Planning a shop on steep terrain - thoughts?

[dragoneggs]

Here is an orthographic as-is view of the house. I don't have the decks modeled. My thought would be to expand to the right but there is limited solid ground as the slope curves back into the hill. But adding to that side wouldn't be too bad except the wife would like a higher ceiling for more glass for the view.



The 'scab on' to the right bottom floor is an uninsulated shed (outside the bearing wall) and a sun room. These could easily be demo'd to make room for a proper two story extension. Note the cement retaining wall extending further to the right to handle the steep grade change. Would have to move my heat pump that is just below in front of the retaining wall. No big deal I suppose.

 

[MossRoad]

If you add on to the right, won't you be cutting off your drive-around and down access to your current under deck area, and put that greenhouse really close to the house?

 

[MossRoad]

 

[MossRoad]

It would look very nice, though. Like it was there all the time.

 

[ultrarunner]

Lots of hillside construction on the Oakland Hills... very steep lots and they do it 20 to 26' deep piers and a lot of them... concrete and steel...

A nearby build had 150k into steel, concrete and piers... but they did it for a large 900 square foot garage as they wanted to reclaim existing garage as living space...

Start with what you want and then work backwards as you cost it out...

My shop is an elevated Concrete slab 22 x 30 supported on 2x4 framing with my tractor garage under the slab... I have been beefing things up as I do live in earthquake country... elevation drops 8' in 30'

It was built in 1970 when code for accessory buildings were lenient.

Having the elevated slab is like having two shop spaces... a double decker.

 

[dragoneggs]

View attachment 592336

Exactly... the greenhouse would have to go. Sad because I plumbed and wired it and heavily modified the 10ft by 12ft structure to make it a quality structure. Wondering if I could somehow skid it down the hill to relocate it?

The access to the 'other' side would be a challenge but I would keep a wide enough 'easement' for the tractor plus a little but there I would be straddling some unstable soil.

 

[dragoneggs]

Lots of hillside construction on the Oakland Hills... very steep lots and they do it 20 to 26' deep piers and a lot of them... concrete and steel...

A nearby build had 150k into steel, concrete and piers... but they did it for a large 900 square foot garage as they wanted to reclaim existing garage as living space...

Start with what you want and then work backwards as you cost it out...

My shop is an elevated Concrete slab 22 x 30 supported on 2x4 framing with my tractor garage under the slab... I have been beefing things up as I do live in earthquake country... elevation drops 8' in 30'

It was built in 1970 when code for accessory buildings were lenient.

Having the elevated slab is like having two shop spaces... a double decker.

I definitely want to avoid driving piers and the such. I have zero experience with concerte floors above ground. Something I might research a little. My slope is closer to 8ft in 20ft or so!

 

[ultrarunner]

8' IN 30' only works because no snow or ice here...

I did live with steep drives before and might be alright for the family car but backing down with trailer and having the rig slide because the concrete is wet just wasn't for me.

Extending the deck and closing it in would require lots of drilling with re-bar cages automatically here along with many yards of concrete... the curved drive might be tweaked by making the curve wider and more gentle?

I am considering actually reducing the width of my WA deck by a 1/3 to improve the water view.... rather look at nature than a large deck.

I'm guessing side yard setbacks are set and not much would be gained with a variance at the existing garage?

There is something to be said with a separate shop within sight... but deep in a tree canopy causes it's own problems.

On your side extension if you could drop the roof slightly could you tuck it under the existing eve?

This would minimize disruption to the existing... but would you pick up enough square footage?

 

[dragoneggs]

8' IN 30' only works because no snow or ice here...

I did live with steep drives before and might be alright for the family car but backing down with trailer and having the rig slide because the concrete is wet just wasn't for me.

Extending the deck and closing it in would require lots of drilling with re-bar cages automatically here along with many yards of concrete... the curved drive might be tweaked by making the curve wider and more gentle?

I am considering actually reducing the width of my WA deck by a 1/3 to improve the water view.... rather look at nature than a large deck.

I'm guessing side yard setbacks are set and not much would be gained with a variance at the existing garage?

There is something to be said with a separate shop within sight... but deep in a tree canopy causes it's own problems.

On your side extension if you could drop the roof slightly could you tuck it under the existing eve?

This would minimize disruption to the existing... but would you pick up enough square footage?

I think those following this thread are starting to appreciate my predicament. Not complaining because I am lucky (oh I worked for it) for what I have.

I do appreciate all the comments here. When I start figuring costs, the option of #2 vs. #4 might become a lot more clear... as my life employed is now less than a decade. Resale is not as big a factor because I want what works best for me and the wife. If it means a difference of $50K on resale, I won't care... I'll be dead.

 

[goeduck]

My slope is mild compared to yours. I would expand the garage on one level, I do not see doing that subtracting from your street appeal. You are not on a public street and your appeal is largely the house and the view from the house.

I forget what kind of oysters you are growing. Pacifics?