Detached Workshop Garage

[Pat]

Hi;

I live in Va and want to build a detached garage in the back of my
house to use as an automotive workshop. I am wanting a ten or twelve
foot ceiling so I can add a lift. I would also like to maybe do some
woodworking in the future. I am thinking of a Barn Style with possibly
an apartment upstairs. Not sure if an apartment is really needed
though. Main thing I want is to be able to work on automobiles. I
would like to be able to have two cars in the garage, and a work area
on the side. So I am guessing at 28 foot wide. I am thinking 30 feet
in depth so there is some space in front of the vehicles. I would also
like to install a floor drain and plumbing. I will sub contract the
concrete work, but I would like to try to build it myself. Could you
please provide any advice on the subject? If you have a garage that
you built, I would like to see pics if you are willing to share. I
would also like some plans to look at if you know of any sites or a
software package that may help with the design. I would appreciate any
info at all on the subject and please feel free to email me directly
at (e-mail address removed) if needed.

Thanks
Pat

 

[Pat Curran]

Thanks Don;
I live in Newport News. Two of my neighbors have Barn Garage/workshops in
their backyard, so I am sure the city wont have a problem. My house was
built in '62 and I am not part of any "Home Owners Association". I am not
sure if the city will buy off on the apartment upstairs, but I dont really
need it. I want a workshop! What I am hoping for is that someone might be
willing to brag and show me pics of theirs.

Pat

 

[Pat Curran]

Hi;
These are some of my questions:
1) I am also interested in knowing approx how much the concrete slab will
cost.
2) Is 28 ft by 28 ft adequate size, or should I consider going 32 ft wide?
What dimensions are normal 21/2 and 3 car garages?
3) How would I go about running PVC Sewer lines? Should I get a Arcitect to
come up with plans for the plumbing? Will the Concrete contractor do that
for me? I have replaced my sewer lines to my house by myself and that was
easy. The line was right at the surface at the house and was about three
feet down at the street. Since the garage will be at the back of the house,
how do I tap into the house line and still have the required slope?
4) Is it legal for me to buy plans off of another homeowner if I find a
design I like, or is it considered like intelectual property?

Thanks
Pat

 

[William]

Thanks Don;
I live in Newport News. Two of my neighbors have Barn Garage/workshops in
their backyard, so I am sure the city wont have a problem. My house was
built in '62 and I am not part of any "Home Owners Association". I am not
sure if the city will buy off on the apartment upstairs, but I dont really
need it. I want a workshop! What I am hoping for is that someone might be
willing to brag and show me pics of theirs.

Pat

Ok, it's a bit larger than 30X30 though

www.wacworkshop.com