How to cut out rafters to create a new bedroom upstairs

[davedj1]

If you need me, call me

 

[quicksandfarmer]

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.

That's my vote. It will cost less and be simpler and you'll end up with a better result. That second floor bedroom is going to be all angles and corners. I grew up in a house like that and it's a pain, you can't put the furniture anywhere or store anything.

The other advantage is that you're not putting yourself under the gun in terms of the schedule. If your office isn't finished by the time the twins arrive you'll survive. If the house is all torn apart it's going to be a long couple of years. A schedule that combines residential construction with the arrival of twins is asking for trouble!

Congratulations by the way. We had twins and another in about that same timespan -- and I did a major renovation during each pregnancy! When they're packed close like that the first couple of years are rough but then the family is a whole lot of fun.

 

[mikefromnh]

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

+1
You might find it easier and cost effective to tear off the existing roof and shingles and rebuild with properly sized valley rafters. Which is the way it should have been done it the first place.

I see this a lot, framer taking the easy way out and leaving a waste of space that is hard to renovate later.

 

[blueriver]

I see this a lot, framer taking the easy way out and leaving a waste of space that is hard to renovate later.

I think we would be surprised at how many "framers" can not actually frame a valley and cut raftesr to fit ... so they go this route.

 

[sandman2234]

From a kid who got a couple of years in a detached garage bedroom, if you decide the wrong approach and give up the basement space, put an instant alarm on that side door, and when they get 6 years old, nail it shut. When they get to be 10, concrete the door and when they get to be 15, don't let them even go down in the basement, lol.
David from jax

We were lucky, we never got caught but the things we did when the parents went to bed sure scares the tar out of me as a parent these days.

 

[pclausen]

Lol Sandman, you're probably right unfortunately.

I have left messages with a couple of residential structural engineers I found by goggling. No returned calls yet. Guess I'll keep at it.

Mike, I was looking at it some more last night and you might be right that it would be very difficult to cut in a valley rafter without pulling part of the roof. I think either way you look at it, it will be pain to get rid of the existing rafters.

I have had leaks from hairline cracks in the valley flashing before, which I fixed with silicone from the outside. I'm sure that anything I do will introduce new ones.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I am glad teg mentioned the silicone and roof repair. I spotted this when I was reading over the last postings.

Assuming that you have asphault shingles I use roofing black liguid tar. This product comes in 1 gal cans. Some have fiberglas strand reinforcing in the mix.

Wait for a warm day and store the can where it is also warm and wear throw away cotton gloves. I use a metal putty knife about 3" wide.

Lift the shingles carefully and smooth the tar under the spots that are leaking. Gentley push the shingles back down.

Craig Clayton

 

[pclausen]

Appreciate the advice Craig, as does Avrie who is sitting here reading this with me. She wants to take sure the room will be built to her specs!

 

[teg]

I am glad teg mentioned the silicone and roof repair. I spotted this when I was reading over the last postings.

I don't know why I deleted the post... I said that silicone and roof don't go together... even Tar repair material is not long term... again, sorry

 

[pclausen]

I'm going to take a couple of pics of what I got this weekend from the exterior. I want to make sure we're on the same page. I have this metal flashing in my valleys right now that is green to match the trim of the house that I have been adding silicone to where the hairline cracks occurred. I agree that was likely not the right solution, although that is what the "roofing expert" I had come in and asses this the first time I experienced leaks suggested as the fix.