Adding roof on patio, want to dodge mistakes

Richard · Jun 7, 2004

Well, I contacted the county about the permits... seems it's gonna run me $5.00!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif BUT, the good news, is... I think I can afford that /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

She said they will NOT come out to inspect it, they need a permit, just so we are aware of the setbacks. (they want the roofed structure 50' back from front property line, 35' from back property line and 20' from side property line)

She clearly told me that no one woudl ever come out to 'check'. Good thing, as I dont think I'd meet the 35' from rear property line lol.

The back border of land (which abuts the "family owned" farm) is probably NEAR 35'... but even if it ISNT, the day will be here sometime, where my wife will inherit a couple of acres and we'll just push our border back... heck, she's ALREADY created "hidden gardens" and other patios (complete with power supply) in our side yard...or more exactly "on the farm", as technically, it crosses our border and goes off "our" land.

I've fought her on this, but she's maintained "Dad doesn't mind" (and he doesn't). But they wont listen to me about ..."well, then why not just move our border "NOW" and be done with all concerns about it....

sigh...

MarkV · Jun 8, 2004

That is good news about the permit Richard. Most of my permitting has been in a big city and you would not believe some of the issues it could create when all you want is something simple. I am not even down on inspectors like many of my peers in the construction trades. I think the code process is needed for safety and protection of building owners. It is just that one rule can't fit all circumstances and can really unnecessarily complicate some projects.

Good luck with the rest of the project.

MarkV

Golfgar4 · Jun 8, 2004

Richard,

I guess I'm still not totally clear on what you're looking to do. Just looking for shade? Or need something a bit more substantial?

A few years ago we did somewhat the same thing that Jerry did. Our solution is a bit more stationary than Jerry's however. I've attached a picture.

The metal framework is either bolted directly into the concrete patio, or there were concrete pilings poured for the legs that were in the grass. The framework stays up all year, but the awning company comes out each November and takes the awning off and stores it until until the following spring. Usually around mid april or so they show up to re-install it for the summer. It's 17 x 17.

If this is something you'd like more information about, let me know. I'd be happy to fill you in. And I have more pics also. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mrwurm · Jun 8, 2004

Garry, that's gonna make a fine tractor shelter /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

(Assuming you've not just been teasing us and you're actually gonna retire, move to the country, and get a tractor some day) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Golfgar4 · Jun 8, 2004

( Garry, that's gonna make a fine tractor shelter )

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I actually DID measure it to see if a ROPS would fit under it. The wife saw me measuring the clearance and asked why I was doing that. I said, "Oh, no specific reason honey. Just wanted to know how much space there was."

Her response? "Well, why would you want to know that? We can walk under it just fine. We don't need a lot of ........uh.......Oh no. You can't be thinking..........? OH NO!! OH NO!!"

Of course, I just stood there and looked shocked. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

"Why, whatever are you talking about?"

She just walked away doing shaking her head and doing that wife kind of thing. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

( (Assuming you've not just been teasing us and you're actually gonna retire, move to the country, and get a tractor some day) )

Hey, you're batting 1,000! That's STILL the plan! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Richard · Jun 8, 2004

Gary, yours is similar to our concept. Yours is on the flat edge of your house, whereas ours will be located in a corner. As such, I already have a 6x6 treated (new kind) of post buried in concrete

Anyway, 6x6 treated roughly 14' out from both edges of house, with a 2x12x14 anchored to the house with a joist hanger and bolted onto the 6x6 with carriage bolts (2 per 2x12).

Now we have this spacious "box" up in the air, roughly 14x14 and she's going to try to make a home made canopy for it. I then realized it would be much easier if we just hard roofed it, hence this thread as to what would make good material.

I need access ABOVE this area to get to corner of house/guttering, so it either needs to be soft/removable, or hard and firm. I'm prepared to add as many 2x12's as needed to make it strong AND asthetic.

(we used 2x12 because they match up with the 12 inch flat faced logs)

So, here I sit today with this box overhead, scratching my head as to what the roof MIGHT be made of (you think we'd deciied that early on???) "I love her...I love her... " he keeps repeating... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I'm trying to get power under there for some lighting, ceiling fan & she's just scoffing at all of it..."we can use candels"

My thinking is, more 2x12's spaced 2 or maybe 3' apart, depending how it fits with the window we have, toss some treated plywood up there as a "floor", and then finish it off with?????

I've also been trying to configue in my head, a retractable roof, made of canvas?? or something, and some kind of track (garage door??) that I can use as it's guide to open/close it.

She has some (cheap & flyweight) canvas she bought, she's currently going to paint DRYLOCK onto it to "waterproof" it (I love her...I love her...) and then stich some grommets into this. Bad thing is, we tried to grommet this once, and hang it from a hook, and the thread simply seperated. (very cheapo) Why she refuses to remember that and think it's going to work as a larger (heavier) item, is beyond me..I just keep reminding myself "I love her...I love her..."

She wants to try it...fine, we'll try it. She wants to redo it...fine, we'll redo it. (just like the 6x6 in concrete being moved once and TWICE coming up)

Anyway, I'm babbling. Sry.

Help clarify any? (other than my wife is loony at times? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Golfgar4 · Jun 8, 2004

I guess I forgot that you'd said you wanted to be able to get up on it to get to your gutters.

Certainly I can't do that on mine. Although the material the awning is made out of is REALLY tough, I would never think of trying to get up on it and stand. You mention that your wife has some "cheap and flyweight" canvas she's going to try to use. Based on what I've seen with ours, I would strongly urge you to have her reconsider. I don't know what "grade" our awning material is (I can try to find out if you'd like), but I can assure you that it's a whole lot tougher than what you've described sounds like. I've been very pleased with the strength of this awning, especially considering some of the winds we've had this spring. At times on very windy days, we can hear the awning snapping and popping throughout the whole house. I've looked it over closely, and I can't find any evidence that any seams are separating or any of the connections to the frame are giving way.

Wish I could offer you more advice. I'm sure you'll figure out a good solution. Please remember to take some pictures when you do! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Richard · Jun 8, 2004

Roger on the pics... and roger on your understanding that her current stuff is flyweight. She "got a bargain" on it.

How many times have I tried to tell her that spending good $$ on (perceived) junk, is NEVER a "bargain" unless you are the seller & not the buyer?

(keeps repeating to self... I love her...I love her...I love her...)

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif