What would you do with this garage?

[lsrx101]

I'm curious as to how folks here would go about repairing/replacing a garage on a property that I may be interested in buying. I'll get more pictures and actual measurements when I "officially" tour the property, but this one should give you an idea:
http://www.cutlerhomes.com/shared/get/lphoto.php?lid=72539013&id=5

It seems like a really solid starting point.
The first story is block, listed as 861 sq/ft w/concrete floor and ~8' ceiling. The floor has some cracks but appears to be all level with no heaving. The block looks good with only some tuck pointing needed here and there. It appears really solid all around. The 2 vehicle doors are scrap and would need to be replaced, but that's not a huge issue. Surprisingly, the metal frame windows are all intact.
The wooden second story, however, is a mess. The back wall, unseen in the photo, has been open to the weather for quite some time and has started to collapse. Although having all of that storage upstairs would be awesome, I'm pretty sure the second story is not worth trying to save.
I figure there are 3 options:

-Demolish the second story and install a truss roof over the block structure. (My current inclination).
-Demolish the second floor and rebuild it similar to original with storage and an opening to accommodate a lift. (Cool idea, but probably costly).
-Demolish the whole ball of wax and build a new garage on the same footprint.

Use your imagination and let me know what you think you would do with it.

 

[Krash Kadillak]

What are your resources ($$)?
All you are going to have left after the second story tear-off is basically some block walls. Could your $$ resources be better spent on a completely new structure, built to your specifications? You could still use the existing structure as an out / storage building by throwing on an inexpensive rafter roof framework structure after tearing off the 2nd story.

 

[lilredex]

If that upper is as straight and repairable as it looks in the photo....I'd repair it. If it is really ready to fall down, then you already have your answer.

 

[superdutymike27]

Nice building.

If this were mine, I would get it to a point where it is structurally sound and restore it but that's the trades person in me?

I would then think on how it would be used and start with a blank slate.

Very nice! Keep us posted.

 

[Erampu]

We need pictures of the other sides before we can make a decent recommendation.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Old block walls don't usually have any reinforcement in them. Nowdays, you run rebar rods vertical in block ever couple of openings, you fill every other or so opening, you use the mesh about every two course of block, all of this makes a strong wall. I've seen old block buildings just fall apart and collapse under a heavy wind gust. To me, you really don't have a lot to work with there. Strip it down to the block and add at least two more course of blocks for height and put a manufactured truss roof on it.......... that would be minimum. If you can, I'd build a new building on the property, and leave the garage to be rebuilt as storage for car, mowers, etc.

Charles

 

[lsrx101]

I haven't given any real thought to funds just yet, I just walked around the place this morning for the first time and requested a showing by the Realtor. If I decide I like the house and property, then I'll see just what's feasable to do with the garage. I just thought it might be good fodder for discussion, it's a pretty neat old building.

The place is about 1/4 mile up the road from me so I paid another visit and took some pics. That picture from the realtor website definitely showed the best view possible of the garage.
View media item 20365View media item 20366View media item 20368View media item 20369View media item 20367

My thought is that with floor, walls and windows already in place, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to put a roof on it.
On my second viewing it looked like the upper part "might" be repairable, but that all depends on what a close inspection inside around the perimiter shows. Full roof, soffit work and some siding work for sure. It looks like the rear might be leaning, though.

 

[magnusk750]

Doesn't look to bad. Compared to what you pay for a new one you will have very much garage for the bucks if you restore it.

 

[Zeke]

Looks like a goner to me. I wouldn't say that about an old timber framed barn or shop.

 

[USMCdodge]

I would rebuild the wooden parts. make it sturdy obviously and give it a new coat of white paint. make it your own shop.