Garage Plans With Lofts Available At Behm Design

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - Jan. 31, 2014 - PRLog -- A loft is a structured and usable space (floor area) built above another, such as garage or shop space, which is accessible by stairway. Loft space can be used for a multitude of activities but the most common uses are storage, living unit, home business, gym/workout area, hobby space and/or studio. To use as a living space, such as an apartment, the loft needs to be fully finished as "habitable" space, inspected and approved for occupancy.For a garage loft to be considered "habitable" it must meet certain requirements of the applicable building codes, including:

-heating, cooling, ventilation, electrical & lighting

-window area and door for egress and light

-at least 50% of identified floor area must have sufficient ceiling height (7' or 7.5')

-code compliant stairway and egress

(Using loft space for other than "habitable" usually means it can remain in framed -in condition with floor decking for safety)

Garage Plans with lofts have become very popular in recent years because it is an economical and attractive way to gain usable space which could otherwise be wasted.

Creating loft space over a garage has traditionally required placing a center beam and posts through the garage to support second floor and (sometimes) roof. Roof was typically rafter framed and laterally connected to floor joists. The more contemporary trends are to use manufactured trusses to create both loft floor and the overall roof or a platform framed, clear spanning I-joist floor (to eliminate interior beam and posts) with rafter/beam or tension-tied rafter roof structures. The manufactured truss system yields slightly less usable space but is significantly less costly easier to build than other methods.

Behm Design currently offers (29) Garage Plans With Lofts, many of which include options to build either apartment or vacant space in the loft. Sizes range form very small to large in several styles including basic, contemporary, craftsman, carriage house and colonial.

Garage plans by Behm Design have been built throughout the US since establishing internet presence in 1997. The plans are complete building plans and are usable in most US locations. (Areas with extreme environmental conditions may require having additional engineering done locally). All garage plans are money-back guaranteed for satisfaction and are available as paper documents or PDF instant download files for local printing.

Behm Design offers over 300 garage plans of mosts sizes and styles