Garage - Almost Finished

[peterjcb]

I dug out my footings on Thanksgiving Eve almost 1 year ago. Here's what my garage looks like as of today. All I need is to take the boards off the roof and a driveway. :D
Oh, yeah, a CO would be nice so I can finally get my electric service hooked up. :)

[that_guy]

Nice job peterjcb!... Are the dormers decorations?... or do you have some type of studio/office there?

[peterjcb]

Nice job peterjcb!... Are the dormers decorations?... or do you have some type of studio/office there?
I sure do. I figured that it was a no brainer, since I needed to put a roof on anyway. :D
BTW, the dormers were actually a LOT of extra work to build....starting with laying out the double trusses in the dormer and stair areas, the ladder bracing between the double trusses took a lot of additional time, sheathing the roof took more time because the trusses weren't 16" O.C in the dormer and stair areas, the actual framing & roofing the dormers took a lot of time, and finally the additional work of all the boxing, caulking and painting of the Hardi Board siding.
However, when it's all finished it really makes a big difference in appearance and functionality. It does bring natural light into the space up there. My bonus room is about 35'X16" with an 8" ceiling (sloped on the sides of course.
I'll post some inside pictures later.

[mjpliv]

Nicely done! I am curious though, why is the man door threshold so far above the garage door threshold?

[peterjcb]

Nicely done! I am curious though, why is the man door threshold so far above the garage door threshold?
I wanted higher ceilings than called for on the first floor plan so I decided to start the steps outside essentially and I built a landing inside where the steps go up to the second floor. I essentially picked up a couple of steps and at 7 1/2" risers that amounts to 15" more ceiling. Had I just added 2 more steps to the staircase without starting it outside, It would not have had the proper clearances at the top on the 2 nd floor. It's nice because now I can put a car lift in there because I have close to an 11' ceiling height. :D Once the concrete slab is poured it will look a lot less obvious.

[that_guy]

Wow...that sounds great. Looking forward to more pics.

[that_guy]

Nicely done! I am curious though, why is the man door threshold so far above the garage door threshold?

Good catch...I usually notice stuff like that but missed it on this one... it does beg the question as soon as you notice it though because suddenly you're wondering about the interior of the garage.

[mjpliv]

Good catch...I usually notice stuff like that but missed it on this one

We build around 100 units a year using nothing but subs. You have to have eyes in back of your head! :D

[VALENT]

That is very nice. What size are those windows on the side?

[peterjcb]

That is very nice. What size are those windows on the side?
I have basically two sizes of windows: 54"X32" and 38"X28" on the dormers. They are Thermastar windows by Pella and are very nice for the money. I think I paid under $100 for the larger ones. The muntins are inside the glass so they're a snap to clean and the bottom window folds down.
Here's some pics of the inside steps, the upstairs and the garage interior. It's not finished and the pictures aren't very good.
I passed my final inspection yesterday and the electric company came today and installed my meter and hooked up my power. 8)
I also got a visit from the Tax Assessor today.....man those guys don't waste any time. :shock:

[Rich]

Nice job peter... it's come a long way and looks great.

[Cole]

Looks good, nice job.

[peterjcb]

Thanks guys, it really felt good to do this project and I'm really proud of it. I'ts the first structure that I've ever physically bulit myself..... with a "little" help from the brick masons, the roofers & the boxers. ;-)
Hopefully I'll come up with a little more cash to finish the concrete apron in front and then clean & stain my entire driveway so that everything matches.

[Tom R]

Beautiful looking job!

[that_guy]

Great job...thanks for posting inside pics...looks really good! You have a back door and even windows at the back of the garage....nice...Do you have any plans to insulate?

[peterjcb]

Great job...thanks for posting inside pics...looks really good! You have a back door and even windows at the back of the garage....nice...Do you have any plans to insulate?
Yes, you can see the door and the windows in this Interior Picture (http://www.construction-resource.com/forum/files/interior.jpg). I want live with it for a while to see how I'm going to use the space first. When I get some more money, my immediate priority will be the driveway.