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I am looking for an on-line source for garage plans. I am going to be building a 2 car garage with a 1 bedroom apartment above it. The garage space will actually be used for my shop and the apartment will be rented to help pay for the building. Because this will be right behind my house, I want to make the structure as visually appealling as is possible. I’m going for the coach house look. I have a good idea of what I want the exterior to look like, but I’m having a hard time with the apartment floor plan.Any ideas, suggestions, or sources of info would be greatly appreciated.I am thinking that the building will be 24×32 with the garage doors on the 32′ eave side, full dormer on the back (and front?),exterior stairs to small second floor deck and apartment entry. Thanks, Scott
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Scott, save yourself the grief... hire an architect.
Code compliance alone would be worth it. Go in with your own sketches, and start from there.
You've firecode, egress, and possible environmental issues (shop? Like in woodwork? Noise, dust, vapors.)
*Scott,Before you get too deep into this thing, make absolutely sure you check with local ordinances concerning renters. There a lot of issues that you must deal with that may or may not be legal where you are at.In my area, you cannot get an occupancy permit for an apartment directly over a shop. The issues that deny such a permit are the storing of chemicals, paints, wood, and the noise and dust (called inconveniences). They claim that a renter is paying for the right to live in a safe, relatively quiet atmosphere, and a shop, even if used strictly for hobby, infringes on this right. Local codes and requirements will be much different, so check carefully BEFORE you get a lot of money invested.Just a thought...James DuHamel
*Scott,Check the plan books at your home center, book store, or the magazine rack at your grocery. Plans of the type you described are frequently incuded, usually in the back.We have some friends who live in an apartment over their garage (they are building). Based on their experience, put the stairs inside. Much safer in snowy or rainy weather. Your rental will also be more attractive if you include a garage bay in the deal.Steve
*Or enough room for Fonzie to park his bike.
*James,Good advice on checking local ordinances. I do rent an apartment above my shop space, and so far no problems after almost 3 years. I try to keep the noise during daylight hours for them, and dust is contained from their space. I do not store any chemicals worse than stain or paint below their living space.A good idea would be to hardwire a few smoke detectors into each ceiling and insulate the 2nd floor for sound transmission. Locate your mechanicals (heating/water heater/compressor/dust collector) within enclosed spaces, insulate them for noise as well. If you are planning a wood shop, design dust control ducting into the plan. Use 2x6's or more for walls to get as much insulation as possible. Firecode sheetrock if you plan to drywall it, throughout the building for noise and fire protection.If you plan to use the shop at night, you'll have to find the right kind of renter, maybe someone who works during your shop hours. Put it into your rental contract that the shop may be used at whatever hours, etc. to protect yourself from problems.MD**