Expert: Cary Simmons - 10/5/2009

Question
I'm looking to purchase a house built in the early 1950's.  The first floor ceiling height is just fine, however the stairway up & the second floor is a bit too low.  The door heights are only 6' - requiring me to duck when entering a bed/bath rooms.  There is no way to get a queen or larger bed upstairs - full is the max size.  I'd like to raise the roof a couple feet but was wondering if it's structurally feasible.  I don't want to change the room sizes, just give a little more headroom.  Any ideas?  How about the cost to complete a project like this?
Thank You!

Answer
Steven:

Your question is a relatively simple if you can work with the general answer below, but I strongly suggest that you broaden your question before making an offer.

Structurally, simply inserting some minor wall height to raise the roof should add negligible weight and be entirely feasible, provided the present walls bearing the roof are properly framed and the height added is accomplished in a competent manner.  To determine both, you should have several highly-qualified building professionals look at the home and make recommendations; professionals such as residential architects and/or reputable home builders.  The question is specific to this house and these determinations need to be specific to this house as well.

A broader question exists however, regarding the legality of the upper floor.  Many jurisdictions in the U.S. have adopted codes that apply to single-family homes and dictate the minimum door size, minimum room dimensions, minimum ceiling heights for "habitable" rooms and even minimum window dimensions and sill heights for bedrooms.  If you purchase this property and propose to undertake any work that requires a permit issued under such a building code, you could be required to bring the entire home into compliance.  The best way to find out what code requirements apply in the jurisdiction of this property is to arm yourself with these existing dimensions and go speak with the local code official.  You could be biting off much more than low door heights.

I hope this helps.  Don't hesitate to ask follow-ups.