Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/31/2010

Question
I am going to add a13x20 room extenstion it will be about six feet above grade can Isupport the frame with concrete piers and steel posts, and what size do they need to be thankyou

Answer
Hi ed, I suppose you could support the frame with steel posts.  There are several sizes available, the 3" lally columns used in standard basement construction should work.  I wouldn't go any smaller than that.  I would also make sure they are diagonally braced somehow if the addition sticks out from the house and is not braced by at least two walls of the existing house.  This diagonal bracing should run from the bottom of the floor framing  down to the foundation of the columns parallel to the house and 90 degrees from the house to eliminate any possibility of a. the addition pulling away from the house and b. the addition shifting laterally.   I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com