Suggestions Needed!! Proposed 30x40 Garage Addition

[walker450]

Hi all. First off, I will not start on any new garage project for at least one year, and most likely two years. I like to really have things planned out and I want to pay cash for everything I can.

I would like this thread to be a discussion on my idea: to highlight the good, the bad, and everything I haven't thought about. My goals are to add storage space for toys, vehicles, and junk; to add value to my home and property; to accent the house and property; and make it look more appealing, etc.

First off, we have lived here for 3 years now, and I haven't done a lot to the place yet, but I have plans for it. There is an attached 2 car garage, but I want to build a 30x40 about 8'-10' away from it. I want the roof lines to line up (see 3d model), and a breezeway between the existing house/garage and proposed 30x40. To complicate things, the 30x40 will be below the grade of the existing garage by about 58". This will allow minimal dirt work and taller walls, while keeping close roof lines.

Additionally, I want a lean-to type room on the back to serve as storage for stuff, aka "junk". Most importantly, I want a Man-Cave loft covering about 2/3rds of it. This will leave room for one large bay and room for a lift in the future. The two bays under the loft will have 8' ceilings to allow room for the loft.

Anyways... I'll get to the pics and 3d mock-up:

My Chow was just begging to be photographed...

 

[walker450]

I made this 3d mock up quite fast, I plan on starting again from scratch with more accurate measurements. I will post up screenshots when I get the better models completed.

 

[ebstein]

Nice drawings...buit if it's only going to be 8-10' away from the existing garage, I don't think I'd hassle with the footings for a breezeway..can you just build your building on a slab?

 

[PurdueSD]

If it was me I'd build a detached if you can. Flip the building 90 degrees so that you drive straight in from the end of your driveway. It will save you quite a bit of time and money. Also, if you do any fab work in there and the unthinkable happens, you dont end up burning your house down too.

 

[walker450]

Fire is something I have thought, and that was the main reason for a detached. It could work both ways too. The house could burn down my lovely shop... That would be most tragic.

I'll post up some pics of a detached setup. If I turn it 90*, then I will have to move it further from the house to allow for elevation change.

 

[walker450]

This one has metal siding with bricks around the bottom. If it detached I'm not too worried about bricking the whole thing and putting shingles on.

 

[PurdueSD]

looks kinda similar to mine. See my build thread in my sig. if you want some more pics...

 

[larry_g]

I think you have a perty good plan there. Me personally I would eliminate the 16' wide door under the mancave, and make it a 8-10' wide. You are going to want storage and workbenches, fab tables etc. I reason why put them in front of a overhead door, you loose wall and ceiling height. Just thinking outloud.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[mmhouse]

Have you considered putting some skylights or shed dormers in the roof to get natural light into the upstairs/high bay areas?

 

[walker450]

I am still undecided on windows, but will most likely just put a few of them in.