Garage Inspection Pit Suggestions

[big_ed075]

OK, I've been designing my dream garage in my head for the past 10 years and I'm finally moving on it. Basic layout is 30x60, 14' wall pole barn with two10'x14' canister front doors, 20' rear sliding and 8' double entry on the side next to the house. My delima is finding any kind of plan for an inspection pit. County code says there are no specific requirements for residential pit, but they highly recomend ventilation. However they would like to see some structural plans for the walls and such. I contacted a local structural engineer and he said he could whip out a quick 8.5x11 sheet drawing for a couple hundred $ just let him know what I want. So what do I want? I'm thinking stairs would be good but would they be poured with the slab or framed cinderblock? Dimensions??? I'm 6' so maybe 5'6" from floor to floor? Width?? I know I can't be the first one to put something like this a residential garage but I can't find squat from google. Suggestions?

[kaferfahrer]

I struggle with this idea of an inspection pit and things don't seem to add up to me. I live in Canada, so my costs may be different and it would depend on how much work you are doing yourself, but the costs don't seem to weigh out. The engineering costs are always more than you think (i know, i am in engineering) so even if is a favour it will cost $250 or so. Excavation costs are going to be greater, more forming for the footings and foundation, extra materia and labour costs for the footings and foundation as well as then building a set of stairs for the pit. Then to do things safely, you will need proper ventalation etc. So say overall your extra costs for the pit are a minimum of $1500 and you still have an old, unsafe inspection pit. Whereas, if you find a used hoist or spend an extra $500-$1000 you can most likely find a safe, handy new hoist. Your building is high enough to allow for a hoist, why not go with the safe way. Hoists are way more handly, allow for much better access, are safer and provide a second inside parking spot. To me, in your dream garage, a hoist is the much better option. Inspection pits are a thing of the past.

[John Larson]

better off in the long run of putting in a lift. Insurance companies don't like pits. Lift is cheaper. You don't have to worry about falling into a hole. Most lifts can also be portable, a hole in the ground isn't.