Room over garage

rpvr, Oct 10, 4:13pm
Is it possible to build a room as a second storey on an existing double garage? Or is it not not strong enough. Or possibly demolish existing garage and rebuild on the existing concrete base?
woody89, Oct 10, 4:25pm
The existing concrete base may or may not be strong enough. We are having plans drawn for a second level extension & the base is to be cut open & dug down at various points & extra steel etc put in to carry the load above. The other way it can be done is to build so that the new part effectively straddles the existing building & carries it's own load iykwim.
rpvr, Oct 10, 9:31pm
Hadn't thought of your "straddle" option. a further option to consider, thanks.
tegretol, Oct 11, 9:04pm
Such a feat will require (expensive) engineers reports and some serious design dollars. The local bodies are paranoid about anything outside if their regular scope and will make you pay to allay that paranoia. Might be cheaper to bulldoze the garage and start again.
woody89, Oct 12, 1:14pm
Was actually an idea given to us as a cheaper option. Like everything it probably needs to be talked through with the person & place involved in the design, they'll either consider it or advise what's appropriate. Sometimes a bulldozer is also a cost effective option, we're not there, we don't know. Merely giving suggestions as asked by op.
wingwalker, Oct 12, 3:51pm
We have our frog ( furnished room over garage) built in the 90’s. It was an exciting concrete block double garage. We had engineer to sort out the steel beams needed. Best thing we ever did, large bedroom, en-suite, walk in wardrobe, kitchenette and office.
I would hate to think of the cost now with all the consents and reports.
christin, Sep 20, 6:13pm
the cost is huge. im after a garage with a room over top. with kitchen ette and bathroom. heaps cheaper to get a room on its own etc, but would like the garage space too but makes it over 8 times the cost!