looking for a free garage design program

[myxpykalix]

I need some free app that will let me design and output a file that looks like the picture below. I had them at lowes make this for me when i built my original shed years ago and got a permit but it seems I forgot to go get a permit for the addition....OOPS!:eek::rolleyes:

But my nosey neighbor complained so I need to get drawings to the city. All the apps i have seen are more for home design and decorating and not to show the "bones" off. If you have any names of pgms or links i'd appreciate it.....:)

[adrianm]

http://www.northernlightstimberframing.com/su/

[Gary Campbell]

Jack, Jack, Jack...
OOOPS??? Let me guess why you would forget. .... Oh, I get it, the permit cost money! :D:D Sometimes being cheap costs you more in the long run. Getting hassled by the building dept. may be one of those times.

I have built in code juridictions where, if unpermitted construction has been done, permits fees are assessed at double the normal rate for foundation, building, roof, electrical and plumbing. Drawings must be done by a licensed Architect or Engineer. Then the building must be torn apart to allow visual inspection of all rough framing and plumbing or electrical connections. At that point you must hire an engineer to assess the structural aspects of the building and sign off as compliant. Same goes for all other inspections.

You dont have any electrical in that addition do you? Let us know how much money you saved as this progresses.

Sorry about the rant, but as a 30+ year licensed professional, I get irritated by homeowners that break the laws to save a few $. You dont also break the law by doing plumbing or electrical in your commercial properies, (rental property) do you?

[myxpykalix]

Gary,
I appreciate the rant. I understand you only want me to be safe:)

However in this area you are allowed to do all your own work as long as you own the property. I have had over 30 years experience doing construction, plumbing, electrical and all phases of building.

I go above code for safety sake and had gotten a permit for the original and didn't think i needed a permit for an addition:rolleyes:

I'm sorry daddy...lol thanks

[myxpykalix]

Curtis,
Here is a picture of the original and addition with deminsions. The original was 16x24 and the addition is 16x24 I sent you my email in a PM. Thanks for your help

[MogulTx]

I have a non-permitted barn on my property, too. And I do my work in it- BUT- where I am, I am in the County- not the city. So I didn't need a permit when I built. However, the County has now passed an ordinance that requires all new slabs to be engineered and inspected- so when I add my addition- about a 16 x 30, I am guessing- I will be required to put in for engineering, etc. (DANG IT!) ( But strangely not a builing permit per se.)

Now: to address Mr. C's complaint: I don't do my own work and modifications so that I can "get away" with something. I do them because I will do them for CHEAP. Buildings around here are costing 50-75psf, and I built the last one for $20psf (with electrical added later at an additional cost of ~$2500). I am not griping at the contractors. They have a price they need to charge. But if the task is well within the capabilities of the homeowner /business owner and he is willing to do the work, I see no need to pay the contractor. Not comparing apples to oranges- I am saying quality work. And after all, pretty much everyone on this forum is a manufacturer by default... it is what makes us tick. So, I am not at all embarrassed to build my own and then to use it! So, Jack shouldn't have peeved his local building authority by cutting a corner- and I hope it doesn't cost him much to atone for it. As for me, when the time comes, I will apply for the appropriate TAX and pay up, and get the sign offs needed.

Just my 2c worth.

Monty

[steve_g]

In Garland where I live, a homeowner can do his own work, BUT… you still must get a permit. I love to tell a story about a small town north of me… The federal government built a wind shear detector installation for DFW airport… without a permit. They said they didn’t need one because they were the government. When the time came to hook up to the grid the power company refused to do it without a CO signed by the building inspector. Needless to say he made them jump through ALL the hoops, slab x-rays, opening the walls etc.

Steve

[gc3]

permit, what is that?

Jack you are welcome to move here.....there is no permit process for building and we will help you!

like USA many,many moons ago...:rolleyes:

[michael_schwartz]

Here you just go to the town with a drawing on a napkin. Well in some localities you do need an engineer to sign off on the plans.

But then again we do not have licensed builders. There are only 1-2 plumbing and electrical inspectors for the whole state so they only get involved if you have an elevator.

Its funny visiting the homes of local architects who intentionally install stairways/railings that are blatantly code violations elsewhere.

[myxpykalix]

Gene,
Thanks for the offer but i'm not quite ready to live the "Robinson Crusoe" lifestyle you have there. From the pics you've sent me it looks like a magical lifestyle for a kid growing up (or an adult) but i'm too set in my ways here....besides mexico is not the place you want to visit right now..
but thanks anyway...:rolleyes:

[curtiss]

There are two types of construction, "design build" & "build design"

I believe the latter has a much longer history.