Looking Into the Future

Sometime in April or May, there will be some doings at the Bogie household.

I've been looking at replacements for the tent garage that collapsed and I compiled a list of  items to take into consideration:

• No roof raking during the winter
• At the same time, replace the 20+ year old metal shed that was an HD buy and had been moved frm my previous house (and it was beat then. That thing is so rusty, the roof has barely any screws left in the top, the base is rotting out, and it would be nice to have a door that is over 5' tall.
• Just needs to keep snow/frost off the truck - not necessarily fully enclosed for that portion.
• A concrete pad
• Termites are a concern living next to a swamp with lots of dead wood
• A good value for what I need versus what would be nice to have
• If I had my druthers, I would like to have the ability to also put the car in that structure if needed for some reason.

With those needs in mind, I was pretty darn sure I would end up with a metal carport/combo building somewhat like what I developed on a build site. No, that roll up door was not big enough to fit the car, but I wasn't going to fiddle with the site since I just wanted a basic mock up. Also, with this configuration, I was thinking 24W and 20'D. The width might be a challenge in the site because of the tree that the existing metal shed is right next to.

Then Kevin, the guy who had done the work to free the truck and sent an estimate for a replacement tent garage to the insurance company (which they went with), sent me an estimate on a 20'W x 24'D basic garage. I had only told him that I wanted to upgrade to a more permanent structure, that also replaced the shed, with a metal roof.

The garage he presented had shingles, but also a 6/12 pitch. It had two 8'W x 7'T tall doors plus side door, two lights inside, a flood light in front and a light at the side door (per code), vinyl siding and garage door openers. The sitework and a 6"Thick pad was included in the price.

After explaining my concerns about roof raking, termites and sending him the above picture, the response was that it would save 5k on the price. However, that building would not be rated for snow loads or wind (wind comes howling down the street and is funneled right to the site the building would be), and not have electricity. He also explained, that building to code, with a 6/12 pitch, I would not need to worry about roof raking, and that with today's materials, termite damage is not really a concern.

Let me explain that the cost of the building Kevin was proposing was fair and I had no quibbles with it that way, I was just looking at options. So, I went back to the original proposal. I didn't like the garage doors; although technically the truck would fit, it would be super tight getting thru the overhead doors. And, 8'W x 7'T would not allow for options in the future, especially if I ever decide to get a real truck instead of an SUV. So, I asked about a single overhead door that is 16'W x 8'T. He agreed that would be better in addressing my concerns and be more flexible in the way it was used. I also asked that the spot light on the front be removed as I have a street light across the street from my house, so would never need it.

When all was said and done, he was able to shave a couple hundred $$ off the price and I was happy with the proposal. By no means is this a "finished" garage as it doesn't have sheet rock, minimal lighting and no electrical outlets, but it is all I need. I'm actually going to feel pampered with a garage door opener since I don't have an opener for my under-house garage.

And may I say, to this point the BBB A+ rated company has been a pleasure to work with. They have been very responsive to the myriad of questions, concerns and suggestions I have had thru this process. I have expressed my appreciation for their patience several times (on the phone and in emails). This is a whole different experience than most companies I have dealt with for different issues on the house - even the A+ rated ones.

Comments

[Cop Car]

It sounds like you are in good hands, Bogie. Happy to hear it. Rock on!

[Ruth]

very nice!