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waltmcq

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 22, 2006
Messages
252
Location
PT
nice idea.

I'm trying to buy a empty lot from my neighbor and to get around the requirement to have it be a resident I wanna build a 40x60 studio with big door in the end. The kitchen against the back wall with loft for the bath and sleeping area. All still looking like a house.
 

cheap bastard

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 3, 2006
Messages
614
I'm ready for that. No yard to maintain, club house so a guy can walk home after drinkin with his neibors thaat all do the same kind of stuff.
 

nolatoolguy

Banned
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
1,065
Location
Louisiana
Ausome, I could just imigane starting the tractor up at 430 to go to work with your wife up there getting nice wake up call
 

Jononon

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Joined
Nov 28, 2006
Messages
1,636
It's not often that the reason for the divorce and the solution to where to live after the divorce comes so handily packaged.

BTW: Anyone considering 'investing' should take a look at their rate of sales on the current phase, bearing in mind that the envelope appears to be complete :eek:
 

bigdav160

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,027
Location
Deep in the heart of Texas
We have Garage Oasis (use to be GarageTown) within walking distance of my home.

I can afford the initial purchase, but kind of choked on the monthly fees, and property taxes.

Then there is the covenants which don't allow welding or car building in the units. And get me started on their use of 3 phase power.
 

HOTFR8

Banned
Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Messages
24,498
Location
Castlemaine, Victoria. The Hot Rod Centre of Austr
I have been watching that post by HIRISC as I like the idea.
I wish I had seen something like that before I built my 60 x 30 foot shed/garage.

I have been looking to build an Eco house http://www.ecovill.com.au/
But now may look into build another shed/garage like these two -
quakers2.jpg

quaker_barn_1.jpg

All Steel and called a Quaker barn.
What I like is the upstairs area could be used for living.
quakersinside.jpg

and the dowstairs would have room for a vehicle as well as a toilet, shower etc. All I have to do is find out if the City Council will give me permission to build :headscrat given I already have a house and shed on my property.
 
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HIRISC

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Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
828
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Thanks guys, appreciate the nice comments.

It's a little toasty in there lately with temps in the 90's, but we roughed in a split A/C system when we built it and will be going forward with the install in a week or so. Mostly it's to knock down the temp upstairs and humidity throughout the place.

I can afford the initial purchase, but kind of choked on the monthly fees, and property taxes. Then there is the covenants which don't allow welding or car building in the units. And get me started on their use of 3 phase power.

Yeah, it's important to factor in the monthly costs (which I'm sure vary) if you're looking at this.. in our neck of the woods, heating over the winter is the one that gets your attention!

Regarding the car building or welding restrictions.. that's a FAIL. What's the point if you can't work on/build a car in your own space! :(
 

kside

New member
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2
Location
Spring, TX
We have Garage Oasis (use to be GarageTown) within walking distance of my home.

I can afford the initial purchase, but kind of choked on the monthly fees, and property taxes.

Then there is the covenants which don't allow welding or car building in the units. And get me started on their use of 3 phase power.

I am the owner/developer of Garage Oasis. Please contact me to discuss your concerns (281)658-7500. I have also sent you a private message. I look forward to hearing from you.
 

kside

New member
Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
2
Location
Spring, TX
Thanks guys, appreciate the nice comments.

It's a little toasty in there lately with temps in the 90's, but we roughed in a split A/C system when we built it and will be going forward with the install in a week or so. Mostly it's to knock down the temp upstairs and humidity throughout the place.



Yeah, it's important to factor in the monthly costs (which I'm sure vary) if you're looking at this.. in our neck of the woods, heating over the winter is the one that gets your attention!

Regarding the car building or welding restrictions.. that's a FAIL. What's the point if you can't work on/build a car in your own space! :(

As the owner of Garage Oasis I would like to clarify the restrictions. The present owners DO work on their cars. That is why each unit comes with a 100 amp breaker box that is wired to 1-220v and 6-110v electric outlets. They are also wired for telephone. Each is equipped with its own HVAC system and thermostat. Present owners have installed car lifts, mezzanines, compressors, work benches, welders, upgraded flooring etc. in order to work on their vehicles...Thanks for the opportunity to reply...By the way beautiful condo. Congrats!
 

kbs2244

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2006
Messages
14,065
In every big city I have been in I have seen commercial garage buildings with apartments above them.

I used to see country gas stations the same way.
The owners apartment above the service bays.

What is the difference?
 

CUSTOMMANCAVES.COM

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Messages
542
Location
Toms River, NJ
In every big city I have been in I have seen commercial garage buildings with apartments above them.

I used to see country gas stations the same way.
The owners apartment above the service bays.

What is the difference?

Difference is, although these units can cost as much as a house, you can't live in them. The mom/pop apartment over business that's popular in big cities isn't a "condo" and typically contains a seperate apartment on the 2nd floor.

That being said, there are many live/work projects abound. Many are sitting empty around these parts.
 

kbs2244

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 11, 2006
Messages
14,065
So you are talking about some kind of zoning technical point?

In those either of those buildings I doubt if it would make a difference if the people living above the garage were renters or owners of the building.
 

Stuart in MN

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Joined
Sep 8, 2005
Messages
22,975
Location
Minneapolis
It probably it has to do with zoning issues for new construction, the condominium association rules, and probably their insurance carrier as well - I imagine insurance would be a lot higher if people lived there.
 

HIRISC

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
828
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Stuart is correct. These units are zoned commercial and cannot be used as a residence. In addition, the association bylaws prohibit 'living' in them. Guys stay over I'm sure from time to time if they've worked too late and/or had a few too many 'drinks of lubrication', but it's not the norm at all. I doubt most owners have/will ever stay over night in their places even once.

As some has stated on the main thread, one could live in them, but if you were doing any major work - welding, painting, etc., you probably would have to have boxed in the mezzanine. Some guys have done that, and in those cases, the 'upstairs' feels exactly like a 800 square foot apartment

:beer:
 

Aquasition

New member
Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
3
Hi. I have called you several times and sent emails to the "contact us" on the website and no response so far. please check your messages and contact me. Are the 2 units in Bldg 600 still available? The website seems to not have been updated in a while. Thanks. Claudio
 

67-ls1

Active member
Joined
May 15, 2016
Messages
34
Location
Walnut Creek, CA
Be aware that if you purchase a garage condo for non-business use, liability insurance will be virtually impossible to obtain.
 

HIRISC

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Joined
Jun 9, 2006
Messages
828
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Be aware that if you purchase a garage condo for non-business use, liability insurance will be virtually impossible to obtain.

What do you base that on? Is that a Republik of California thing?

It's not my experience at all. In fact, maybe 10% of 160 units at AutoMotorplex are registered to 'businesses' - the rest are private (ie personal use) owners and everyone is required to have > $2M in liability insurance.

I know that AMFAM insures garage condo's (to individuals) as does Progressive and Chubb to name a few.

YMMV.
 

67-ls1

Active member
Joined
May 15, 2016
Messages
34
Location
Walnut Creek, CA
What do you base that on? Is that a Republik of California thing?

It's not my experience at all. In fact, maybe 10% of 160 units at AutoMotorplex are registered to 'businesses' - the rest are private (ie personal use) owners and everyone is required to have > $2M in liability insurance.

I know that AMFAM insures garage condo's (to individuals) as does Progressive and Chubb to name a few.

YMMV.
I do base this on experience but it also may be a California thing.
I have been trying without success to get a policy for a condo garage that I do NOT run a business out of. Everyone says get a business policy but the first thing they ask is how many employees, annual revenue, etc. Give them zeros and your done.
BTW, I did try Progressive and they said they did not have a product for my situation
 
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