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Expert: - 7/30/2008


Question
I also would like to raise my ceilings from 8 to 10 feet. My situation might be more promising. I have a one story home and was planning to tear off the roof for attic build out. What would be your suggestions about extending the height of the  walls. Can I go on top the existing sill plate, or do I need to sister new 10 foot 2x4s along side the old ones.
thank you
Joe

Answer
Joseph - thanks for your question!

I can't tell you whether the sistered 2x4s will work or not; it's a question of structure and loading.  You're on the right track, but as in any situation where structural engineering is involved, you need to find someone local who can review your situation in person and make the proper recommendations to you.

You also might want to consider the architectural impact of raising the roof 2 feet; what will the house look like with all that additional exterior wall above the windows?

And do you really want 10' ceilings?  We generally do those only in the most upscale homes, and then always with 8' doors and 8' window heads.  10' ceilings in very big rooms work fine, but in average-sized rooms they usually seem too tall.

Don't forget the significant additional heating and cooling load that the additional 25 percent volume will add to the house - most likely you'll need to replace or upgrade your heating system.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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