I’m trying to build a solid, inexpensive garage. I’m thinking 22′ wide x 28′ deep with a 12/12 roof pitch on a 12′ high wall plate (ridge front to back). The walls are this tall so I can interject a 2nd floor (later) for a workshop or pool table or something.
As much as I like to do things the easy way, I also have a great appreciation for researching whether doing it differently could be just as good or better, or perhaps cheaper. At the same time, I appreciate the fact that houses are mostly built with platform framing because it hits the bullseye on a cost vs. strength matrix. Therefore I want to investigate a hunch – and bring my idea to this forum… because it’d be too easy to just erect a pole building in my back yard.
Please share your comments, opinions, etc on the following scenario:
I’m thinking of using precast concrete for my 4 walls. I like the idea because I could rent an excavator for a day and excavate footings myself. The precast walls would be placed on a gravel footing (which I interpret that as being pretty inexpensive and quick), and the 4 corners would be welded or bolted together. If the precast plant can deliver the walls [up to 15’x28′ as I see it], you should be able to crane them in place in about an hour. Once the walls are in place, I can backfill and I can leave the garage floor as gravel for now – and I can pour concrete against it later. The walls won’t have to be touched for decades…
The roof, I’d stick frame with 2×8’s & collar ties, lay 2×3 purlins on top, and cap it with a corrugated galvanized roof.
I’m hoping that the project is not so small that the precast plant nails me with a huge multiplier; I’m also hoping that the labor savings will offset any increase in material cost.
In a nutshell, that’s it – please fire away!!
Thanks
Edited 6/4/2003 9:24:12 AM ET by SPHAUGH
Replies
there was an article in fine homebuilding within the last year on a tilt up concrete house with a stone face. concrete is an inexpensive building material as is the reinforcing steel. the crane will cost you but you will use it for only a short time. i would reccomend concrete footing and consider pouring on site for either tilt up or pour in place. i don't see delivering walls 15'x28' over the road, how would you truck that? i think its to wide or tall.
The precast walls would need to be send in 15' tall, 8' wide panels, with weldplates to tie them together. The joints then need to be caulked (and they can be pretty wide- 1" isn't unusual to allow for expansion). You may have a problem using a woodframed roof to tie the tops of the walls off (little lateral bracing), and the panels would need to be designed to carry that future 2nd floor (read extra weld plates, reinforcing, etc.)
I paid $15-18/SF for precast panels even on large jobs- 40-50,000 SF of panels- so I doubt you'd get them for much less, especially in such a small quantity. As much as you may be thinking you'll save money, in the long run you'll get a better appearance, and more flexibilty with standard woodframe (2x6) walls, and a conventional footing/stemwall/slab arrangement. Besides- better to get that slab poured now and forget about it- we all know how projects like that get put off over and over, and you'll end up with gravel forever...
Bob
SPHAUGH,
I see nothing wrong with your plan except for $$$cost$$$.
At Bob's guesstimate of $18 per S.F.....one 15 X28 ft panel would cost you almost as much as the entire project would cost you if built on a slab and simply stick-framed. A pole style building would cost even less than a conventional stick-framed building...though not by much.
Pouring concrete on site would run you a lot of labor time in setting up forms, and if your wall is to be 15 foot high, you would have to rent a pumper truck for the pour. In my area, a pumper costs $1500 per day, plus cost of concrete to boot...again, this would not be an in-expensive way to go.
The cost of the pumper rental would pay for your framing materials; plus some.
In the end, do whatever you want...it's only money. Just ask yourself one question..."Do you want to build a shrine that lasts 300 years, or would you opt for a structure that adequately houses your things for just your lifetime?"...then build accordingly.
LOL.
Davo
http://www.precastsys.com/
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!
I did lots of reading about superiorwalls - that actually inspired my idea here. The only problem with superiorwalls is the fact they only build 10' high. If I bury it to our local frostline, I'm looking at only 6'-6" above ground.
I believe if I scale back to 8-9' wall height with conventional trusses (no 2nd floor) which would make the largest panel 28'x12' with openings for doors & windows - it might border on feasible but probably not even close.
I still like the idea of not having to pour a footing or paint/clad the thing...
Anyway - thanks for all the responses - looks like I'm back to the drawing board!