Constructing a Garage Pit - Need Ideas
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Constructing a Garage Pit - Need Ideas
I want to cut the concrete in my garage and dig a pit deep enough to stand in. I plan to pour concrete walls and floor. I have used a "drive on" pit before and it was awesome. My house is new and I have normal standard footings around all of the walls, so I am not worried about foundation/wall problems. I plan to rent a concrete cutter to cut the outline, then dig the hole, build forms, and pour the concrete. I plan to park my car over the pit, so I am not worried about buying/building a grate. Suggestions and guideance are greatly appreciated! A link to web articles would be great, but I searched and couldn't find anything good. Since I have never seen this done inside a normal house garage before, I need some good ideas...
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
I remember reading something about this before. It's been a while, but check your local building codes, if you haven't yet. Some of the requirements can be costly, if my memory seves me correctly.
Always having an exit, and proper ventilation would be my biggest concerns.
Good luck.
Always having an exit, and proper ventilation would be my biggest concerns.
Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 5
From: Mustang OK
Sounds like a great idea. However, this topic may be better served over in the Off Topic section of the Forum rather than here in C5 General. At least, there you might get some different ideas from folks in the other sections of the Forum that seldom make it here to C5 General. Good luck! 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15
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Originally Posted by GrayC5
Sounds like a great idea. However, this topic may be better served over in the Off Topic section of the Forum rather than here in C5 General. At least, there you might get some different ideas from folks in the other sections of the Forum that seldom make it here to C5 General. Good luck!
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Good luck with your project. Would be nice to have a pit in the garage.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,576
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From: Austin TX
Check local building codes.
Gas vapors are heavier than air, and could accumulate in the pit. It would also probably need to be covered so that no one could fall in.
At a minimum, you would want to have a venting system.
Sounds like a cool project though...
F
Gas vapors are heavier than air, and could accumulate in the pit. It would also probably need to be covered so that no one could fall in.
At a minimum, you would want to have a venting system.
Sounds like a cool project though...
F
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
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Cruise-In V Veteran
I have a pit in my garage. My main garage is built on the edge of a hill. It has a framed extension that hangs over the back slope. The floor on the extension has doubled 2X12s and 3/4" plywood flooring. I framed a hole that is about 3.5' by 7' long in the flooring. Below that I dug a hole and built walls and a floor around the hole. I have a rear "escape hatch" on it's back wall. It's mainly there in case I need to pull a tranny out. I agree with some of the warnings mentioned on earlier posts, but must add that a car on jacks and jackstands carries it's own dangers. Obviously, I never have anyone drive over the pit while I'm in it. There is always a way to walk back out. I can't imagine a more safe way to change the oil, headers, or cat back on a C5. Keep us posted on your progress.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Upper Saddle River NJ
I am an Architect in New York/New Jersey, so I'll chime in with some ideas and suggestions.
1. Obviously, check local reg's. If the pit is permitted, then I would suggest checking with OSHA for safety information regarding concealed spaces. The website is www.osha.gov. The book is available from your local federal government bookstore. It is the CFR volume 29.
2. Next you would probably need to obtain a permit from your local building department. This would probably require an Architect or Engineer to prepare a design for the pit.
3. Since the pit would probably be deeper than the local water table and/or frost zone, you would need to relieve the hydrostatic pressure on the sides of the pit walls. I would recommend a french drain at the perimeter of the pit to connect with the existing foundaton drainage system.
4. I would also install a sump pump and a backflow preventer.
5. Local codes may require an oil separator.
Hope this was helpful. As you can see, this little project could become a real pain.
1. Obviously, check local reg's. If the pit is permitted, then I would suggest checking with OSHA for safety information regarding concealed spaces. The website is www.osha.gov. The book is available from your local federal government bookstore. It is the CFR volume 29.
2. Next you would probably need to obtain a permit from your local building department. This would probably require an Architect or Engineer to prepare a design for the pit.
3. Since the pit would probably be deeper than the local water table and/or frost zone, you would need to relieve the hydrostatic pressure on the sides of the pit walls. I would recommend a french drain at the perimeter of the pit to connect with the existing foundaton drainage system.
4. I would also install a sump pump and a backflow preventer.
5. Local codes may require an oil separator.
Hope this was helpful. As you can see, this little project could become a real pain.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 277
Likes: 1
From: ventura ca
Think about a lift as an alternate, IF you have the height. You can move it, push it out outside on casters and take it with you if you sell your house. No climbing in and out of a pit, everything at ground level etc. etc. 
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Paradise Valley AZ
I am in the process of building a new house, and am putting a pit in one of the garage bays. The required drawings, calculations, etc are incredible. The building code is very specific (as listed above) and all listed is true: sump pump, separate emergency exit, safety cover, ventilation, increased side wall concrete thickness and rebar.
That being said, it is still an easy thing to do as this is new construction. As far as adding it to your existing house, be sure to get an expert opinion as to cutting such a large hole in the garage floor. It would be sad to see pictures of you and your car stuck down in that hole.
Great idea though, I hope you do it!!!!
That being said, it is still an easy thing to do as this is new construction. As far as adding it to your existing house, be sure to get an expert opinion as to cutting such a large hole in the garage floor. It would be sad to see pictures of you and your car stuck down in that hole.
Great idea though, I hope you do it!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
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From: Springfield MO
Originally Posted by hear1
Think about a lift as an alternate, IF you have the height. You can move it, push it out outside on casters and take it with you if you sell your house. No climbing in and out of a pit, everything at ground level etc. etc.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Spread The Virus!!!!!!! Opie and Anthony XM Satellite Radio
Originally Posted by WDEagle
I do not think OSHA would be a concern unless this will be a place of work.
WDEagle
WDEagle
.
OSHA has no say in the matter. I do believe it is a residence that he plans on doing this project on, not a commercial dweling with employees.
Go for it! sound like a cool idea. Permits?? what permits, it was always here.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: AKA Harvey Mushman-I know just enough to be dangerous "Those who sacrifice liberty for safety deserve neither"- B. Franklin
Senior Member
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by raidersfan
. Permits?? what permits, it was always here.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 889
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From: There's only one Oklahoma
storm shelter
I don't know about availability on the coast but here in the heart of tornado country, you can get installed an under floor storm shelter, steel walls, floor and sliding lid. It's strong enough to park a car on if you miss and the door is on rollers which easily slides back to enter by the ladder on the end. Leaving the door open lets you have access to the bottom of the car. It fits fairly flush to the floor so there's very little trip hazard when the car is out. Installed here around $2700. Almost forgot-solid lid means no fumes inside and fewer spiders etc.