Chapter 4 - Ended with a whimper
The final inside inspection was the last signoff for the garage checklist. After getting the garage cleaned up of the construction mess and finished looking as I could, we called for the final inspection. The inspector who showed up was not our normal inspector who did the previous inspections and signoffs so we didn’t know what to expect from this new guy. He spent 10-15 minutes looking over the garage plans, asking a few questions, had a quick look over the garage and signed off the last box on the form.
From this point on, I was looking for something from the county that I had fulfilled the permit requirements and they had closed my case. I wasn’t expecting a ticker tape parade but was expecting some type of formal letter that my garage was legal and not leave the homeowner hanging. About a month later, I received a form from the county assessor's office requesting information on type and description of the new construction, cost, size and total cost. A week after I sent that form in, I received a supplemental property tax bill for the new construction. Could this be the sign that I am finally legal? To confirm this, I had my permit manager (my friend who did the original construction) contact the county office. He was informed that my code violation case was closed out with the final inspection signoff and no further action was required on my part, my garage is legal.
Chapter 5 - Current status & Final thoughts
Looking back on it now, I probably shouldn’t have done what I did. It would have been impossible to anticipate future building code changes and with an illegal structure, grandfathering any changes would not apply in my case. If the installation of the sprinkler system was all that needed to be done, I could have gotten away with maybe $25k in additional cost just to meet code. The stucco and a new roof were additional expenses that were not needed for final signoff. Unfortunately the setback fiasco threw a wrench into the process and increased the final cost. One good thing about adding a garage is the increase in the assessed value of the property although my property taxes went up a small amount which was to be expected.
With this nightmare out of the way, I can finally go whole hog on modifying the garage for greater flexibility and ease of working inside. I moved most of my parts storage racks outside while I plan on building a storage shed later this year. As much as I hate to do this, my motorcycle riding days are over and I will be selling off most of my bikes. This will free up additional storage to move my remaining cars inside. Future plans include installing a Max Jack lift. Lets hope there is enough time for me to take advantage of the garage. I enjoy peeking inside other peoples' garages when they post photographs, I thought others may feel the same with mine.
Picture 14 - Main 20’x30’ section with small 10’x15’ assembly/work room in back. Enough room to fit an additional three more cars inside if I wanted to, I probably won’t
Picture 15 - Lots of clutter along the side that needs to be cleaned up and more lights. The four LED lights from Costco are OK for general lighting but will need task lights for working on the cars.
Picture 16 - My 20’x20’ side wing. There are three Europas hidden in the mess, can you spot them?
Picture 17 - There may be room for another four post storage lift, haven’t decided. The slab in this section was reinforced for such a possibility
Picture 19 - Most of the storage racks were moved outside until a storage shed can be built later this year.
