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I want to put a top story on an existing house that measures 26′ x 38′. Both Walls are parallel, but making a measure from corner to corner, the house is two inches out of square.
I was unable the rack the house back to square and must decide how to make up for the two inches so the siding and roof come together.
Any advice or reference would be greatly appreciated. I have hired an experienced framer to help, but would like to hear from others as to the best solution to the problem.
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Mark -
Without knowing the style of the house, I don't know whether my suggestions fit in, but two things jump into mind: the first would be to have a decorative belly band that wraps the house and separates the top and bottom stories. You could use it to conceal some of the difference if you frame the second floor square. Might not be able to pick up two inches, though. The second idea would be to overhang the second floor over the front, back, or both. In some building styles this is normal anyway. Then you could frame the second floor square and the difference would be unnoticable. This would also have the always welcome effect of adding square footage at minimal cost.
*Make sure your window and door headers will be adequate to carry the new load.
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Also make certain the foundation is adequate for two stories.
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Because of the foundation work involved and the shear requiements for the lower floor of a 2 story building, it is often better to jack up the house, pour the new foundation, and build the lower floor under the existing house. This involves no new roof either.
*Second story additions are the biggest pain in the butt, they also require the most skill, consequentialy they are the most expensive. I would first find out where the problem is in the old house. Is it in one spot or are several spots out a little. That small a house, that far out speaks little for the skill of the original builder. Check and see if the floor is level. And without fail HAVE THE FOUNDATION CHECKEC BY A COMPETENT PROFESSIONAL. Good luck.Rick Tuk
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I want to put a top story on an existing house that measures 26' x 38'. Both Walls are parallel, but making a measure from corner to corner, the house is two inches out of square.
I was unable the rack the house back to square and must decide how to make up for the two inches so the siding and roof come together.
Any advice or reference would be greatly appreciated. I have hired an experienced framer to help, but would like to hear from others as to the best solution to the problem.