Garage floor level same as house

Discussion in 'Development' started by LoanSharkJR, 22nd Aug, 2017.

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  1. LoanSharkJR

    LoanSharkJR Well-Known Member

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    Does anyone know if, when building a new unit, to keep the garage floor at the same height as the interior house floor i.e. no step up to the kitchen, is achievable for minimum financial layout? Are we dealing with council regulations for drainage perhaps?
    What if you just don't want that step:confused:
     
  2. wylie

    wylie Moderator Staff Member

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    We did this with our renovation years ago because we thought we'd add a carport and turn the car accommodation into a living area, but we never did. It was something we had to persuade the council to allow and from memory that was due to the sewer overflow having to be 140mm(?) below the floor level. So our external sewer overflow outlet grate was lowered and sits at the bottom of a (deeper than normal?) pit with the pipe set lower, down the appropriate depth.

    I recall that without this "work around" for the sewer overflow, we risked the downstairs bathroom (floor grate and shower drain) being flooded with sewage if it was at the same level as the external overflow.

    We actually had a blockage last week (tree roots) and the external overflow did overflow so thankfully this does work (and most building regulations and rules clearly are there for a good reason).
     
  3. Marg4000

    Marg4000 Well-Known Member

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    Our daughter's house has the double garage on the same level as the rest of the house. Garage fully lined same as house. House around 5 years old. (Qld)
    Marg
     
  4. LoanSharkJR

    LoanSharkJR Well-Known Member

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    Thanks @wylie that is a problem if sewer gets blocked, useful to know. @Marg4000 the unit will be in Melbourne, I will look into council regulations also. Thank you.
     
  5. Paul@PAS

    Paul@PAS Tax, Accounting + SMSF + All things Property Tax Business Plus Member

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    From a common sense point of view any water run off incl garden or driveway, water runoff from a wet car or accumulated on a garage door, fluid leaks, gases and even a fuel spill could all creep into the house under the door. The step provides an opportunity to keep air blown debris in the garage too.

    Cost difference ? Probably none. If a step to a garage is a cost saver perhaps worth checking ceiling heights as they are probably at the BCA minimums
     
    Tufan Chakir likes this.
  6. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    Maybe check in to how it's managed for universal access so that elderly, disabled or wheelchair bound people get from garage to house
     
  7. RickProp

    RickProp Well-Known Member

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    Ceiling heights are a big issue on garage conversions what I have seen. It will be difficult to get approval if below building standards requirements.