Building Homes or Extensions/Framing addition

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
Thinking of adding a two story addition off the back of my house.  In trying to
draw some preliminary plans I am wondering if I could have built a 20'x20'
room with no columns in the middle for support.  What size girders, beams do
I need to use to accomplish this. Would it be a better idea to tick to a smaller
size room 20'x 15' perhaps, to eliminate the problem of spanning such a large
are that could support second floor?

Answer
Hi Eric, contact your local truss manufacturers.  You can purchase box trusses and/or box girders to make a 20' span easily.   I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely, bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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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.

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