Expert: Dave Johnson - 7/12/2008

Question
I am in need of efficiently creating closet space in a small back "bedroom" and cannot sacrifice floor space. I had an idea of creating a 2.5x11 closet extension (separated into 2-closets) as a lean-to on the back exterior wall of my home. I believe these are called saddlebag extensions. My question is: How should I attach it to the house. How can I make the extension sort of floating, attached to wall but without ground support? The room is on a crawl block foundation.

Answer
hi keith,

first, if you can access the crawl space and extend some or all of the joists out the 2.5 feet you'll be all set.
If this is not possible, the end walls of the closet and the dividing wall are going to be the main support. make sure they are sheathed with plywood and are well nailed (or screwed) then the studs attached to the house must be very well secured, preferrably to a framing member. then build the rest making sure to secure everything really well... (rafters/floor joists/etc)
mail me again if you need more...

Dave