Almost 5 years in the making, from the first garage design to throw-downs with ass-hatted District Board of Variance to the resulting garage re-design to the ground-breaking, 50 yards of concrete and over 400 sticks later, I, at last, have the Woodworking Stronghold I so longed for years and years ago.

Progress Timelapse (Day 34 to 50)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGhe59nmkEo]

NOTE: Better quality video if opened directly in YouTube and select “Large Window” and/or “1080p” from the cog at the bottom-right.

Wall Framing

Prior to day 34, a passerby would comment on the awkwardly massive foundation and alley-facing retaining walls, unavoidably huge just to hold the steep grade of our yard in check. And while they might have assumed that a tall foundation wall meant a short stud wall on top, their assumptions were shattered on day 35.

Standing in the alley in awe of the newly erected walls atop the once-alarming foundation, tall enough to cast shadows as far as two blocks down the street, we thought, “huh…15-foot walls really do put the concrete into perspective.”

Roof Framing

The majority of the roof framing is built with engineered 3/12 trusses. However, due to the aforementioned ass-hatted District BOV architects and the limitations imposed as a result, the rear half needed rafters to allow for a vaulted ceiling. This allowed for yard-side french door access.

For cost savings, I reduced the number of skylights from 6 to 2. They’ve been placed on the east slope of the trussed section with intent to avoid direct sunlight.

Alley-side Exterior

On the alley-side, the garage stands about 15′ from the top of the slab. However, because the slab sits 2.5′ above the alley, the roofline actually peaks about 17.5′ above grade at it’s tallest point.

The offset overhead door is an oversized 16′x9′ door. For anyone who’s planning to build a garage with an oversized door, it’s worth mentioning that most automatic openers need an extension kit to work with anything taller than 7′…a tiny detail I overlooked when I bought my opener that, even with the kit, maxes out at 8′.

Yard-side Exterior

On the yard-side, the roof stands about 9′ above grade allowing for a yard-side access door. If you recall, the previous garage was about 2′ above grade…it did not allow for a yard-side access door.

Interior

It approximately covers a 24′x26′ footprint with a 6′x24′ mezzanine 6′ above slab. The ceilings are all open at the moment, but once I insulate, it’ll be 12′ under the trusses and up to about 14′ under the rafters. The garage will also have a small bathroom plumbed with a dedicated 3/4″ supply off the city main for a sink and toilet. I envision it having a door at some point, as well.

What’s Left

Short of a few minor electrical and plumbing issues to resolve, this pretty much wraps up the contractor’s work. However, I’m hoping to finish it up this summer, when the weather is nice and I, of course, have all the time in the world with a newborn baby.

Currently on the radar is stuff like:

• Rainscreen
• Siding (likely Hardiboard)
• Tiered Landscaping (likely something like mortarless Allen Blocks)
• Insulation
• Water Heater (likely just a small on-demand for the sink)

In the meantime, I got some building to do.