| Author |
Message |
    
chocoholic
Citizen
Username: Shrink
Post Number: 52
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 2:16 pm: |     |
I would like to use my attic for addtional living space. The headroom is only about 6.5 feet at its maximum and I have been advised that I would probably have to have the roof raised in order to be in code. Does anybody know anything about this process? Is it very expensive? My brother in law says that I would be better off buying a new house if I want more room! |
Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 118
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 3:24 pm: | |
This would all depend on several factors.
1. Is this space directly over any living areas?
If so you would need to move out for at least two weeks while this was going on.
2. What kind of roof exists?
What kind are you looking for when your done?
3. How much plumbing and electric needs to be relocated?
5. What are the deminsions of the existing floor joists? If less then 2X8 they would have to go.
Have you considered dormers inliue of raising the roof?
If your going to rais the roof you may as well go all the way with an add a level.
The project can run costly but also can be contained.
Feel free to contact me via private message. I'l be happy to discuss it with you. We're about to start one in Bernardsville and includes a bath. However, it's only over the (2) car garage. And it's in the $58-63K range start to finish including paint.
Michael K. Mc Kell
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chocoholic
Citizen
Username: Shrink
Post Number: 53
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 3:54 pm: | |
Thanks for the feedback:
1.The attic is over our second floor living space
2. 2 year old asphalt roof, keep the roof the same.
3. Would locate bathroom over existing bathroom on second. The attic has been electrically wired.
4.I don't know the size of the floor joists.
Dormers are an option, but will they increase the maximum amount of headspace available, since at the roof ridge there is only about 6.5 feet of clearance?
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bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3942
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 3:58 pm: | |
I believe there are companies that specialize in this type of thing. Basically they cut off the roof, jack it up, build stud walls and then lower the roof back into place.
I think it is called "add a level" and you might find something via Google or in the Yellow Pages.
I believe they claim they can be weather tight in one work day. I sort of remember seeing this done to a ranch house on Maplewood Avenue at Jefferson, but my memory ain't what it use to be. |
Cutter
Citizen
Username: Cutter
Post Number: 291
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 28, 2003 - 6:42 pm: | |
Choco,
Leave roof raising to the Amish - listen to your brother-in-law and check out some open houses. |
Michael K. Mc Kell
Citizen
Username: Greenerose
Post Number: 119
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2003 - 9:24 pm: | |
Add-a-level is ok in a perfect world, and as you know we don't live in one.
I'd be happy to discuss this further should you like.
761-7000
Michael K. Mc Kell
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mallory
Citizen
Username: Mallory
Post Number: 13
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Friday, December 12, 2003 - 9:30 am: | |
Hi - we just had a contractor/arch. come over to see our house - we want to finish our attic with dormers. luckily our ceiling height is over 8 feet, otherwise we were told it would be quite expensive to raise the roof
mallory |
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