[Mark Hubley]

Susan and I recently moved into a new house on 17 acres. Great house, and it has a decent two-car garage in the lower level of the house. However, it does not have the kind of garage I want--a working garage with room for a two-post lift. So, I hope to have one built.

The property has a 30' x ~24' workshop, with a second floor. For various reasons, we don't want to turn that into a garage, but my current plan is to build off that structure. One of the 30' sides would become the back of the garage, and I would like to build out a 30' x 24' garage space.

Can anyone recommend a builder I might contact to get some ideas and estimates on cost? Preferably someone who has experience with garages, and someone who is not too far from where I am in Dunkirk, MD. (That is about 30 minutes south of Annapolis, and about 15 minutes east of Upper Marlboro.)

I don't need to go too crazy, but I am thinking two 12' bays and then some extra area for workbench, toolboxes, and cabinets. A two-post lift is a must for me. I'll want to do something with the floor. U-Coat It worked pretty well for me in my old garage, but maybe I would try something different.

[Dr K]

Our own Bill Miller (haven't seen him on Dorkiphus for a while). I'll send you his contact info if you're interested. I've spent many happy hours in HIS garage which may be close to what you want.

[ducatithunder]

I grew up in Calvert country. I can reach out to some people. Still not a great time to build with lumber and other costs. If your looking to plan now and build next year it should be a lot better. That area is blowing up so I’m sure builders are at a premium.

If you are looking for a non custom garage the Amish builders up in PA were pretty good. One company I dealt with just did garages. Slab/foundation to the roof. They can do some custom touches but that’s were they make there money. I’ll try to find there info over the weekend.

[ducatithunder]

https://iamish.com/

I dealt with these guys prior to building my garage myself. Like is said earlier, basic garages but can do custom.

[Mark Hubley]

Here are pics of the existing workshop. I want to build off in the direction of the existing concrete slab, though I may want to tear up and re-do the concrete. Since I want to install a two-post lift, I want to be sure the concrete is done properly.

I'm pretty sure there is enough height to get 12' clearance for the lift.





Inside this building is a wood-burning furnace that heats water that can be used to heat the house. That is preventing me from just converting the building itself into a garage. The furnace and associated pipes, etc. takes up too much space. We will use the existing space for some other purpose.

[Mark Hubley]

Also, I am not in a great hurry, which is probably a good thing given the supply chain issues others have mentioned. However, I figure I should go ahead and get some ideas on what to do and some cost estimates. I figure there will also be some sort of county permitting process that I will have to go through. May as well get started.

[JmuRiz]

VERY cool building to build off of.
I got nothing for you, wasn't thrilled with my builder as I had to beef up the back wall so it wouldn't move when it got windy and the garage door was open...yikes.

Lots of crazy stories from the build too...

[SRG]

Builders build stuff. Generally, they are good at it.

Most don't draw/design stuff. Generally, they are not very good at it.

I suggest finding a designer/draftsman/architect first.

[racer]

One pic, the slab looks flat. The other on an incline. My guess is demo and grading will be involved, so fresh slab of desired and code meeting concrete is in order.

My HOA doesn't like fun stuff like extra garages or barns

[BlackTalon]

Plus the slab is lower than the surrounding grade, so if the slab elevation will be maintained make sure you get a real waterproofing membrane on the base of the garage walls.