Do I need an architect or structural engineer or just a builder?
Hi all,
I’m planning on converting my detached two-car garage into a woodworking shop. It is currently a garage built on a slab and uses pole-barn type framing-it has 6″ x 4″ pressure treated posts. It is currently sheathed with T-111 and has a salt box style roof framed with W trusses-meaning the roof is like a gable roof but it is slanted to one side, the ridge does not run down the middle of the 24′ x28′ footprint of the building. The roof is a metal roof. The building is located in southeast PA and it is 24′ x 28′.
My goal is remove and reframe the roof to a gable type (with dormers) so I end up with a second floor upstairs for storage and a small studio. And also I want to frame between the posts to enable me to insulate the building as well.
As part of my regular day job I make construction drawings in CAD – so I can provide the plans for this modification to my garage on my own. However I will need an engineer to size the second floor joists and the roof framing correctly as well as what’s needed to convert the walls of the pole barn to regular studded framing between the poles. All in anticipation for my townships requirements as well.
Where would you start? With an architect and or structural engineer and/or builder. I could probably do away with the builder because I have the skills to do the labor myself.
Thanks to all in advance.
Replies
betcha i know what dn will say <G>
since you do CAD dwgs for others, is not one of hte 'others' able to direct you?
You can simply size the 2nd floor using hte table in the IRC. aka,buiiding for dummies" . You local building dept or state likley has the IRC as ammended for your ste online.
Pizza,
Check into some attic trusses. Probably cheaper, quicker and easier.
KK
Attic trusses
Thanks. I'll look into those.
Pizza -
(good handle there!) my biggest concerns would be whether posts supporting existing structure will provide adequate foundation for supporting second-floor 'habitable' addition along with increase in wind shear loading from the additional height?
Where I am that kind of structure is common but I've never seen one with an add-on second level.
?
You've seemingly answered your own question. You've already pointed out that you can handle the drawings and the construction, but not the structural engineering. Process of elimination points to the obvious answer.
Structural engineer
Yup, I know and posted the question anyway. Looks like structural engineer is the person to talk to. How do I find one that specializes in residential construction?
The other poster brought up the issue that I'm most concerned with and that is whether the existing structure can be made to support the second floor.
The garage, as it is right now, is in great shape with all the framing and structure very clean and dry and no deterioration at all. It was built in the 90's. The posts are pristine really.
Thanks everyone.
I am really surprised that if you do CAD drawing of structures everyday you have not picked up the basics of structures enough for this type simple task.
How many of the 4x6 posts are there, only 4 with big beams ?