Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 04, 1999 08:47pm | #1

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   Garrett Gitchell,

   First you hire an Architect/Design/Engineer to have them evaluate the pro's and con's of your proposed ideas. After they determine what will be needed they will draw a detailed plan of the proposed changes to the structure. After you approve them they, this could take some time, you offer them to qualified contractors in your area for bid proposals.

   After you receive bids from 5 contractors you review their references, ask how long they have been in business, take a look at any jobs they may have going on and then review their price. Once you complete this you make an informed decision and chose one, hopefully NOT because he was the lowest bid and for the reason alone..

   Then you sit back and see how it's done. When it's done you get to "sit" in the room and enjoy your new ceiling.

   Joseph Fusco

   View Image

   "The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." -- Plato

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 04, 1999 08:56pm | #3

   *Garrett, consultation of a engineer/architect is advisable. First, on account of the change to the original design, secondly, you're on "shaky ground" out there in CA! I'd want to be certain the house won't come down around my ears in a quake. How the work is done, and by whom is your choice. Are you versed in the trades?

2. 
   Garrett_Gitchell | Oct 04, 1999 08:56pm | #2

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   I have a 1959 split level home in Castro Valley California that has low cielings. Each room is reinforced with a strong back dead center. What framework needs to be added in order to create high cielings and eliminate the strongback?