up SO much space to sit inside, so, a boat port might work for the boat when its out of the water and the trailer when it is, Thanks!

The existing building is being moved, however, since there is already power, water, and a septic on site, I will be able to tie into the existing power, water and septic for the garage/loft.

What I am looking for now, is pics and idea's for the garage and loft, I really dont want to have a loft with the usual "pool table in the middle" and a few chairs and a makeshift bar/TV. I cant afford a "Taj Mahal" thats 7000 Sq Ft and a garage with parking for 40 cars, but, I would just like to see/use some original idea's for a "cool" mancave

The garage will have 2 or 3 doors, and I plan to put toolboxes and benches around the perimeter to allow car parking in the middle.

Thanks for the input! Look forward to more of it