Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 2/19/2010

Question
On my load bearing home I wants to construct the first floor where all the walls at first floor will not rest on the ground floor existing walls as per the plan.As the existing is load bearing structure is it possible to make the wall wherever I want?How the load will distribute?All the internal and external wall of the ground floor is 9" thick.Kindly suggest me to make a non typical first floor.

   Thank you.

Answer
HiSyed, If I understand your question correctly you want to build your second floor walls so that they are not stacked directly over your basement or foundation walls.  If your floor system is properly sized and supported you should be able to put your upstairs bearing walls wherever you want.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com