You are here:
Building Homes or Extensions/Add a Floor
Advertisement
Question
I recently bought a 44' W x 48' L, all brick ranch home. I would like to add a floor to it. I have drawn the plans. My questions are more about the process of taking down the old roof and putting a new floor up.
)
1. Do I have to remove ceiling (sheetrock etc.) of the entire home to be able to put new joists?
2. Or can I put new joists without removing the insulation and sheetrock of the old ceiling?
3. Can you please explain the process (SOPs) of how a floor is added to an existing ranch style home? I plan on installing support columns and grounding them in basement/crawl space.
4. Can I send you the plans in .pdf format to you?
Thank you v. much.
Hi MG, it depends on a few things but I have added second story additions without having to mess with the existing drywall ceilings except for where the stairwell goes. If the existing ceiling system is hand framed with ceiling joists then you can leave them in place and remove the roof system. Then you add your floor joists in between the ceiling joists and go up from there. If you have a truss type system on the existing roof then you can do the same as the above but then you need to install your new floor joists alongside the existing trusses and attach the bottom chord of the trusses to the new joists. Once this is done, you can cut the existing truss system out of there. Do any plumbing or other infrastructure work from above and then then deck the floor joists, build your walls and set your new roof.
It's really not that difficult of a project but you need to be prepared. Have your roof trusses, floor joists, wall studs cut to length window headers cut, basically have the package ready to go. Because once you open up that roof and expose the drywall You will want to get the shell up and roofed as quickly as possible. By being organized and well prepared will pay big dividends. A couple of big tarps or roll of visqueen kept handy in case of rain wouldn't hurt either.
As far as the brick structure being able to hold up another floor? That would have to be determined by a local engineer or building official. If you would like to send me something to look at please send it to me through my website..bejohnsonconsulting.com and I will be more than happy to look at it. Sincerely bruce e johnson
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks a lot for your great advice. Was very helpful. | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Bruce E. Johnson
Expertise
I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.
Experience
Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.