Planning: Help me decide how/where to build

[JSGAuto]

Hi Everyone,

I am in the early stages of garage design. I'd like to expand my garage situation. But, it's difficult....

I like in a 80's contemporary "shed" style house. Something like seen below. (not posting my own pictures at this point).

-The current 2 car is at a 90 degree angle to the rest of the house. (as shown)
-The roof line (same as shown over the garage) does not lend itself to just adding a bay (or 2).
-A future lift would be nice...again, roof line....

So my options:
1-Change roof line? Sounds expensive....
2-Go deeper? Possible, there is space back there, but it is really nicely landcaped, koi pond, ect.....hate to destroy that.
3- Build second garage off the other side of house? No, Property line issues.
4-Build in front? That would block the front of the house.
5-build separate structure elsewhere on property? (Possible, but that would start another discussion on placement, and probably cost a lot more...power, ect)

Ideas? Help me talk this out.

Thanks!

 

[72Anthony]

Could you extend part of the garage roof to line up with the slope of the house? This may give you enough height for a lift.

Depending on your property line and setbacks that would allow you to extend the garage to the left.

Sorry for the crappy markup, I'm using the stylus on my phone.

 

[billconner]

Based on your description and looking at photo of a house, no 2 seems to least mess up appearance of house

Otherwise no. 5.

1, 3 and 4 would mess up the house design too much for me.

 

[kwb]

Looks like you have room to push the garage door out to point of doubling the size and make the front door part of a "courtyard" If the driveway wouldn't work switch the door into the eve edge.

 

[CraigStu]

I like both posts above w/ 72Anthony giving you the lift height. But I don't know about adding a second roof 5ft(?) above the existing roof and whether there is adequate support for both roofs. I also like kwb's idea but it gives you a floor plan increase w/ no additional height. I had been thinking move the koi and build on the back but that also gives you no height. To be more helpful we need a pic and lot plan of your actual house.

 

[reader2580]

The OP stated the house pictured is not his actual house so the suggested changes may not work on his actual house.

 

[JSGAuto]

Thank you for the comments. It looks like everyone is coming in at similar conclusions.

Raising the roof to meet the other is an interesting idea, but it's not a huge difference, maybe 2'.

I guess the real decesion maker here is the lift. If I really want one, I should be looking at a separate building.

 

[pembol]

If you are enthusiastic about the design of your current home, consider hiring an architect to help figure our how to integrate an expanded garage. It will cost a few thousand dollars (minimum) but can make a huge difference in the finished product, making it look like an intentional part of the house, and not a tuff shed duct taped to the back.

There are some great examples of really functional garages in the gallery, but there are also a lot of examples of projects which would have really benefited from an architect - where proportions, architectural style and flow seem to have been overlooked. There is a tendency for builders and owners to think they have the skills to figure out these design details, but the garage gallery would suggest that this is not always the case.

 

[JSGAuto]

If you are enthusiastic about the design of your current home, consider hiring an architect to help figure our how to integrate an expanded garage. It will cost a few thousand dollars (minimum) but can make a huge difference in the finished product, making it look like an intentional part of the house, and not a tuff shed duct taped to the back.

There are some great examples of really functional garages in the gallery, but there are also a lot of examples of projects which would have really benefited from an architect - where proportions, architectural style and flow seem to have been overlooked. There is a tendency for builders and owners to think they have the skills to figure out these design details, but the garage gallery would suggest that this is not always the case.

That's a great point, thank you. While I am not in love with this house design (it was a great price and location), I don't want to make it worse. I have also seen some additions that just don't work (here and around town).

Maybe an excuse to track down an old friend that's an Arc-y for some side work.

 

[NUTTSGT]

If you have lot size and room to spare, I would probably go the route of detached garage rather than adding to the current house.

Those houses have a distinct style and will look odd if the addition isn't done right.

 

[HoosierMark]

Consider a separate building of similar design. Design it with guest suite or for rv or boat storage. It will increase the value at resale more if it is multiple use. Even if you don’t finish some things. You can frame it for a 9 foot door but have contractor frame above to switch to taller door if use changes.