Time for an Expansion!!!!!!!

woodguy1975 · 04-19-2007, 12:52 PM

You guys knew it was coming.... it's time for an expansion. I'm contemplating expanding the shop on the back side of the house. Basically I'd like to build a 30'x30' expansion (maybe more) onto the back of my shop for a new bench room so I can spread machinery out a bit and have a nice quiet place to do bench work. What are the code requirements for something like that in NC?

Would I have to dig and pour footings and then go from there or could I pour a slab and build on top of that? Anyone familiar enough to give me a ball park of what you think it would cost to get it under roof assuming I go with vinyl siding for the exterior? All I want is a basic shell that I can finish out with electrical, lighting, and HVAC.

Thanks for your help guys.

John

JohnsonMBrandon · 04-19-2007, 01:58 PM

John,

Basically you can pour a turned down slab and build on top of it. Are you wanting to knock out any walls to open up the space? My guess would be you would have to live with something like two double door openings, because the wall on the back side of your shop is load bearing.

If I had to guess on price it would probably be in the 25k range if you are going to finish everything on the inside yourself. Thats just a guess though, but I bet its probably not far off if you talk to a couple area contractors.....although their price may come in higher.

DavidF · 04-19-2007, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by JohnsonMBrandon

John,

Basically you can pour a turned down slab and build on top of it. Are you wanting to knock out any walls to open up the space? My guess would be you would have to live with something like two double door openings, because the wall on the back side of your shop is load bearing.

If I had to guess on price it would probably be in the 25k range if you are going to finish everything on the inside yourself. Thats just a guess though, but I bet its probably not far off if you talk to a couple area contractors.....although their price may come in higher.

Brandon, what is a "turned down slab"?

Kyle · 04-19-2007, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by woodguy1975

You guys knew it was coming.... it's time for an expansion. I'm contemplating expanding the shop on the back side of the house. Basically I'd like to build a 30'x30' expansion (maybe more) onto the back of my shop for a new bench room so I can spread machinery out a bit and have a nice quiet place to do bench work. What are the code requirements for something like that in NC?

Would I have to dig and pour footings and then go from there or could I pour a slab and build on top of that? Anyone familiar enough to give me a ball park of what you think it would cost to get it under roof assuming I go with vinyl siding for the exterior? All I want is a basic shell that I can finish out with electrical, lighting, and HVAC.

Thanks for your help guys.

John

I wouldn't attempt any changes without getting a permit pulled especially since your shop may have special power requirements. You get caught circumventing the permit it is VERY expensive.

I am building a house in Lincoln county right now and code there is very strict compared to the past. Considering the size of the expansion any complaints from neighbors could derail your whole deal. I would also find out what is considered a personal shop and what is considered a commercial enterprise.

If you build something that is zoned residential and its a business it can get hairy..Zoning in NC is very fluid now with huge influx of people.

JohnsonMBrandon · 04-19-2007, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by DavidF

Brandon, what is a "turned down slab"?

Basically just at perimeter of the slab is thicker where all of the load bearing walls will be supported. It will probably depend on the code/ contractor in his area to determine if it will be used or not.

woodguy1975 · 04-19-2007, 02:58 PM

I wouldn't work around the permits. From a building standpoint I know I can do it. I have limitations from my neighborhood, but I'll be well within them with the expansion. As far as zoning goes I'm not trying to zone myself commercial. The commercial/residential thing is kindof grey on this matter. Since I'm not selling something out of my home and am only hosting a small number of customers at a time (typically less than 6) I'm fine remaining residential. Besides the expansion is as much for me personal as it is for my school.

Thanks,

John

JohnsonMBrandon · 04-19-2007, 02:59 PM

John I don't think you will run into any real code issues. I would talk to someone who knows the local code in your area though. You will definietely have to pull a permit though. This will include a building inspector looking at foundation/ slab work, plumbing, and electrical. Of course you will have to have outlets every so many feet, and all that jazz. But I believe in your county you are permitted to do any of your own work on your own home. Some counties require a licensed electrician and plumber do any plumbing or electrical work.

Mark Anderson · 04-19-2007, 03:01 PM

my turned down i beleive he ment monolithic, the slab and the footings are poared the same time, cost efective if you are working on flat level gound.

get the permit, i've lost that balttle several times

the best thing to do in your position is to get a price from masons, a framer and electrition.

if you can clasify it as a home shop you can get by as the contractor yourself in most counties, if it going to be clasified as comercial you will need a licenced general contractor to handle the permits.

prices can vary widely between counties for the labor, so the only way to know for sure is to dig into it localy. i would hate to say a price and here that is was way off.

woodguy1975 · 04-19-2007, 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by JohnsonMBrandon

John,

Basically you can pour a turned down slab and build on top of it. Are you wanting to knock out any walls to open up the space? My guess would be you would have to live with something like two double door openings, because the wall on the back side of your shop is load bearing.

If I had to guess on price it would probably be in the 25k range if you are going to finish everything on the inside yourself. Thats just a guess though, but I bet its probably not far off if you talk to a couple area contractors.....although their price may come in higher.

That seems in line with my initial thoughts. The turned down slab is what I was hoping could be done. As far as the house I won't touch it a bit. The doors will remain as they are and so will the brick. I'm just going to put up the 3 walls and roof. Put a few windows down each of the side walls for natural light with a standard door and roll up door for loading access on the back wall.

John

woodguy1975 · 04-19-2007, 03:12 PM

My area is relatively level so the slab should be fine to go with. I agree with getting the permit, hire the masons and framers, and do the rest myself.

It could be a fun project. Maybe get a little NCwwer gathering going for some of the work.

dino drosas · 04-19-2007, 03:41 PM

John, The word is REC ROOM, not shop expansion. You should have no trouble getting that approved being it is attached. After all, working on the bench is recreation to you (throw in tv cable outlet too). You may get neighbor opposition to a larger shop. Since it is an addition, the is no reason for inspectors to see your existing shop. Just go ahead and build it. It is much easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. LOL

McRabbet · 04-19-2007, 04:51 PM

John,

Well there goes the Classroom parking lot!

Actually, I'm surprised you haven't done this earlier than now. My only thought is to make sure you are not going to impact your septic system drainage field and to be sure that you tie the new walls and roof into the existing structure and waterproof it properly. Plus, in your case, you may need an industrial strength slab to support all those additional tools you'll be buying to fill it up!

Rob

Travis Porter · 04-19-2007, 04:51 PM

One thing to check or be sure of is that there are no restrictions on how close you can come to your property line. For example, in my neighborhood you cannot come within 15 ft of the property line.

gator · 04-19-2007, 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by Travis Porter

One thing to check or be sure of is that there are no restrictions on how close you can come to your property line. For example, in my neighborhood you cannot come within 15 ft of the property line.

And in mine, get this, that measurement is determined from the edge of the furtherest extension of the building, in my case the outside edge of the eaves which are extended 18" from the side of the building. The building walls had to be 16½' from the property line.

George

PurpleThumb · 04-19-2007, 05:17 PM

Count me in for the gathering and I am a licensed contractor. Whoops, and I have woodworking tools.

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