Options for higher clearance

[banjo007]

Greetings,

I'm a new home owner, and naturally, new to this forum! I'm considering a number of options. I have a block garage 17' 8" x 21' x 7' height. Obviously 7' isn't enough. I'm considering,

Lifting the roof and adding lumber 19" for 8' 7" to fit an 8' garage door.
Lifting the roof and adding 6 course of block for 11', to fit a 10' garage door and a lift.

or

Scrap the existing roof, add 6 course of block for 11' and re-frame with a basic loft upstairs. It would be a steeper pitch then I have now. Obviously cost more but may be the best route considering my existing roof is traditionally framed with 2x6's for the rafters and 2x6's for the rafter ties. It's not leaking but isn't pretty.

Thoughts?

 

[CombatNinja]

If the roof is in bad shape, go with option #3. The beauty of a block building is that you can add height at will.

 

[HoosierMark]

I watched an old farmer slowly jack up a roof and add additional wall space like you are talking about to his block garage. I think all you need to do is formulate a plan as to what you want to do. I would go with six course of block. You may also want to incorporate some windows in the new height area. That would give you ventilation, light and openness at minimal cost of wall space.

 

[banjo007]

The roof isn't leaking but is 20-30 years old and considering a new roof is a sound investment in my property. Additionally, it will be far easier to lay the block without a roof hanging in the air above. I'm pricing a new roof and an attic roof now. If it's a reasonable 2-4k then I'll most likely take that route. Block surely is cheap!

 

[Gotcha640]

In stick built houses, and what I think you said you have, a "new roof" is just the shingles, tar paper, felt. No new wood. It's a good time to inspect the wood, but it's not just scrapped for the fun of it. You probably knew that.

The steeper pitch complete new roof might need/want a signed plan, unless you're the guy so far out of town you don't have building codes.

I know some of the nicer garage doors, with tracks and openers (can you safely do the springs your self?) are over $1200 installed. If you can reuse some of your existing lumber, do all the work your self, and you don't need to pay an engineer to plan the thing, 4k should be reasonable.

 

[rsanter]

I saw a project one time where they used a crane to lift the roof.
They had already reframed wall sections so while the roof was hanging by the crane they were able to put the wall sections in place and then they set the roof section back down.
Seemed to have worked out well and for someone with block construction it seems like an ideal option that would be faster than laying block

Bob