Living in my garage

[B7500]

After buying our property we built a beautiful 28 by 30 garage. Or intentions were to start the camp next year (used mostly the summer and some weekends in the winter). Well, the reality of the cost plus taxes put the kybosh to those plans. We even thought of a $75,000 double wide instead. The code says I would need a frost wall slab for that and just the foundation would be $20,000. Still too expensive.
To buy time to figure out what we can do/afford I am thinking of temporarily fixing up the garage to live in. I know code will not allow that legally but where is that fine line between legal and illegal?
If I just wanted a sink and toilet for my "shop" in the garage I assume that would be ok. If I wanted to add a chair or stool at my work bench that would be ok. If I threw a sleeping bag on the floor that too would be fine.
Then, why not a little kitchenette and sofa bed instead?
At what point would I be in violation?
I figure in about three or four years we could build the house but in the mean time we want to be a bit more comfortable then our camper we use now.
Thanks for reading this long question.
-Terry

 

[MikePA]

I can think of at least two things that could 'trip' you up.

1. Installing anything that needs a water supply or waste system will probably require inspections.

2. Neighbors or anyone driving by might notice someone is living there.

<font color="blue"> If I just wanted a sink and toilet for my "shop" in the garage I assume that would be ok. </font>
This means drilling a well and installing a septic system or connecting to the public equivalents. This means inspections.

 

[B7500]

Mike,
I already have town water and sewer on my property. I could always ask for a permit to put a sink in my "shop". Then, after that inspection fix it up to live in.
We are too secluded for anyone to drive by however in a small town word of mouth could nail me.
-Terry

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Your going to need a well & septic anyhow, so that's not really an added expense. You might be surprised at how easily you can convert your garage to living area withIN code. Talk with your local building inspectors and see what they can tell you. Look at them as a resource, not as the enemy.

Explain your situation to them and ask for suggestions as to how to do it with the least expense and greatest ease of converting back to garage later. Most inspectors around here are former contractors in their respective inspection areas and have a wealth of knowledge.

I've had great success in doing projects here by involving them in my planning process. I figure if I ask them for advice and come to some plan with them involved it's going to be pretty tough for them not to approve the work when it's done. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Hambone]

Could get fresh water in the shop and put a port-o-let outside. Not too nice in winter, but, you could put a small electric heater inside.

 

[B7500]

Gary,
I'm afraid if I do as you say and tell them what I want to do I'd open up a can of worms. My may concern would them telling me I can't do it and then keeping an eye out if I did. I'll ask some contractors what they think before I go to the zoning guy.
Thanks,
-Terry

 

[riptides]

Can you call it something other than "garage" to get around your codes?

People around here build "in-law" apartments, "pool" houses, "cottages", "day" shops, "barns", etc. etc. Then when the finances are right their "primary" dwelling or residence.

-HTH
Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[gws]

Composting toilets work well when built correctly, With electric on the property then even better to compost. As for a well. Around here a permit is not needed to drill a well only to use it for human use. Drill it, test it, and plumb it to the garage.

 

[BB_TX]

You don't say how remote the place is. Is it in town? Near town? Outside city limits? Hollering distance of the nearest neighbors? That will probably determine what you can get by with. When I built my shop on my property, I built a bathroom, kitchenette area, and have some basic furniture there (including a bed). My plan is to move in there temporarily when we decide to sell our house and build there.
You can see I also park my tractor in the kitchen. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Hambone]

Nice place Bill.
Sure makes the weekends nicer.