Widen attached garage

[kdrymer]

We are contemplating widening our existing attached garage vs. building a separate structure. If we widened the structure we would be looking to add a 1 car section, approximately 12' x 24' from our existing 26 x 24 garage with a 9 x 8 garage door opening. We would be extending the garage in front of the current structure so there would not be able changes to the existing roof-line, it would be extended outward so I believe we would be able to add additional trusses in line with the existing ones. I have plenty of space in front of the structure and there are no issues with setbacks (in a Rural area). The block foundation wall would have to be extended and also rebuilt on the new (addition) end wall.

I have attached some pictures from the home construction phase that I am hoping someone can give me an idea of whether the gable end wall may be structural or not? It looks as though there is an end truss with wall studs attaching above and below the truss but I am not certain. If it is not structural, can that entire wall be removed to be opened up to the addition section? Is it better to only remove a portion of the end wall, remove a portion of the block wall, install a header and open up the wall above? Ideally I would rather be able to open the entire wall up but I realize this may not be possible.

Given the above is possible, what would be a rough idea on costs and how feasible this project would actually be? I have a feeling building a separate structure would probably be more cost effective per square foot but I wanted to at least consider this option.

 

[Innovate1]

That roof structure is not the norm with the trusses running parallel to the ridge line to a girder truss for the main part of the area. But the very end truss beyond the triple girder truss is conventional truss. The truss sitting on the wall isn't an actual truss as there are no diagonals and it is supported by the wall. But that could be replaced with a truss and more trusses continued in that direction with no issues that I can see with removing the wall.

Then again, I could be looking at this wrong. The picture of the whole house shows a high window in the gable end where you want to extend. I don't see that in the interior framing picture so wondering if it's the same wall.

 

[23ford]

Have you given any thought to FIRE? If you were working on something and a fire started you could loose it all...with a seperate building you have them seperated

 

[kdrymer]

That roof structure is not the norm with the trusses running parallel to the ridge line to a girder truss for the main part of the area. But the very end truss beyond the triple girder truss is conventional truss. The truss sitting on the wall isn't an actual truss as there are no diagonals and it is supported by the wall. But that could be replaced with a truss and more trusses continued in that direction with no issues that I can see with removing the wall.

Then again, I could be looking at this wrong. The picture of the whole house shows a high window in the gable end where you want to extend. I don't see that in the interior framing picture so wondering if it's the same wall.

Thanks for the feedback. That upper window was added after the exterior picture was taken. Yes the main garage is supported with a girder truss. So that end wall could be removed along with the block foundation and additional trusses added in the addition section? Any rough idea on what this may cost? I can provide additional pictures if that would be helpful.

 

[Innovate1]

Thanks for the feedback. That upper window was added after the exterior picture was taken. Yes the main garage is supported with a girder truss. So that end wall could be removed along with the block foundation and additional trusses added in the addition section? Any rough idea on what this may cost? I can provide additional pictures if that would be helpful.

Yes, I don't see anything to keep you from extending as you want. There is one standard truss between the girder truss and the end wall. The additional trusses would be like that. You would need a header above the added OHD (if you have one) to support the truss loads but that is a fairly standard detail. Cost? More than you would like. Seriously, it really depends on your area and how much you do yourself and material prices are way up right now. I can't help you on that.

 

[kbs2244]

If you do it be sure to keep the "brick laying" on the roof sheathing across the current rbg wall.
Otherwise the "seam" will be obvious.

 

[James-W]

This isn't really the best time to be adding on to your garage. It is getting on toward colder weather and right now the cost of building materials is VERY high priced. You can expect to pay roughly 30 percent to 40 percent more for building materials. I would say it was a prudent idea to wait until the building material costs come down a bit, but if this is the ideal time for you to start construction, then I wish you all the best.

 

[matt_i]

A super serious problem in that foundation picture is that the corner of the wall is sitting over a pit spanned by some concrete blocks (???!!!!!????)

That's a signal-light akin to a forest fire to me if the foundation is not built on undisturbed fill....

 

[joey1320]

I have never seen a foundation done like this.

 

[acer66]

I have never seen a foundation done like this.

Good catch and that is interesting, wonder what the reason is.

 

[CraigStu]

I did the same thing as you on two different houses. They ripped off all the siding etc from the original outside wall, and built the new outside walls. Then the first new truss was set in place touching the original non-load bearing truss. Every point where the pieces making up the new truss contacted the pieces of the old truss, they ran construction screws through both trusses. So now the new truss was supporting the old truss and they could remove the old wall. I don't absolutely for sure remember if that first new truss was any different than all the rest of the new trusses but I think it was the same.

 

[ace10]

What are the two lintels which extend out to span the disturbed area sitting on?