Building a Home Garages/Workshops Design Dilemma

Make a plan for a new project when you can’t do everything now

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

As an architect, designer, or builder how do you implement different phases (phase 1, phase 2, etc.) when building garage that half of it will be converted living space in the future? Do you design the whole thing (living space and garage), then remove the wall from the drawing and keep the windows and bathroom? Do you do the windows, then later on you just add the walls, drywall and finish, etc?

I don’t want to have to rip out “phase one” in order to build “phase two” in the future. I want to be easy later on to add the living space.

I am thinking to build 37-6′ wide x 32′ deep (1200 SF) garage with a bathroom in upper right corner. Later on, split the garage into living space (left side) and garage on the right side. The living space will be 1 bathroom, 1 bedroom with living space and kitchen about 640 SF (20' wide’x32′ deep) out of the 1200 SF. What will be considered phase 1, phase 2 to make it easy when I have the money to do the conversion of living space on the left side.

Thank you for advice.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
Have a local architect master plan the project, knowing it will be phased. How the phasing works out will depend on your needs and the design.
Sam A thanked Mark Bischak, Architect
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Wait. Because it is pointless to do phase one without the hvac /plumbing and electrical required for the living space. All of which should be roughed into the original/ phase one. Nothing forward will be "easy" unless you do it that way : ) Doubt it saves you a dime, either.

It's a garage with an addition, or an addition........with a garage.
Sam A thanked JAN MOYER
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PRO
User
5 years ago
Phase building always costs you significantly more in the end than building it all at the same time originally. 80% of the cost of a legal residence must be done at the time of the original build, or you will be ripping apart things to add it later.
Sam A thanked User
Sam A
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
@JAN MOYER What is difference between garage with addition vs. addition with garage? Sorry for the lack of my knowledge. Thanks
PRO
JAN MOYER
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Difference is the required/code underpinnings for any functional living space. Soil pipe. water, heating, cooling, electrical, and a plan for all and more. ..... FIRST !! ............ A garage is an UN conditioned UN inhabitable space. Not to mention cheap relative to the former

Simply no point in the reverse of process. Really no point to not waiting until you do the entire thing, or re think the wish list. That is life.
Sam A thanked JAN MOYER