Considering Room Addition & Roof Change

pkthomas_ar

We are expecting a new addition in our family. We really like where we live, and we have a corner lot. Plus, we are big DIYers, and we've done our kitchen and just finished an awesome master bath that we don't want to give up.

Our house is about 22 years old. It's only 1200 sq feet. New houses are being built around us that have 1500 to 1800 sq feet.

Let's see if I can describe this. Our house is currently L-shaped. We want to divide the current mstr bdrm into an office/sitting area with backyard access, hallway and walk-in closet. Then we want to come off the exterior wall with a new master. We are considering making a sun-porch or screened in area between the new mstr and back of the garage. It will essentially square off the house.

Since we want to square it off - we need to change the roof all together. Our pitch is so low that we barely have room to crawl into the atic space. We'd like to take the pitch up and take advantage of extra storage opportunities.

We realize this won't be a minor undertaking. And, we are trying to way if this addition is realistic or if we should just find land and build. Any advice on making this type of addition and roof change will be greatly appreciated.

THANKS in advance, Philip & Karen

send_it_all

An additions sounds ideal. Where are you located?

AtlanticWBConst.

Often, roof pitch can be altered on additions by building 'crickets' to tie the different roof lines in for proper drainage.
When things get more complictated, you may have to build up your existing roof areas to accomodate for the addition & various roof pitches, to avoid water and ice dam build up.

Generally, if you are going to have this addition's plans drawn up by a designer/architect, they will be able to incoporate and remedy all these issues with the designs. They should also be able to do it in a way that makes the house still look attractive...and not like the addition was an obvious after thought....

In such a situation, be prepared to spend more money than you would on just a simple 'bump-out' addition. Remember that it's not only about the interior space, you want to create an addition that looks like it was built when the house was built...

The point is to run the numbers, check your possible returns and apprecitiation factors (sounds like you are in the 'right' neighborhood)...and see which decision is more cost effective - 'add on' or 'sell and buy' what you want....

What you are describing has been done often on ''up-and-coming'' & developing (appreciating) neighborhoods - with good results. It is just going to cost a good chunk of money - by your description of your existing home's design...

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pkthomas_ar

We are in Arkansas.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Any estimates on how much an architect will cost us? We are meeting with a builder tomorrow.

Right now, we have problems with where the roof hits the fireplace on the front of the house, so we'd like to correct. The current pitch goes towards the fireplace, and we have a cricket that keeps the water from running directly into the fireplace. With the low pitch, stuff still collects (living in Arkansas under the oak trees), and we've had lots of problems with our soffets rotting. Too bad we can't claim acorn damage.

Anyway... thanks again.

AtlanticWBConst.

Talk to the builder and get some information about local architects. He may be able to provide you with some helpful information based on your area....

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