I am thinking to add a simple one car garage next to my house. I have some questions: (1). How close can a "deteched garage" to the house (the house has a basement)? It seems much easier to get permit for a deteched garage. (2). Can a garage be built on top of gas line? (footing 2' deep, gas line 3' below grade). (3). Does a 18'W 28'L garage make sense? Width of garage is limited by setback requirement, house is 29' long. Thanks.

After reading (and posting) a couple of questions and answers concerning raising a garage ceiling, I've got another question: Could this be done without dismantling the current roof? What I thought was something similar to jacking up a house, preparing it to be moved. Attache 2x10's to the garage ceiling (underside), and use house jacks to raise it to the new level, while a new header is installed underneath it for the added height? I've seen a few answers that state you can add a short header for the new height, you just need to make sure it is braced around the outside with new OSB sheeting for strength. This way you would not require new trusses. It sounds simple, but would it be safe to do? It seems possible if you made sure the roof was supported correctly. Just a thought. Thanks, Jeff