Summerwood Garage Kits?

19 years ago

Hi,

Nobody answered my question about rebuilding an old garage, but in the meantime I stumbled upon a site (www.summerwood.com) that makes kits for garages, home studios, etc. They look pretty nice. Anyone ever try these or something similar? I don't know what it costs to have a contractor build a garage from scratch so I'm not sure how the cost compares, but it seems like it might be a good DIY option. My one concern would be whether they look substantial (i.e., do they look flimsy up close?)

Love to hear your thoughts...

-Melissa

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Comments (5)

yadax3
19 years ago
I'm confused. From your other post I thought you couldn't tear down your existing garage, but these kits would require you to do so.

Anyhow, I've never heard of Summerwood and I'm no expert but, assuming it's a good product, I agree it would be a good DIY project. DH and I built a 34' x 34' garage / workshop with storage rooms from scratch (i.e. without a kit) and it was pretty straight-forward. The only thing we didn't DIY was drawing up the plans and pouring the foundation. We looked at purchasing the plans but couldn't find what we wanted and, considering the overall cost, decided it was well worth $1,500 to have custom plans drawn up and take care of the permit. Good luck on your project!
melissa0607
Original Author
19 years ago
Well, from what the inspector said, we just shouldn't have an empty concrete slab sitting there long enough for the town to come take notice, but if these kit garages can be put up over a weekend, I think it might work. I'm impressed to hear that you were able to put up a 34' by 34' garage/workshop yourself! That is very encouraging.
-Melissa
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ron6519
19 years ago
I don't know where you live but this sounds absurd.

"we just shouldn't have an empty concrete slab sitting there long enough for the town to come take notice, but if these kit garages can be put up over a weekend"

You file for a permit. You demo the garage and build another. To think you would worry that the town would notice a slab of concrete is incomprehensible. Permits have stated time limits. Around here 6 months. You can buy garage plans that will satisfy the local Building Dept and submit them. They issue you a permit and you build the structure.
I think that inspector was pulling your leg.
Ron
melissa0607
Original Author
19 years ago
The issue is that the garage doesn't meet the current setback requirements; it was grandfathered in as legal-nonconforming. Once it comes down, we no longer have the right to build on that spot. It has to be "repaired" rather than removed, preferably one wall at a time. And if you think that's absurd, it's only the tip of the iceburg: to even repair a wall of this garage I am required to get architect's drawings (which would probably cost more than the repair). But I guess that's life in a heavily-managed little town.

-Melissa
perryrip
18 years ago
Melissa,

What town is that? It sounds like collective socialism to me.

perryrip