It’s looks like my garage is going to happen! First I submitted a site plan, which I knew would be rejected; the property wasn’t zoned for it. So I sought approval from my neighbors and my local civic association, showing plans, making revisions they requested, etc. Then I went before the zoning board, and made an appeal, which was granted. Then I sought contractors, who made suggestions about construction, with revisions to the drawings… Next I went for a building permit, which generated additional questions, and further revisions to the drawings, with a resubmission… This process has taken months!
…just now I got word: The building permit has been granted! As soon as I get the contractor lined up, construction can start.
I’m a happy man today! Next year, Matthew can work on Faulkner, rain or shine!
There will be plenty of room for a cot! Actually, with the garage just through the kitchen door, I guess I better start stocking the frig with Coke and the fixings for Hollandse gehaktschotel
Congratulation Dan - Let’s hope for a mild winter - you don’t want Matthew catching a cold in that garage.
Do the plans call for a loft living area with heat???
I really think finding a good contractor these days is rare - I wish you luck. I sure hope you know someone, our builders here are demanding a fortune for additions and garages.
It ain’t over 'til the fat lady sings! I found another contractor, $700 more than the first, says he can start in two weeks… If the weather holds, maybe I’ll get my garage after all this winter. Keeping my fingers crossed…
yes, construction is rife with troubles and set-backs. We had a concrete strike here in the Pac NW a few months ago..then the cost of copper, steel and energy has all skyrocketed..I understand lumber prices are softening..
(sigh) no, Roger – I do have another contractor, and he gave me a “reference” – a block garage he had recently built; but I wasn’t impressed with the construction, or the fact that he hasn’t given me real references. And the original guy I had signed up, declines both voicemail and email communications…
Anything now, will be hurry up. I’m resigned to the fact that I am going to have to wait until the spring now. But, I also have to get a permit extension – it expires early May. And I don’t know who is going to build the d*mn thing now.
My father was an architect and builder in his younger days, but it was something I never picked up. I did learn a bit from him, as when I was younger, I would help him when it was needed.
Dan, is there a building boom going on where you live, or is it just getting difficult to find a contractor whom is not already involved in a project? —John
I think both are true, John; and the guys who are on the hook for concrete projects are rushing to finish up before the cold weather sets in. No one wants to take on any work before spring – none of the good ones, that is…
…the weather is still warm enough to pour a foundation, and I’ve signed with a contractor! Work should start in earnest next week. Now, to remove that fence…
Dan - one thing you might want to think about is to have your ceiling height high enough to accomodate a lift (now or in the future). I’m thinking about putting one in my garage but might have to raise the ceiling (only in the space above the lift) about a foot to comfortably park another car under it. My ceiling height presently is 9’8" or 116". I think with that height you could work under a car ok but double stacking might be a little tight. If my plans work out ok I’m inviting every member to come over and use the lift
Yeah, well, I didn’t think that far ahead when I drew up the plans, John. But I’m lucky to get the garage at all! The missus isn’t, um, thrilled about the whole thing, if you catch my drift. But she’s been supportive so far – and who can ask for more than that.
Hey! This is getting real – they started digging for the footings! I finally think this is really, really going to happen…
i didint know John was a builder..