Hello everyone,
we are currently planning an extension on top of our garage. This addition will be connected to the first floor of the existing building and is intended to provide enough space for my soon-to-be family of five on one level. We were actually ready to submit the plans. However, some neighbors have given me their “expert advice” during the signature collection, which made me reconsider. The background is that in the new construction we will have a knee wall height of 2.07m (6 ft 9½ in), resulting from a similar gable height and a 22° roof pitch like the existing house. The orientation will also remain north/south as in the existing building.
Now to the “problem”:
After subtracting the ring beam/joist, I think the windows facing north/south will have a maximum height of 1.70–1.80m (5 ft 7 in – 5 ft 11 in) below the eaves. Together with the roof overhang, I fear the view will basically be directed downward, which would be a pity given the otherwise magnificent distant view. To overcome the roof overhang at the terrace door, our draftsman has drawn in a dormer at the hallway height. Access to the garden was important to us.
I am now wondering if it might be sensible to:
1. Extend the dormer along the entire north side to gain window height?
2. Raise the wall construction by about 2–3 courses of bricks in general in order to gain window height and possibly manage entirely without a dormer.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 in the plan to maintain flexibility during construction, if this is approved.
(There is no zoning plan, and the setback distances should not pose any further issues in these scenarios.)
What do you think about this? Are these scenarios even feasible?
Thank you!
we are currently planning an extension on top of our garage. This addition will be connected to the first floor of the existing building and is intended to provide enough space for my soon-to-be family of five on one level. We were actually ready to submit the plans. However, some neighbors have given me their “expert advice” during the signature collection, which made me reconsider. The background is that in the new construction we will have a knee wall height of 2.07m (6 ft 9½ in), resulting from a similar gable height and a 22° roof pitch like the existing house. The orientation will also remain north/south as in the existing building.
Now to the “problem”:
After subtracting the ring beam/joist, I think the windows facing north/south will have a maximum height of 1.70–1.80m (5 ft 7 in – 5 ft 11 in) below the eaves. Together with the roof overhang, I fear the view will basically be directed downward, which would be a pity given the otherwise magnificent distant view. To overcome the roof overhang at the terrace door, our draftsman has drawn in a dormer at the hallway height. Access to the garden was important to us.
I am now wondering if it might be sensible to:
1. Extend the dormer along the entire north side to gain window height?
2. Raise the wall construction by about 2–3 courses of bricks in general in order to gain window height and possibly manage entirely without a dormer.
3. Combine options 1 and 2 in the plan to maintain flexibility during construction, if this is approved.
(There is no zoning plan, and the setback distances should not pose any further issues in these scenarios.)
What do you think about this? Are these scenarios even feasible?
Thank you!
H
hanghaus202313 May 2024 14:54Does the surrounding area allow for such a tall building? How high and large are the neighbors’ buildings? An aerial photo with at least a 100 m (330 ft) radius can help with the assessment.
H
hanghaus202313 May 2024 17:42If the garage does not violate any setback regulations, in my opinion, you can use the neighbor’s example as an argument. Is there a cadastral plan available for the affected neighborhood?
@hanghaus2023
The cadastral extract is available. The relevant neighbors have actually already signed as well.
One neighbor had to allow a 17cm (7 inches) reduction in distance on the south side in certain spots to reach 3 meters (10 feet). However, that was not a problem.
The building permit / planning permission application is already ready for submission. But the neighbors’ comments are making me doubt.
Do you have experience with a knee wall height of 2.07 meters (6 feet 9 inches)?
Which option 1-3 makes the most sense?
The cadastral extract is available. The relevant neighbors have actually already signed as well.
One neighbor had to allow a 17cm (7 inches) reduction in distance on the south side in certain spots to reach 3 meters (10 feet). However, that was not a problem.
The building permit / planning permission application is already ready for submission. But the neighbors’ comments are making me doubt.
Do you have experience with a knee wall height of 2.07 meters (6 feet 9 inches)?
Which option 1-3 makes the most sense?
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