How to cut out rafters to create a new bedroom upstairs

[blueriver]

It can be done and an engineer is sound advise. One will have to install a new permanent valley rafter on each side ... or header it or build a wall directly under the valley's ... once they are supported I would think cut away.

Keep us informed.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Do you have a good barn there yet? I'm thinking if you don't this might be a great time to build one. A nice barn for your tractor and a new office in the barn so when you need quiet time to work you have a home away from home and if your working on your tractor and have a question you just walk into the office and chat with us on TBN :thumbsup:

Then you don't need the office in the house back. You can build a guest room in the barn as well.

 

[Deere Greg]

I raised 4 daughters and finished off the inside of my house. You will get the last bedroom door on 6 months after they have left for college.I know

I am sure you will do well.

Craig Clayton

So very true. Only two boys, but I know!

Greg.

 

[pclausen]

Do you have a good barn there yet? I'm thinking if you don't this might be a great time to build one. A nice barn for your tractor and a new office in the barn so when you need quiet time to work you have a home away from home and if your working on your tractor and have a question you just walk into the office and chat with us on TBN :thumbsup:

Then you don't need the office in the house back. You can build a guest room in the barn as well.

Now that's not a bad idea at all! I don't have a barn, but I do have a shop that is isolated and has heating/cooling, 400A electrical service, and running water from the main house. Hmm, I just need to get Internet down there and I'll be all set. I could add on to that building for a guest room or two. Never thought about that. I would just need to put in a septic field.

Here's a pic of the shop as seen from my back deck. It sure would be nice and quiet down there as I'm sure the main house will become quite active over the next many years!

 

[Damifino]

Judging by your last pics, it appears that you have plenty of support, the question's are how are you going to redistribute loads, that's where an engineers advice is worth the peace of mind knowing your kids are safe.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Now that's not a bad idea at all! I don't have a barn, but I do have a shop that is isolated and has heating/cooling, 400A electrical service, and running water from the main house. Hmm, I just need to get Internet down there and I'll be all set. I could add on to that building for a guest room or two. Never thought about that. I would just need to put in a septic field.

Here's a pic of the shop as seen from my back deck. It sure would be nice and quiet down there as I'm sure the main house will become quite active over the next many years!

I know a seperate office/guest house is always handy. It gives your guest more freedom as well as yourself if you need quiet time in the office. Some of my friends have spent a lot of money making great offices in their barns since they spend a lot of time there. Its a quiet place and handy if you work on your own equipment.

Just tossing out ideas and hopefully some will help you or others in similar situations.

 

[blunosr]

I did that very thing several years ago. I doubled my rafters, including a flitch plate between the existing rafter and the married up rafter. It's just a piece of thin steel (from a metal siding/roofing place) sandwiched between the two married rafters. Then I put a double header with flitch plate all the way across at the top of my opening to support the dormer ridge. So in the main roof, I had a rectangular opening, all doubled rafters with flitch plates.

Good luck with it,

 

[davedj1]

The post about adding in true valley's is the only answer, they should rest down on the plate in the corners to distribute the load, probably need micro lams. this project is not to be taken lightly. If you don't understand it perhaps you could hire a contractor to at least do the framing details and do the rest yourself.
I have over 30 years as a builder, been there, done that a time or two.
Do it right the first time and all will be well.
good luck,
dave

 

[CurlyDave]

If you decide to modify the existing house, an engineer will be less costly.

But, an engineer will do what you ask him to, if you ask an architect the right questions, he may be able to make suggestions on how to blend everything together better.

I would pay an architect a consulting fee to look it over and make recommendations, and the get the engineer to do drawings.

 

[pclausen]

I found some structural engineers in the area. I'll give them a call in the morning and perhaps point them to this thread for a little background.

Yes, I might just get a contractor to do the framing and then do the rest myself.

I really appreciate all the suggestions and recommendations.