askjake

Expanding an attic

Question from Matt:

Jake, I have a 1940's Cape, entry into living room (16 x 13), kitchen behind it (12 x 10), breezeway remodeled split dining room and "Florida porch" on right of living room, two bedrooms with bathroom in between on left side of living room. Upstairs is one large "A frame" room above living room,bedrooms, and bath. Here's my question: I want to utilize this upstairs room by bumping the sides out. Where can I find information on this project? What structures things do I need to worry about? Do you know of any websites that can give me ideas? How much is the most simple plan to this idea? Many of the houses in my neighborhood look like they bumped out one or both of the roof for this project so I know if is done. Any help would be appreciated.

Jake's Answer:

Matt,

I would strongly recommend you engage the services of an engineer, an architect or a qualified contractor to help you on this project.  In most cities, the permit process will require a stamped or sealed set of construction documents before they will issue you a permit.  In a project like this you will have to possibly modify your floor joists, the walls, ceiling and roof.  In some cases, when expanding an attic space, you may even have to modify the walls and beams below.  I don’t know of any websites that can provide the type of in depth information you will need.  I would imagine you could find some web sites that provide photos, but not the structural information that will be unique to your home.

Finishing the underside of a second floor addition

Question:  How do you finish the roough frame of a secound storey room addition.underside is exposed and should be maintanance free. lath and soffit panals or plywood and soffit panal

Jake's answer:  I would use a James Hardie board.  They are pre-primed and virutally maintenance free.  Check them out at www.jameshardiecolorplus.com

Attic finish, floor

I have an unfinished attic that I would like to finish for a nursery/bedroom.  The problem is that the floor joists are true 2x6, which span around 20ft.  I am waiting to hear back from engineers, but in the mean time I was thinking about adding 2x10 or 2x12 16" o.c. in between the existing joists.  I know this would raise my floor about 3-5 inches, but I have enough head room.  Would this be a reasonable option?  I'm trying to do as much of this by myself to cut costs.

Matt C

Matt,

Your on  the right track about adding additional floor joists along side the existing 2x6 rafters.  That is how it is usually done.  For residential living areas, some 2 x 10's can span up to 16'5" and some 2 x 12's can span up to 19'1".  To achieve a 20' span, you will probably have to go to an "I" joist, TGI Pro 230, 11 7/8".   Verify this with the manufacturer.  Good luck and good remodeling.

Jake