my house already has an upstairs over two of the downstairs rooms, but the rest of the house is only one story. i thought i had heard before that it is easier and smarter financially to just start over than to build on top of an existing structure?? should i even bother contacting people to come check it out?
2006-07-10 18:52:20 · 4 answers · asked by Melissa K 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
The first determination is whether the existing exterior bearing walls will support the new load of the second floor. This finding, as well as the feasibility for your project, can be done by a structural engineer with credentials in this type of analysis. They typically charge by the hour, and this probably won't take long for the initial inspection and analysis. Find a competent and reliable organization through the local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau. Good luck!
2006-07-11 05:16:55 · answer #1 · answered by Elwood Blues 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question requires another question. How old is the house! By the description you gave it sounds like an older house. It was pretty common a few years ago to go what I call half and half. If the frame structure of the first floor is still solid, without dryrot or twisted studs it should not be that hard. All you are doing is adding three walls, windows, and interior walls, and extending the roofline. The hardest part is tearing off one end of the second floor of your building on the side you want to extend from.. The second hardest is finding a contractor that has the ability to match up the new addition to the old structure. Yes it would pay to have someone come and check it out and give a bid on the job, best to get at least three bids. Check the quality of their work, and honest contractors will have not problem showing you a home or addition he has worked on. If they are not willing to do that don't mess with them, find someone else. The lowest bid is not always the best, sometimes a low bidder will cut a lot of corners on the job and that's not good!
2006-07-10 19:31:43 · answer #2 · answered by Dano 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to live in a drafty house for a few years, go for it. Its easier than trying to install a basement after the house is built.
2006-07-10 19:23:56 · answer #3 · answered by Marcus R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
manekineo, has definite knowledge from experience. House on property lot(s) is known as "footprint". If one adds more structure to footprint, one must also add "slab" (foundation) to rest new structural addition onto house.
if one builds up, one saves money, also, one uses far less materials, saving money, thereby leaving you in nice position to enjoy your new space.
2006-07-10 19:35:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋