Tight Squeeze Garage

[wesst]

Well I finally have started my garage build. My wife and I purchased a home on a very narrow lot, which has limited the size and layout of my proposed build. Basically we are going to build a garage on an otherwise fairly useless portion of our front yard. The challenges are associated with a curved existing driveway and many mature trees that we are going to try and save. I know most opinions would center around taking the trees out, however we can always cut them down later. I am also aware it would be more challenging ($$$) to cut them down after the fact, but we are going to give it a shot.

The original plan was compromised due to the trees and a gas main, however here is what we started with.

 

[xtremek]

Hartland, that brings back memories. Saving trees is always a good thing in my book. But if they have to go, they have to go. Good luck on your build.

 

[wesst]

More progress photos

 

[wesst]

And some more. I guess I forgot to update my profile. This is our recently acquired home just down the street in Brighton.

 

[lakeroadster]

Looking forward to following your build here.

That soil looks easy to work in. Sweet.

Trees.... if you are planning a concrete slab you're going to hate yourself for leaving trees that close to the building when they start breaking up the concrete.

And the one that is leaning..... cut that sucker down now.

 

[wesst]

I will post some more pics this evening, as well as my "plans" I created using Microsoft Excel that were acceptable for all permits. I have also been keeping a cost analysis for reference that I will share.

 

[tapered-pin]

tag, what are the dimensions of the garage?

 

[wesst]

Overall, 22x38, however a portion of the garage will narrow around one of the trees to 18 feet wide. The 18' wide section will have scissor trusses for an auto lift, while the remainder will have a second floor area for storage. I am going with 10' tall walls and 10/12 roof pitch to gain additional height.

Anyway, some more pics...

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Well, jeez wesst...you didn't even wait for all of us to put in our 2 cents before you started!

(Smart move )

 

[T_R]

IMO a tree that close to a concrete pad that you are going to put a lift on is a bad idea. If the roots crack or undermine the pad you could have a catastrophic failure.

 

[wesst]

I know the tree issues. I do, honestly. The concrete for the lift area will taper to 8", and I am willing to take the risk of the concrete cracking. I plan on an semi-obnoxious amount of control cuts, and also am willing to cut the trees down if they become a problem.

Anyway, made some more progress today! Had two 1.5" conduits bored under the driveway. One for electric, and the other was because of "while you are here." Also had the utility contractor convert overhead wires to underground a month ago so it looks much nicer overhead.

 

[wesst]

Also, for those looking for simple garage design, here is what I created in Excel for plans. It is realativley easy compared to alternatives. I simply created a electronic grid and shaped the plans based on one square equals six inches. This allowed me to measure tool boxes and shelves for placement as well. Here is the final version submitted for the permits.

 

[wesst]

More progress...

 

[wesst]

More progress...

 

[ProMetalShop]

Nice looking garage.

 

[wesst]

Thank you! I am trying to maximize the space by having the attic in half of the garage and scissor trusses in the other. This will permit having a lift as well as second floor storage. The added bonus is I will be able to use the lift to get larger items into the attic space.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Nice looking garage, but I feel strongly about taking the tree out.
Best of luck

 

[wesst]

Siding and trim finally started...

 

[wesst]

Finally painted! Just waiting on the garage doors.