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Hello to all..thanks to all who respond, I’m sure I will get a solution from what I’ve read and seen on this message board. Here it is…Just bought a house that has all catedrial ceilings…everywhere…2×12..The house is very contemparary with a master bedroom open to the first floor. The room is L shaped with a big 2 person jacuzzi tub, stool and two sinks in the one part of the L. Well there is no shower upstairs, so after a little thought, There is enough room between the stool and tub to open it up into the area above the garage…put in a nice big shower..skylight etc…get the pic. Anyway the garage ceiling joist are 2×8 on 2′ centers..the previous owner has some wafer board screwed down for a little storage room. I will have to move alot of ductwork,wiring, and the plumbing is right there, which is good. My question is, how can I beef up this space. The headroom goes from about 8-10 feet to nothing. I would like to put in the shower, a saferoom, and a hidden room. I would also like to use the rest of the space to store those treasures that everyone has…only I seem to have alot. The span is the size of a two car garage…I would say 25 feet. Will 2×12’s strapped on the side of the existing joists work with several rows of blocking?? I thought X blocking/bracing every so often would stiffen it up, and then some 3/4″ T&G sheeting(4’x8′). I’m open for any suggestions and hopefully a great solution. Thanks again for all answers. Randy
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Randy - time to think "steel beam down the center". Posts, footings, etc. It was never intended for anything but attic space (code loads are higher for habitable space).
I don't think you can get 25' 2 x 8s - are you sure there isn't a flush beam there already? Or is it a storage room bottom truss chord?
Jeff
*Hate to give the 'usual" answer - But you need to get a contractor or engineer who can handle this. No way we can visualize all the stuff going on here to give you a valid answer. Although I would go so far as to say that 2X12s aren't even close to being enough to handle a 25' span. Also - Don't forget to check your local codes.
*Just because you can see drain lines, I wouldnt blindly tie into them. They could be vent lines and not intended to drain water. I agree, you need to call a contractor. Mike
*A glance at the span tables in your code book will indicate:1) that the existing floor is not safe for storage.2) that it will be hard to span that distance without losing headroom upstairs or adding a post and beam downstairs (check the footing for the post).You mention a "safe room". If you are talking about a storm saferoom, that go on the ground floor attached to a good foundation. If you want to build a vault, the ground floor is a better place.Make half of the garage a room and extend the bath over it.