Increasing Ceiling Height

2/23/2024 at 4:06:48 PM

How about existing roof? Are you going to replace it? Because you said moving each floor by one feet up, then what happens to the second floor height?

2/23/2024 at 3:31:50 PM

Vault the ceiling to increase height on second floor. Forgot to mention, joists would be replaced by adding ledger board and hanging joists. Span is under 30ft I believe so I could use engineered joists, no internal support. But middle.posts may be required still, not sure.

2/23/2024 at 9:36:26 PM

Recently we did similar to it with new roof. You have to have permit with structural engineer involve. I think you need letteral support.

2/24/2024 at 6:11:59 PM

Thank you for reaching out with your question about increasing ceiling height in your 1987-built home. While the concept of raising the floor levels to achieve this is interesting, it involves a complex structural modification that goes beyond typical renovations.

Given the age and construction of your house, implementing such changes could have significant implications for its structural integrity, especially with the brick exterior and existing framing. Additionally, local building codes and permits would likely play a crucial role in determining the feasibility and safety of such alterations.

Before proceeding with any major structural modifications, we strongly recommend consulting with a structural engineer or a qualified professional who can assess the specific details of your home. They can provide a thorough evaluation, considering factors like load-bearing capacities, foundation support, and adherence to building codes.

Safety and compliance are our top priorities, and a professional assessment will ensure that any proposed modifications align with industry standards and local regulations. If you have further questions or would like assistance in connecting with a qualified structural engineer, please feel free to reach out.

2/25/2024 at 12:51:49 AM

No, you cannot make a change like that too both stories in a standard residential structure from 1987. You can add a 2nd floor height change but it would mean a complete tear down and rebuild of 2nd story/roof & not cost effective for a minor height change. You cannot add pony walls to build height or change existing joist/floor structures to a residential structure as described. Regardless, a complete re-engineering plan will be required to get necessary development/building permits

2/25/2024 at 1:19:50 AM

Hi Kevin,

Exterior: window openings, vents, specially on the second floor.

Interior: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, etc

You're literally building a new house. You're only saving grace is that its a renovation permit rather than redevelopment.

Depending the kind/size of footprint your house is you could save money by keeping the shell, gutting everything else, lowering basement, increasing height of first and second flooring, stucco outside finish, new roof and still stay within a renovation permit.

Good luck Kevin,

Miguel.

2/25/2024 at 3:47:40 PM

Sorry but not a feasible idea. I appreciate the desire to increase ceiling height in the basement but it would be simpler to tear the house down and start new.

The floor system provides lateral restraint for the foundation walls whenever foundation walls are over 4' beneath ground. You will notice metal tie straps embedded in the concrete and wrapping around the rim joists in new construction.

It would also be impractical to dig the basement deeper for a number of reasons (structural/plumbing).