Hi Everyone,
I’m looking to build a covered patio that will include an outdoor kitchen, seating area and an outdoor fireplace, attached to the house. The dimensions I have in mind are 38′ wide by 16′ deep. I plan on attaching the ledger board to the studs and not the box so as to get more height, roughly 10 – 11′, just below the second story windows. I have a picture of what I would like the patio cover to look like but can’t figure out what the framing would look like. Ideally, I would like someone to draw up plans for it so I’m not working blindly, would I have to go to an architect for this, or is there someone cheaper that could do it? Below is the only picture of what I would like to do. Does anyone have some ideas on how to construct this properly? Sorry for the vagueness of the question but I am just starting my investigations.
Thank you!
Replies
think of the architect as a designer who helps you avoid mistakes in how the structure looks, in how it functions, in how it is (or is not) livable. They can also, to an extent, do the engineering work (specifying structural elements, attachments, etc.). Or, as I often do, you can take models or ideas and do that "design" work yourself, but then hand it to an engineer who will do all the specifications, hand you back stamped plans you can submit for permits, and build from those plans knowing it will handle all the loads. A lot depends on your budget. Architects can often help make sure the project looks like an asset, not a liability, if you go to resell the house. Sometimes function-over-form projects look like tacked on monstrosities to potential buyers, even if they serve you well.
Thank you Mikeljon! So, would you suggest I do the best I can on coming up with framing design then take this picture and my design to an engineer? In general, are engineers cheaper than architects?