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Construction Industry/How much can my second floor hold

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Expert: - 8/28/2009


Question
I just set up heavy wood bedroom furniture and am concerned about the safety of the flooring on the second story. The room is 10X11 and I have 2 Twin Beds each weighing 350lbs on each side of the room.  I have about 200 lbs worth of other furniture in the room also.  The house is 5 years old and not sure of the type of flooring other than residential, but it met codes when building.  People tell me not to worry, but I still do.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Tina,
You shouldn't worry if you know the home was built according to the codes in your area.  Typically, codes require a load minimum of 30# per s.f.  That given, each bed could weight about 600 lbs.

If you are really concerned, contact your building official and and ask him (her) to verify the construction system used in your home.  

Enjoy your home!

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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