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Message |
    
DReese
Citizen
Username: Dreese
Post Number: 15
Registered: 6-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 2:16 pm: | 
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i tried doing a search for past threads on dormers but no luck.
our house has an attic in which there is a staircase that separates 2 rooms. a 5 foot 5 individual can stand in the center comfortably but other than that, it's a bit low.
before i start asking people to come look and give estimates, i just wanted to get an idea if anyone can tell me the approximate cost of raising it a little higher so at least a 6 foot tall person can be comfortable standing on that level?
is it $10k or $20K or ??
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george H
Citizen
Username: Georgieboy
Post Number: 247
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:05 pm: |
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I would first start with what is allowed under the code in regard to bldg.ht. For some reason,35 foot to the ridge stands out although it might be more.You'll find this to be typical town-wide.That measurement is taken from the average grade to the ridge of the house. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 12133
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:09 pm: |
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There is also a possibility that the low ceiling is where the ridge ties are. They possibly can be moved higher or eliminated with a dormer. I assume that you are talking about a "shed dormer" that runs from one end of the house to the other. |
george H
Citizen
Username: Georgieboy
Post Number: 248
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 3:26 pm: |
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Don't forget,ridge ties are there to keep the outside walls from bowing out when a live load,such as 6" of snow is placed on the roof.They are typically supposed to be installed,a minimum of 1/3 the distance from the ridge to the floor joist.Even with a shed dormer,you would still need a structual member to keep the side not getting dormered,in place and plumb.Granted,things like collar ties [ridge ties]are engineered components of a structure,but I've seen many cases where they were either modified or eliminated by homeowners to increase headroom without a collapse happening,although I'm by no means endorsing such behavior.No matter what you do,you'll need stamped plans by an architect,so that might be where to start.No one can give an estimate without plans to do a take-off from. |
Michael K. McKell
Citizen
Username: Mckellconst
Post Number: 27
Registered: 5-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 9:40 pm: |
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Dormers are not cheap. |
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