One of the biggest regrets I have, is when we built our home is not getting a third garage. Stupid move.

So that's in the past and I'm wondering if I can do something about it. Our lot will not support a third car; actually it "will" but the structure will be too close to the neighbor's house (town code issue), so we can't actually build another garage.

But what about expanding the two-car out 6-8 feet? We just need more for storage; bikes, etc. Ignoring any town code issues (no idea if it can be done), any thoughts? I have a few pics that may help show what can be done. All really old pics, ignore the snow in the first.



So I was thinking of going to the right of the garage. Set the start of it off a couple of beet behind the garage door. Front could match the brick color or do the vinyl siding.



So you can kind of get an idea here... This is a REALLY old pic looking back at the street. At the end of the brick is the downspout. Could maybe start just after that, or of course move the downspout.



The garage is 22' or so deep. The window is from the den, and is about 5' back from the end of the garage. Would probably put door an entry door somewhere, perhaps on the back of the extension.



Here is a pic as I was finishing the inside of the garage. I'm thinking the contractor could bust out the concrete, remove the wall. There is only one electrical run to move, so not much there.



I have NO idea what something like this would cost. But I do know what I need MORE room!!!!

Has anyone done this or know someone who has tackled something like this? One thing that I'm not sure of is how to address the pitch of roof on the new addition. Would it have to run the same as the existing? No idea if there's a town code for pitch run.

 

That's a load bearing wall so make sure you find a contractor who knows what he's doing.

I doubt the pitch has to match; the pitch you select will have more to do with aesthetics than code.

 

If you only need storage, can you put a shed/structure in the back yard?

Or add a room at the back of the house (with exit out the side) if you must add onto the house?

 

can you add on to the front or the rear so you can park bumper to bumper?

 

Dude...I LOVE the idea of a bigger garage, but before you know it, you'll end up just putting more crap in it and you'll end up with the same usable space you have now.

I say, go to Lowes/HD and look at your options. You would be amazed at the 6 adult bikes, pressure cleaner, steam cleaner/32 gallon full size compressor and the VAST array of crap I have in my garage and I still park my TL in the garage every night. The walls and ceiling of a garage provide more than enough storage room. Maybe get a pull down ladder to the attic and store the stuff you rarely use.

My opinion, use what you got and save the scratch for something fun.

 

I like the idea. When my dads house was built he had a roughly 6' bump out added. Surprised how much he has in that area. I'll get some pics for you. I would definitely think it's worth it if the price is right and you plan on staying there.

 

Is that a 20th Anniversary G?

 

Uh, no... That's a 2003.5 G.

 

Oh and no sheds, etc. Against HOA rules. :ghey:

 

If you have an HOA, I'm sure they will have a big problem with it. Your house will stick out like a sore thumb.

With that said, the easiest would be to create a room next to the garage. Basically build against the side of the current garage with just a door to get into (from inside the garage I would assume). That way you will do the least to disturb the exterior wall which as mentioned previously is load bearing.

The roof poses more problems than anything else. How will you mate the new section's roof to the existing?

 

This post was an inspiration to me this afternoon-- we have shelves on both sides of the garage and a very large work bench across the back that all served to hold a variety of our stored stuff.

Given the shelves and surface area, I decided to cull the junk in the garage. I didn't realize how many empty boxes we put there "just in case"-- like 30 of various sizes, including TV and office chair boxes! Once we get rid of a little more stuff, reorganize a little more and move the bicycles, we'll be able to garage a vehicle.
How about adding a room on the back side of the house, or are there decks/sliding doors, etc. that won't permit that?

 

Honestly I think it would look bad, and not worth the $ to add. If sheds are not allowed, I cannot imagine your HOA would let you do the addon.

Are you looking for just storage or a place to keep stuff in between uses? It will probably be cheaper to just rent a storage place close to home. Good luck

 

Yea, I didn't consider the HOA, but they're pretty good about stuff.

One option could be to remove just a section of the wall, not the entire length. Since it is load bearing, that may help things.

It probably would stick out, but I could "hide" it. Landscaping.


We'll see... This is all just a dream right now.

 

I doubt the HOA would have anything against it. The Nazis that run mine don't seem to. They don't allow sheds either, but there are a few homes that have extended garages. The one across the street from me does as a matter of fact. It doesn't look too bad either.

 

HOA =

I'd definitely look more into extending the garage lengthwise rather than widthwise. I'd also look at storage above the cars, especially if you don't have a truck/SUV. Even the nicest overhead systems will cost you pennies versus a major structural modification.

 

^^^Like an attic with a drop down ladder or bolt up some 2 by's and plywood to the trusses.
Will Y : If I think of it I'll snap some pics of my super tight work space. Everything has a place and definitely, it's amazing how much, over the years we set aside for "just in case" I ever need it or want to return it. So much crap we hang onto. Some hooks and brackets mounted on walls and ceiling. Dang...even forgot I have a table saw hanging from the ceiling on bike hooks and bungee cords for safety. :x

J.

 

What about taking out the insulation and then building a room on the side of the garage, so basically you would have a side room to the garage with a regular door coming into the garage? That way you would not have to remove the load-bearing wall and it would be MUCH cheaper.

 

Holy cow, you actually put your cars in the garage.

I do too but I bet that 90% of my neighbors don't.

 

I'd definitely look into storage organization before starting a construction project.

 

It really wouldnt be that large of a project. I helped a buddy do it to his. The biggest part would be pouring a new foundation for the new exterior wall and cutting the existing one down to floor level. The way your garage is laid out it would be easy to get rid of the trusses and get larger ones to span the difference in size and still have it look right. I would check with the county/city and see what kind of set backs you need to have and if you can get a variance to make it larger.

 

My dream for my house is to build a 3rd garage and extension above, however it's just a pipe dream. I would love to do it but the wall I would need to move or build around is my foundation load bearing wall

I would love to see you go through with this project if you can, so I can live vicariously through your endeavor