Need some code help fellas – building an attached ( to house ) garage…must the garage slab be stepped down from the living space? If so, how much – per the code of course. Thanks.
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Better check with your local building inspections dept. for the exact code that is being used in your community. The new International Code which is in force in N.C. does not seem to require that the garage floor level be below that of the residence. It does require that the slab is sloped to a drain or the vehicle entry doorway. There are also a few other requirements pertaining to garages and some of the things you may want to install in them.
On a more personal note I would highly recommend that you put in a 4" step-up about four feet from the back wall of the garage, especially if this is the common wall between the house and garage. You can't believe the damage that a slowly rolling 4,000 lb. car can do to a stud wall. This step-up also helps to keep the dirt and grime from migrating into the house. You may not think that you need this "crash curb" now but in your golden years even your reflexes will fail you from time to time.
Thanks, oldlou. Your point is well taken. Truth is, we'll wind up with about 18" step-up from garage to house entry...we wanted much less but the builder's concrete sub went nuts. He said this was code. The builder says it should be 6" and I have reason to believe neither of them knows what they are talking about. Building in Downeast Maine...no inspectors, no code enforcement, not much talent and very little care. Thanks for your reply.
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About ten years ago we imposed the code and inspections, before that it was every man for himself and the customers ignorance could cost him big time. I suggest that you buy yourself a copy of a building code used in a New England state near you and become your own code enforcer. Spend $50 and save yourself $5000 down the road. They are not that difficult to read and understand, and with it at hand you have a stronger argument to get the job done right.
A "required" step-up of 18" is right if you are a flame source in a garage, such as a gas water heater. It would seem that you are right in assuming that neither of your guys knows what is right.
What concrete mix are they specifying? Per our code it should have a minimum compressive strength of 3500 psi, be air entrained between 5 to 7%. These qualities are important if the slab is to handle your severe weather and the deicing chemicals used to locate road surfaces in winter.
Get it specified right before you sign anything.
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I am not sure about the Gas Water heater, But around here I think it is 6". And I was told that is for carbon monoxide. which Hangs low to the ground. That will keep it from crawling under your door. We also need a fire rated steel door and 5/8ths sheetrock."I was born in the country, razed in the city, I'm a natural born shaker from my hips to the ground"