I’m going to convert my garage space into a living space.
I need a resource for best practices on framing up the floor off existing concrete.
Floor build up will be about -17-3/8”.
Thinking about using 2×8 with 16” OC spacing. Span will be no greater than 13’.
Should I form up a curb/footing, shoot in a sill plate and then frame up the floor? Or build up small pony wall off existing concrete?
I will be framing up a bathroom in the space so I imagine I’ll need a footing to carry load from the bathroom walls?
Cheers,
Matt Sims
Replies
How is this garage built, and where is it (frost depth and heating zone)
If the slab is integral with the garage footings, you can use the existing concrete to support your new floor. In this case, it might be simpler to build up 2 or three short walls (treated on the bottom plate) and rest the floor joists on them. Intermediate walls will reduce the span and stiffen the floor (if you get the tops level with each other)
If, on the other hand, the slab is not tied to the garage walls, best plan would be to support the new floor from the walls and carry loads direct to the footings under the walls.
your bathroom walls will not be load bearing, so should sit fine on the floor.
Hey, thanks for getting back to me. The slab is integrated into the footings (one car attached garage), at least from what I can tell, slab has a 6” curb. House has a crawl space.
So you’re thinking build up a small wall, it’d be about 8”. Sure would simplify the build. And you’re right, bathroom is non-bearing, building a small wall for the joists to rest down the middle would stiffen. Any other thoughts?
Cheers,
Matt
Think about vapor control, insulation and ventilation.
How is the crawl space in this regard? Might want a consistent approach for the converted garage.