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which way to build a garage

| Posted in General Discussion on February 3, 2005 07:36am

I have a lady who would like for me to enclose an attached carport (see picture) and install a garage door and a walk-in door on the front side of it.

The left side of the garage will get closed in with a studwall built on top of the 2′ high brick wall which is currently supporting the 2 columns which in turn support the roof section over the carport.  pretty straitforward there.

However, for the front section with the garage door and walk-in door, I’m not sure what would be the best construction method.  My 2 choices would be either to build up that section with a 2′ high brick wall to match that on the left side, and then set the studwall portion on top of that, or, to build the studwall portion all the way down to the slab.

My debate over building the 2′ brick wall to build the studwall on (which would look better and keep the studwall up off the slab) is that with the openings for the garage door and the walk-in door,  there will be sections of wall that only span a couple of feet.  Even with this brick portion built 2 corses deep, that seems like it would be a weak point where the stud wall sits on such a small section of brick foundation.  A car wouldn’t have to back into it very hard at all to knock it over.

On the other hand, if I take the studwall portion all the way down to the slab (outside finished with building board and hardiplank, inside with green drywall) that would eliminate the joint between the studwall and brickwork, creating a stronger wall that could take a little more abuse.  Downside would be that the studwall would then be sitting on the slab and moisture problems begin entering my mind.

If anyone has closed in a garage, which way did you do it, and is it still standing?

 

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Replies

  1. housedktr | Feb 03, 2005 07:47am | #1

    here is the picture, i think...

  2. Gumshoe | Feb 03, 2005 08:08am | #2

    I've done lots of remodels, but don't remember doing exactly what you're asking about - but it looks real straightforward to me. I wouldn't add any brick in front, if it was me. With an overhead door and a man/door, there just doesn't seem to be enough room. Garages here are set on a 5" or 6" inch high curb (the slab tapers from about 2" below the perimeter curb at the house side, to 5" or 6" lower at the overhead door). Hence no moisture issues. If you want brick, perhaps use a brick veneer?

    1. housedktr | Feb 08, 2005 04:23am | #5

      appreciate the replies.

      I built a concrete curb along where the portions of the front wall met the slab, and then set the studwall on top of that, -  using treated as a mud sill on the curb.

      on the front, i took the easy way out and ran the hardi plank down to the slab.  I think it looks just fine esthetically, as well does the the customer.

      I'll send a picture later for the crittics.

      1. Gumshoe | Feb 08, 2005 06:40pm | #6

        thanks for the follow-up, love this place for great suggestions! Looking forward to seeing pics of the project!

  3. JamesDuHamel | Feb 03, 2005 01:20pm | #3

    Personally, I'd build a stud wall all the way to the slab on the front.

    I'd take the brick from the inside wall (house wall) and put it on the front to match the rest of the house. If you don't, this section is going to stick out like a sore thumb. Aesthetically, the brick would give the house a symetrically appealing look.

    I'd bring the wall (house side) in the new garage all the way down too (after you remove the brick).

    The brick on the front can just be on the outside, same height as the rest of the brick on the house.

    Just my humble opinion....

    James DuHamel

    He who dies with the most toys.... Still dies!

    "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?" MARK 8:36

    http://www.godsfreemusic.com

    1. brownbagg | Feb 03, 2005 04:22pm | #4

      why not just block it all the way to the roof, then fur out the drywall on the block itself

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