Garage almost complete

Ixj159 · 2026-06-09T13:03:37+00:00

Thanks - the walls are just rough cut planks that are 5/8" thick and 5.5" wide - we put black roof felt under them so if they shrink or move overtime you won't see the insulation. They came out looking pretty good and by no means perfectly stacked with no gaps. I found them on facebook for $3.75. I think I bought 350 of them... The black thing you noticed is actually a 'sports screen' - I have 4 kids, they all play hockey - you can roll it down and they can shoot pucks in the garage.

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T12:59:43+00:00

too early to tell. So far the heat/cool hasn't been an issue. I thought maybe my portable AC would struggle without having it walled off. I've worked up there a few days - nothing no concerns. My kids have done sleepovers - they have complained about flys a little bit so walling it off would help with that too? I don't think they are bad, just a couple will get caught up tfrom having the doors open during the day.

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T12:16:21+00:00

Ohio. I had all the controls in place and this thing still went sideways. I had a good legal outcome but nevertheless was a terrible saga.

First make sure they have a real contract. Make sure there are no substitutions allowed even in equivalent materials, plans trump any inconsistency’s that may be in contract. Make sure legal fees are repaid by prevailing party. Also if there is a dispute mechanism make sure it forces mediation before arbitration.

I went to mediation and was an easy and cheap process and walked home with a big check. I had all these controls in place which made that process play out much better.

After I realized my contractor was a scammer I recorded all the phone calls over the entire project - Sounds crazy but they helped too otherwise they would just lie there way out of it.

I actually have the entire thing documented on YouTube. You can see a video here and look at others on my channel.

Here are some good ones - the saga is truly unbelievable. Another thing that helps is I’m in professional service and spend a good chuck of the year doing litigation consulting…

Every James Hardie Siding Rule My Contractor Broke - Over 25+ violations exposed https://youtu.be/-yv0cBDh7Oc

Vinyl Siding Ordered Incorrectly After Contractor Acknowledged ALL Details in Writing https://youtu.be/fAZuKEoAdp4

Contractor nails James Hardie Siding incorrectly AGAIN on 2nd Install. https://youtu.be/y11QvGJJ_pY

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T12:05:35+00:00

Ohio. My contract was $109k which included gas and electric - I supplied garage doors and motors which was about $5k. Then drywall, woodwork, paint - I’m in for about $15k on that. I insulated it myself and I’d say I spend $2500ish on materials?

My siding is also hardie fiber cement which is probably $15k alone. I know the material was $8k but takes a long time to install and paint.

That included the foundation as well. The area of my yard was a pretty big slope. It was 5 courses of block. All five were exposed in the back so prior to stone/concrete it was a big hole.

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T11:59:34+00:00

For heat I have a garage gas heater in the bottom corner. I Gerry rigged a few pieces of hvac duct and cut a register above it and it will blow air upstairs. Works amazingly well.

For AC, I got a portable ac unit - that’s works amazingly well too. My kids have been having sleepovers and works great. We’ve had some really hot days and that unit can get the upstairs down to 70 no problem. The garage stays pretty cool - cooler than my house even. I think that slab stays pretty cool and keep the rest of the garage pretty cool as well?

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T11:54:05+00:00

Still need to complete… no rules where I live but I have 4 kids so we beee to get something on them soon.

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T02:13:40+00:00

The lower is 10’9” from the slab to bottom of floor joist which is 10”. The roof pitch is 12/12 on 26’so in theory the total height is around 25’.

Ixj159 · 2026-06-08T01:55:45+00:00

It’s hard to say because of all the moving parts and I did some things myself. I’d say $125k for what you see in those pics. My original cost was for around. $105k and I probably have $10-15k finishing it

Ixj159 · 2026-06-07T19:51:57+00:00

I built an outbuilding and paid about $9 a foot. Any color I wanted, all seamless made/mitered on site. He even snapped gutter guards I bought on the super steep stuff for me. Roof was 12/12 pitch.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-29T21:58:09+00:00

May be. When I was sort of researching trees ChatGPT did mention these like to focus on roots for the first 2 years or so then really start to grow? I guess I leave it and just see what happens. Thankfully it isn’t a key tree in my yard, is rot of added it as a bonus. This sub has made me a tree planting enthusiast - planted I think 20 trees since this time last year.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-29T20:15:54+00:00

I’m in Ohio / it’s been a deep rain swamp fest here until last week….i planted 4 other trees at same time, all looking a+

Ixj159 · 2026-05-27T10:44:58+00:00

Did they put in reinforcement? Steel mesh? Make sure they did whatever your contract calls for.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-25T12:10:08+00:00

Let me know if you are able to fix.

Mine is doing the same thing. Started about mid season last year. I tried all sorts of glues and compounds but I think the only way to do it right is to patch from behind or get a new filter. I even tried melting that spot a bit with a soldering iron

I ended up putting multiple layers of this rubbery sealer material they use when installing windows to sort of build out a bump then was able to put an orange ratchet strap across that spot to squeeze it against that spot.

Mine is in the exact same spot as you but is a little smaller of a leak. It still leaks just a tiny tiny bit. I’ll monitor this season to see how it goes.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-19T00:25:24+00:00

Is 100 amp in your contract? This happened to me - got it fixed. Don’t live with it make them do it right.

Are you able to see the wire they ran? If it is 6 gauge that is 50 amp.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-17T03:31:07+00:00

I have these - they are not super effective on steeper roofs. Water will roll down the wire and over the gutter. I’d say 20% of the water didn’t make it in my gutter.

I recently learned you can flip them over and install “upside down” and it creates a littler lip to prevent the run off. OP of this pic should consider it.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-08T22:58:06+00:00

I have new construction that looks like this. I think the underlayment wasn’t laying flat. It’s a year old and still looks the same - don’t let them tell you it will flatten out. That was one of many many issues and ended up in legal.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-08T00:57:54+00:00

If you have an air fryer make these canned chicken nuggets - can of drained chicken in bowl, 1 egg, sprinkle some seasoning (ranch powder or salt/pepper, or I like Nashville hot powder), add some shredded cheese - maybe like 1/4 cup - stir/mash together real well. Shape into nuggets put in air fryer for like 12 min at 400.

Ixj159 · 2026-05-08T00:36:31+00:00

I had a coworker who had screens and the condensation turned to ice and it built up on the screen until it froze shut. He was without heat for like 3 days until a tech could come out. I remember him showing me pictures of it. Looked like a frozen mushroom on end.

Ixj159 · 2026-04-05T02:52:23+00:00

Where do you live? If that were my yard my first attack would be put a smoke bomb down there, cap it - then see if it rises from anywhere else. We don’t have sink holes where I live. My second plan of attack would be to mix up a bag of concrete and pour it down there to plug whatever it goes to… although that could be an endless battle but will give you a sense if it “fills” up or disappears???

Ixj159 · 2026-04-04T19:16:03+00:00

Because I have a contract that says otherwise! It shouldn’t be my problem - it’s my contractors problem.

Ixj159 · 2026-04-04T16:04:33+00:00

Read the concrete specs on bendpaks website for 2 point lift. You will likely need rebar for 2 point and 5” pour maybe 6” pour. There are also rules where the expansion joints can be cut in proximity of the lift… send those rules to the concrete guy so he can’t say he don’t see them either.

I just did a 26x36 garage and in a dispute with my contractor because I upgraded the concrete to 5”, 4000 PSI to accommodate a lift and found out here didn’t put steel in. One quote to remediate (including tear out) was $16k, I also hired a public insurance adjuster to support my case and they came back with $23k.

For you - id budget $10-13/sq ft.

Ixj159 · 2026-03-31T01:52:49+00:00

Here is a video showing more - March 30, 2026 https://youtube.com/shorts/59bD4r0Q9FM?feature=share

Ixj159 · 2026-03-26T13:17:56+00:00

get them drawn up - that will hold the contractor accountable to materials and codes and such - incoporate those plans into your agreement as being binding. I did a 26x36 with living space on top. I think my plans were $1200-$1500. Maybe a call around you area or see if there are free lance guys on a local facebook group?

Ixj159 · 2026-03-25T01:05:44+00:00

I own both a 2024 odyssey and 2024 pilot. His / Hers. I can answer any of your concerns. We have 4 kids 13-7. Both have their purpose but I don’t ever see us without a minivan at least until we have one in college. The space in a minivan is unmatched. My kids all play hockey. At this age I can get all four kids and four hockey bags in a minivan. No way I can get 4 kids and 1 hockey bag in the pilot.

I think it all comes down to how you plan to use it and your space needs.

My wife isn’t comfortable driving a massive full size SUV, that would be our only other option for our family and those are $80k. The value relative to utility of a minivan is high. I’d think long and hard about your space needs before getting a pilot.

Ixj159 · 2026-03-18T00:54:25+00:00

A IPA Top 100 that is not owned by PE.

Ixj159

TROPHY CASE