Garage conversions

cpk · Sep 11, 2005

Hello everyone, I was considering expanding my existing family room. The new room was going to be an addition of 14x12 for @ $30,000. My wife gave the ok to convert the garage. We have not used it since Feb due to storing of material for a kitchen remodel. I am wondering what you have done and whether or not you have applied for permits. I just want to create a large family tv room. This an attached garage. Thanks for all your info and input. Thanks Joe.

Cindy Denning · Sep 11, 2005

What you do with your money is up to you but man I can't believe the $30.000 part for that small a space. Are you in the city, suberbs? if you're in the country the heck with a permit. That sounds like a ton of money.

cpk · Sep 11, 2005

Hi Cindy, thanks for the response. Yeah that's right, $30,000. That does not include architect blueprints, permits and flooring. Then it takes 1 month for prints to be drawn, 4-6 weeks in the county for approval, then when the contractor has the time, and the rainy season is coming. I am in Southern Calif, Riverside County. I did some research and it seems like if I do a conversion, that I would have to have at least a 1 carport. I also have a 3rd car attached garage that has been already convereted over. It is funny when we had our house appraised, the appraiser asked for paperwork on this room. I told her that this house was the model and that was the I bought it. Because the county listed it as a garage. Oh well I guess I could always convert this over, but I prefer not to. It must be nice is old S.C. to not have to worry about this. I was stationed over in Camp Lejune along time ago.

Centaur · Sep 11, 2005

Cindy Denning said:
... if you're in the country the heck with a permit.

Highly unadvisable! You don't want to ge there - you may potentially have to tear out your work, and re-do it.

cpk said:
I also have a 3rd car attached garage that has been already convereted over. It is funny when we had our house appraised, the appraiser asked for paperwork on this room. I told her that this house was the model and that was the I bought it. Because the county listed it as a garage.

If the previous conversion needed a permit, and didn't have one - guess what - You're still may be potentially liable for it!

This may vary from county to county. I'm up in Alameda county. My children's day care provider bought a new house a few months back, and was remodelling. The city inspector just happened to be driving past, saw the dumpster, and thought he'd have a look. He discovered that one room that a previous owner had added was without a permit. And not to code (this guy was a contractor!) So they're having to tear it out, and rebuild from the foundation (which was too thin) up.

Caveat Aedificator! (builder beware)

cpk · Sep 11, 2005

I am going to give the county a call tomorrow. I would hate to setup everything and then have to tear it down.

pyrguy · Sep 12, 2005

Cindy Denning said:
...the heck with a permit...

Talk to your insurance company. Most will avoid paying any clams caused by work that was not permitted.

R.W.Clark · Sep 12, 2005

My kids god father is a head code enforcement officer for Riverside County. GET YOUR PERMITS! They are pretty easy going so long as you get the proper paperwork. Do it without the paperwork and you are in big trouble.

Cindy Denning · Sep 12, 2005

My Gawd, we only have a thousand NO TRESSPASSING SURVIVORS WILL BE PROSECUTED signs everywhere... A permit is of course the only way to go with Home Owners Insurance as well...I agree about the permit too! :foot:

cpk · Sep 13, 2005

R.W.Clark thanks for the advice, I will follow it. Now if you could help me with getting an answer, I would be most thankful. I contacted the county 3 weeks ago regarding set backs. I have not heard back from them. I called today regarding garage conversions. I expect the same thing. Could you please ask your kids Godfather a couple of questions? I need to know what the set back requirements are from the property line, and also can a steel carport be put closer to the fence line. This being due to not being able to catch fire. I see alot of those simple carports right on the fence line. Also what is the parking requirement if I convert the garage. It seems that I would need a 2 car garage or 2 carport cover. I am wondering if I could use 1 car garage and 1 single car carport. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

R.W.Clark · Sep 13, 2005

A lot will depend on where in the county you live. If you just live "in the county" then IIRC the only thing is that you can not park on dirt. If you are closer in than you might have city codes to deal with as well as CCRs. I do not believe you can put the car port right to the property line. You do not need a permit for a car port so people may build them that way but it does not make it legal.

What part of the county are you in? If you are in his area I will see if he can help. You are really looking for building and planning not CE but he might be able to help get the ball rolling. CE normally only get involved AFTER you screw up

He loves it when I call him a jack booted green grass nazi

cpk · Sep 13, 2005

I am giving this project up.

uncle Alan · Sep 14, 2005

cpk said:
I am going to give the county a call tomorrow. I would hate to setup everything and then have to tear it down.

I recently moved a bit inland from Port Orange Florida . [ Read : Port ORDINANCE ] I live in the same county BUT it's like having a license to steal here.
P/O even charges for applications for permits ! I bailed out but we are retired & here we are happier than we have been in many years .
In attition to all the chicken-Schick , do you have a Homeowners A$$ociation eyeballing you ?
Sounds like you will strangle on red tape before the tradesmen get a shot at you.
I sincerely feel bad for you.
Uncle Alan