Raise roof of cottage or addition?

1/16/2018 at 6:47:12 AM

Hi there,

For the amount of work you are planning on doing to the cottage. It would be more cost effective to start fresh on the existing foundation.

1/16/2018 at 7:43:08 AM

Hi Morley

Yes, Your foundation is everything. First your cottage will have to be jacked up at least 12" + then put a proper footings and foundation in. Some large concrete foundation companies and house movers will do this for you. For this part alone your probably looking at between $ 20 and $ 30K

Yes, a slightly cheaper option would be to install a 2 or 3' wall on top of your existing

exterior wall, yes right on top of your roof.

Then construct another roof on top of this

small wall and then remove your old lower roof on the inside.

Good Luck

1/16/2018 at 9:11:46 AM

With the scope of work you are looking at, you would save a lot of money and headaches by starting fresh. The block foundation you currently have is probably not designed for what you are thinking about.

I've gone to at least a dozen cottages where they hired a contractor that just did what they were asked to add-on or change and it cause major problems later on because of inadequate foundations.

Also you should check what is allowed by the township where your cottage is for height and size, as well as if they will allow you to install a septic (there are some that will not.) Hope this helps.

1/16/2018 at 12:53:20 PM

Thanks for all the words of wisdom. Township does allow septic and the cottage is actually zoned residential with lots of year-round housing in area.

I really like the idea of just building another higher roof on top -- possibly even keeping existing walls the same, if I can get enough peak and if current foundation will allow.

All good suggestions and I will definitely be looking into all your cautions.

3/13/2024 at 4:33:13 PM

Given your desire for higher ceilings and a loft space, it seems like raising the exterior walls and framing a new roof would be the most feasible option, especially if you're concerned about maintaining the integrity of the existing structure. With the assistance of a skilled house mover, you could lift the cottage to accommodate the increased height and then construct the desired vaulted ceilings and loft within the existing footprint. This approach would allow you to achieve your renovation goals without the need for a full second story or significant expansion of the cottage's footprint. Additionally, since your current cottage is on a block foundation with no basement or crawl space, this method may offer a more practical and cost-effective solution compared to adding a separate addition. However, it's crucial to consult with a structural engineer and contractor experienced in Given your desire for higher ceilings and a loft space, it seems like raising the exterior walls and framing a new roof would be the most feasible option, especially if you're concerned about maintaining the integrity of the existing structure. With the assistance of a skilled house mover, you could lift the cottage to accommodate the increased height and then construct the desired vaulted ceilings and loft within the existing footprint. This approach would allow you to achieve your renovation goals without the need for a full second story or significant expansion of the cottage's footprint. Additionally, since your current cottage is on a block foundation with no basement or crawl space, this method may offer a more practical and cost-effective solution compared to adding a separate addition. However, it's crucial to consult with a structural engineer and contractor experienced in house moving and renovation projects to ensure the viability and safety of this approach house moving and renovation projects to ensure the viability and safety of this approach. Given your desire for higher ceilings and a loft space, it seems like raising the exterior walls and framing a new roof would be the most feasible option, especially if you're concerned about maintaining the integrity of the existing structure. With the assistance of a skilled house mover, you could lift the cottage to accommodate the increased height and then construct the desired vaulted ceilings and loft within the existing footprint. This approach would allow you to achieve your renovation goals without the need for a full second story or significant expansion of the cottage's footprint. Additionally, since your current cottage is on a block foundation with no basement or crawl space, this method may offer a more practical and cost-effective solution compared to adding a separate addition. However, it's crucial to consult with a structural engineer and contractor experienced in house moving and renovation projects to ensure the viability and safety of this approach.