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Hi all,
Got a few questions regarding “building up”. I own a small bungalow in Maine. Only 2 br and currently only a hatch access to atticspace.
It has been our plan to expand the living area upwards once we start having kids. I have been up there checking things out but I am not sure if it could be done economically.
Some info…The floor joists are full dimension 2X6’s 16″oc. The roof rafters are 2X6 16″oc, but not full dimension lumber. The ridge is only 77″ off the floor.
Our plan was to dormer the sunny side of the roof. Unsure weather shed dormer or “sleeping porch” style addition.
My questions are:
Will the current construction support living space?
Would I be restricted to anything by the low ridge? Would I be looking at having to raise the whole roof?
Any info will be helpful and appreaciated! Thanks!
Replies
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Kevin,I would love to design,and build an additon for you sight unseen,however that would be hard to do.There are just too many variables not listed in your post.I suggest you find a design/build remodeling company in your area to give you hand in creating your dream.Bob
*What is the span on the floor joists. With only 77" to work with to the ridge it would be real hard to put an addition on the would not take away from the style of house you have. Some people do some really unfortunate things to houses that end up causing them more headaches in the future. You should follow Pro-dek advise and get a professionals help. But be careful I have seen some architects butcher houses too. Good luck.
*Kevin,With that height, you might be spending more time and money than the finished product would be worth. I wouldn't try it unless the whole roof went up to essentially create a second story. Then, what would that do to the existing "look" of your house?I would be more inclined to tear off the attic floor altogether and open the first floor to the rafters, then build an addition on ground level. It would be a major remodel and you'd need some pro help, but those little houses look good with the extra space.
*Kevin,Consider opening the ceiling as Jim said, but maybe only partially, creating a sleeping loft upstairs. Maybe also add a couple of doghouse dormers? ...kids love lofts!Jerry
*Thanks for the replys!Opening the ceiling to the rafters has been an option we've considered but not sure if it would really be in keeping with the style of the home. It might work well in the kitchen but that is an area where we are considering adding outward instead of up.Unsure what the floor joist length is in attic...one measure I forgot to take.Didnt want to hire an architect to only find out that 1. couldnt be done or 2. would cost more than the house would be worth upon completion.
*Kevin-contact some builders in your area and tell them up front about your concerns. You should expect to pay for professional advice- so check out whoever you have out- prequalify them. Builder or Architect- everybody's time has value- You don't work for free right?tell 'em you don't want to spend a lot of money to discover it aint feasible- somebody will work with you...
*Reminds me of a recent conversation with my father-in-law. He says, give me a price of a front room/porch addition. I take a quick look at the house, and tell him I can't picture the roof tie in w/o it being ugly. Tell him to call an architect, spend a few hundred dollars, and see if they can see what I can't.......he doesn't want to pay for the architect.....so I tell him I just can't build something that ugly! The cost of your and his job is going to be a substantion investment. Spend a few bucks up front to se if the final product is one you can live with! Stop being so cheap....you and him! In my case, I was driving a backroad...and saw a house almost identical to his, with the similar butt-ugly front addition! I went to the closest drug store and bought a disposable camera and snapped a whole roll of pics to show him. Gotta get those developed this week and send them on down! Jeff
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Hi all,
Got a few questions regarding "building up". I own a small bungalow in Maine. Only 2 br and currently only a hatch access to atticspace.
It has been our plan to expand the living area upwards once we start having kids. I have been up there checking things out but I am not sure if it could be done economically.
Some info...The floor joists are full dimension 2X6's 16"oc. The roof rafters are 2X6 16"oc, but not full dimension lumber. The ridge is only 77" off the floor.
Our plan was to dormer the sunny side of the roof. Unsure weather shed dormer or "sleeping porch" style addition.
My questions are:
Will the current construction support living space?
Would I be restricted to anything by the low ridge? Would I be looking at having to raise the whole roof?
Any info will be helpful and appreaciated! Thanks!