adding storage room in garage

last nite I was pulling x-mas decorations out of the garage attic when I had a brainstorm to make storage easier on me. My house has no basement and the attic is not set up for storage. The garage attic is not too much better but at least it's easier to get up there. I want to close off a 100sf section of the garage. Nothing complicated, just two walls with sheetrock on the outside only and a door. Is this something that would require a permit?? I know responses will be to contact the town but from what I've heard these guys are not much fun to deal with. I just want to get an opinion before I talk to them. No electric will be run. Wood and drywall only. thanks

 

If you are not running electrics/plumbing nor doing anything structural, a permit is probably not required. One anonymous phone call to the permit office will confirm this for you.

I used to be afraid of the "permit office" until I started dealing with them on a regular basis (done lots of remodels over the years). Once I actually met them and talked with them, I found they were pretty helpful folks who simply want you to do things properly (plus collect their bit of the price of the project).

 

Good luck. When I wanted to do the same a year or so ago, my local guy said that when I enclosed the space, I would need an electrical outlet every 6 feet (in a habitable area). I told him it was the "unheated/uncooled" garage but he insisted that by putting up the walls (only needed one wall) and a door, I created a room and therefore "it had to be habitable".

My B-I-L is a building (electrical) bidder and he told me that is not habitable space and only one outlet is required in a garage.

Now it is my understanding that this fine "inspector" is retiring and maybe someone who can read code will take his place...I just hope that he doesn't train the replacement.

Pete

 

I like the anonymous call to the building inspector idea - just remember caller ID and don't make the call from home.