Building Homes or Extensions/loft conversion

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Question
hi diane,
are 4x2 joists over a 16ft stretch strong enough floor support for my sons bedroom ,i have added noggins every 400mm along the beams but am still unsure if this will be strong once i floor board it [the joist are 330mm apart] thanks.

Answer
Hi, Paul.

2x4's are NOT strong enough to span that distance, even at 13" on center (330mm).  You really need input from a licensed contractor or a structural engineer, to size the joists for the span and the intended use, i.e., dead load and live load.  They can also advise about the appropriate joist hangers that should be used.

Good luck with the loft conversion, Paul.

Diane Plesset  

Building Homes or Extensions

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Diane Plesset

Expertise

I will answer questions about designing and building a new home, building an addition, remodeling a home, sustainability ("green" building and remodeling), aging-in-place, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling. The goal is to help homeowners achieve ultimate satisfaction with all of their choices and decisions.

Experience

Over 25 years in residential design, construction, improvement, and remodeling. Hundreds of completed projects in all ranges of investment. Author of the award-winning book "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling," host of "Today's Home" on Lifestyle WebRadio, and public speaker.

Organizations
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Interior Design Protection Council (IDPC)

Publications
THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling. Designer's Illustrated, Gentry, Interior Coordinator (Japan), Kitchen-Bath Business, Kitchen-Bath Design News, Oregonian, Portland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, San Mateo Times, Statesman Journal

Education/Credentials
Degrees in residential interior design, bath design, kitchen design, and lighting design. To improve knowledge about codes, products, and trends that will affect homeowners, I regularly attend tradeshows, conferences, classes, and seminars, and read 7 major trade magazines and newsletters.

Awards and Honors
Certified Master Kitchen-Bath Designer (CMKBD), Certified Interior Designer (NCIDQ), Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (C.A.P.S.). AWARDS: Henry Adams, Chrysalis, Best of the Best, CoTY, Master Design, HBA Excellence. 2003 NABE Award for best how-to book.

Past/Present Clients
Please see the portfolio in my website, http://www.dp-design.com/port.

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