Expert: Dan Griffin - 4/28/2008

Question
Hello,
My wife and I are interested in adding more living space and also "opening up" our rambler to get more light in. Two options we are considering: One is converting the attached 2-car garage to living space and excavating the space under it to make a new garage area. This means the driveway would then be slightly inclined down into the new garage since now we have to drive up an incline into the existing garage. The other option is adding a second level over the garage and part of the existing level (so the 2nd floor would extend approx over 1/2 of the existing level). If budget will allow, we'll do both. Is one of these options easier to accomplish and/or less advisable for any reason?  And by the way, the existing driveway is heavily spalded (maybe from salt use of an earlier owner) so probably would be replaced anyway.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks very much.
John

Answer
John,   basement or subgrade garages can work well as long as you can deal with water issues.  You will probably also lose access to the garage from the interior or will need to incorporate a stairway in the plan.  A split level can be very successful.  You will need an engineer or architect to create an acceptable plan for the city.  I assume you are just trying to set a few ideas in mind.  Some builders really excel at crative remodels.