The Great Garage Surprise!!

[jack anderson]

I was recently given an incredible surprise by my wife. While I was away with my students competing at the 2011 Future Problem Solving Competition in LaCrosse Wisconsin my wife arranged for CB builders to construct a 30 X 28' Pole Garage. She picked me up at the airport on my return she announced that she had an early birthday present for me. As we approached the top of our driveway nestled in the mountains of Central Pa stood this wonderful structure.

And now that I have this building I will be attempting to build the interior. I am hoping to call on those of you who might be willing to share their garage wisdom.. there must be a term for this like garagedom? Anyway the first concern is deciding on the amount of utilities I might consider. I am presently going with a 3" electrical conduit.. The building is 130' from the house and digging a 3' trench for water in rocky soil might be too much.. Anyway before poring the concrete floor what are some concerns or preparations that I should plan on?

 

[JeremyManning]

Welcome aboard, I like this build it gave me lots of good ideas http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49785

Think about drainage if you plan on washing things inside, rough in a bathroom, and I see a lot of people putting in lifts may want to consider that before pouring the floor.

 

[jack anderson]

Thanks Jeremy,

I have a drainage trench dug for a center drain thus far.. and I dug an electrical conduit tench.. but for the water I would need to dig 3' to the house and I'm not sure about this idea..

Jack

 

[Plombob]

Welcome to the board. You're wife's a keeper!

 

[jack anderson]

10-4 on that I am very lucky and excited to begin the interior work on this 30' X 28' 8/12 pitch with attic trusses... Thanks for your response

 

[nate379]

Do you not plan to use the water in teh winter? Only 3ft deep? Most cold areas you need to get down 5-6 feet... or like here at least 10ft.

 

[930dreamer]

What a great surprise and a great wife. Please post some pics of the pole barn.

 

[JC23]

Include a pic of the gift-giver with that garage!

 

[RAYJAY]

Include a pic of the gift-giver with that garage!

x2 here pictures or it didn't happen ............

 

[ZipSnipe]

Your wife rules!!!!!!!

 

[jack anderson]

I have been having trouble downloading pictures but I will try again.

 

[jack anderson]

My wife is amazing.. She has been going through chemotherapy, 3 more to go. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in January and has been able to rebound after each treatment. I have been by her side through the whole process and when I asked her why she spent all this money to surprise me with a garage, she replied "because you were always there when I needed you"... Life is short take the time to feel each sunrise and share the love...

 

[jack anderson]

Still debating this concept....

 

[jack anderson]

Ok I have tried to send pictures in an attachment will try again

 

[jack anderson]

Ok I'll try to send pictures still having download issues

 

[jack anderson]

pictures

 

[jack anderson]

One more time attempting pictures

 

[jack anderson]

Ok I guess you can only upload one picture at a time check my newly created album..

 

[jack anderson]

Check out my album ay newly created albums in social groups

 

[tomd]

WOW, you are very lucky!

 

[Wingnut65]

Congrats. She's a keeper.

Prayers for her recovery.

 

[jack anderson]

Thanks Jeff,
WE have been approaching life one day at a time... I am truly impressed with the interaction and support I have experienced with folks at this website...

 

[Neuswede]

Hello Jack: great surprise but an even better gift is having a great partner. Looks like we may also be distant neighbors; I'm in Lebanon County and getting ready to excavate on Friday AM.

For the slab, your future uses will kinda dictate what you need. Heavy stuff, 2 post lifts, etc. all require some planning, and probably 6 inches of 3500 psi as a minimum. Some of us have different needs, but I will have (2) four post lifts and (1) Smart Lift (in-ground 2 post) so 4 inches of 4000 psi with fiberglass strands and steel grid are quite adequate, with a separate 12 inch pour for the 5'x10' in-ground lift area. Depending on the slope to the garage, I would opt for trench drains in front of the doors (sunken channels with steel grates) to minimize any water getting under the doors, too.

Good luck,

 

[Jack Olsen]

Great garage. And it goes without saying that the wife is extraordinary. Welcome to the board!

 

[jack anderson]

I agree... Keep me posted with your progress

Jack

 

[jack anderson]

Great site.. I am so impressed with the variety of expertise and friendly and human connections that exist at the Garage Journal...

Thanks for your effort.

Jack

 

[gtr fan]

Love the setting in within the trees and the barn style doors!!

Had you previously discussed where to place it and style?

She's done well!

 

[jack anderson]

Thanks for your response..
Yes.. we actually were talking about building a garage and cleared an area for it. My wife's sister's husband has professional experience logging and cut down some of the trees. Our cousin is a landscaping contractor, he cleared the stumps for a great price. My wife's brother owns a paving company and arranged to bring in six loads of stone which he grated to get the site ready. I thought that we might begin the post construction sometime this summer. Little did I know that she had made preparations in April with Conestoga Builders to have a 30' X 28' ( 8/12 pitch roof pitch) pole barn constructed in three days while I was away in June.. It was pretty much what I had originally thought of building myself. The attic trusses are a nice feature as I can create a area (music studio) upstairs 12' X 30' with 8' at the center. We live at the top of a hill which is nestled between Jack's Mountain and Shade Mountain.
It complements our cottage style house with stone features which is nearby. My brother in law and I just finished putting down the b stone and drains inside (use a lazer level) and it is ready for concrete possibly on Friday. I have arranged for My wife's brother's son and two others that have concrete experience to do the concrete.. I hope to get pictures of that posted..

 

[Call me the Breeze]

Welcome from Western NY Jack. That is a very cool story how your wife surprised you. Prayers for her recovery. May you two have several decades of enjoying your lives and new garage!

 

[jack anderson]

Thanks... I've always like the song They Call me the Breeze... I spent the day preparing for the concrete which will arrive at 10:00 a.m. on Friday... My wife is finishing up with her 10th Chemotherapy session ( as of Friday) just two more to go. Your kind thoughts are deeply appreciated.

Jack