above garage addition

19 years ago

me and my fiance were discussing renovations/improvements the other night when the idea of an addition came up. I had thought about it before and I think it would work but would like some opinions.

We have an semi-attached 2-car garage (it's connected but you have to go outside to go inside), and a 2 story house with walk in attic.

The idea is to add a second floor to the garage and to make the extra space livable. Everything would be properly insulated and ventilated and whatnot, including the garage.

I'm not sure how much of a pain it would be to get it done, but that's not really the issue at the moment. I have heard that it isn't good to put bedrooms above a garage due to possible rising fumes. However, I see so many houses that have livable space above garages. Anyh opinions on this matter, or any other ideas that come to mind?

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Comments (3)

huskyridor
19 years ago
quote" I have heard that it isn't good to put bedrooms above a garage due to possible rising fumes. "quote

That, my internet friend, is HOGWASH.

I'd suggest getting an architect first and start searching for a good framing carpenter. He'll be harder to find than the architect will. Don't sign with any framer until you've previewed his work and spoken with some of his home builders. If he shows any apprehension about these requests, look for another.

just my .02

See Ya,
Kelly
ron6519
19 years ago
Depending upon the age of the house and the way the slab was poured in relation to the sill plates you might need to do structural work first to repair damage to the wood on the concrete.
Ron
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joe_mn
19 years ago
does your garage have footings able to support a 2nd floor? I live in MN and we need frost footings that go down 4+ feet below grade. an unattached garage does not need them and can be built on a slab with 12" deep perimeter footings. a nice rambler near me had a garage about 15' from the house and the owner built a breezeway? so the house/garage is 1 unit now. I always wondered what type of footings were on the garage.