Question for the electricians out there:
In a house that is only one level like a cape or ranch the electrical runs are typically run randomly above the ceiling joists. Some parralel with the joists and some perpendicular or over the joists.
What happens when a second floor addition is put up? What do you do with all of the cable runs? Do you install a common junction box somewhere?
Replies
Most builders have the framers build the addition about 6" higher and make the present ceiling into a "dropped" ceiling. It's a lot cheaper than getting the electrician to reroute all those wires.
locolobo; Edmonton, AB
That's the way they're being done recently around me as well. I live in a subdivision of around 350 50 y/o capes, and every 2nd story addition has added a new floor system. You'd have to reinforce the existing 2x6 ceiling joists anyway, and this way they avoid destroying the ceilig below as well.
Bob
So are they sistering 2x12's to the old 6's, or are they putting the 12's in the middle of the 6's gaps?
jt8
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned."-- Buddha
They actually put a 2x4 plate on top of the existing ceiling joists at the perimeter and the bearing points, and run new joists over the top as if they were framing to the top plate of a wall. Obviously, this increases the floor-to-floor height (adds an extra riser), but it leaves all of the existing ductwork, wiring, piping, and ceiling finishes intact below.
Bob
Makes sense to me. I guess you would have a double 2x6 rim joist and run your new floor joists on top of that?
I don't know the details... you'd have to ask the framers or engineers... but mostly I've seen them; chop the trusses, block the rim, and mount the new joists overtop.
How much blocking is up to the engineers; etc. calculating loads, etc.
locolobo; Edmonton, AB
"Most builders have the framers build the addition about 6" higher..."
Whan you say "most builders", remember that it's a big country - Things are done differenty in different parts of the country. I've never heard of anyone doing what you described.
When a 2nd level is added, the old ceiling joists are often undersized. And the wiring generally needs updated too.
Most of the ones I've seen have new joists sistered alongside the old ones, and all the wiring pulled and re-done.
Obey Gravity - It's The Law
I admit.. it is a big country... which one you talking about?? <G> I'm in Canada <VBG>
You will find umpteen dozens of different ways of doing things in any particular locale. I can only speak from personal observations.
locolobo; Edmonton, AB
Most of the ones I've seen have new joists sistered alongside the old ones, and all the wiring pulled and re-done.
That's how mine was done.
When the new framing goes on top of the old, something doesn't look right from the outside. Out of scale somehow. Too tall?
And the stairs become higher by another stair.
Sometimes it works out better to have a house mover lift the existing house and use it as the new upstairs.
-- J.S.