Stud spacing on a two story house

mn925

Stud spacing on a two story house, load bearing walls?

From what I read it should be 16" oc. I have a two story house that was built in the 70's that I am considering taking down to studs for a remodel. My concern is the stud spacing on the first and second floor are at 24" oc.

So my second questions is if its 16" oc will I required to correct this to past inspection?

Thanks

GBrackins

what is the size of the studs? if 2x4 you may have an issue on the first floor, see footnote "c". I will try to attach a pic of the table.

hope this helps!

see this link for the 2009 International Residential Code requirements, check out TABLE R602.3(5) SIZE, HEIGHT AND SPACING OF WOOD STUDSa

__________________
Gary

"You get what you pay for, and sometimes free costs more!"

mae-ling

Where are you located?
What size are the studs? (2x4 2x6)

Usually you are ok if it is existing. ask your inspector.

hand drive

Is there a double top plate along the top of the walls?

mae-ling

Depending on the style of framing this is irrelevant.
In some areas you are allowed one top plate (although two may also be used) if the studs, rafters and joists are stacked. So the load is carried down from the top to the bottom.

eclark

Unless you're changing use (single family to multi family, business to residential, etc.) Or doing something that would change the loading conditions of the building (adding another story, etc.) Then the existing framing should be acceptable. That's assuming it's already generally sound and there are no other serious issues like massive termite damage or rot. Most places that follow building codes have separate codes for new and existing buildings that will detail the triggers for framing upgrades.

hand drive

I've fixed a few inadequate headers in walls that were opened up for other purposes. In my City if you are a home renovator and open up a wall you are responsible to get that wall up to code before covering it back up, but it usually just involves headers above doors and windows and fireblocking...

brockhouse

Use 2x6, 24" O.C. it’s structurally okay with 8’ tall walls and will allow you to put more insulation in the wall then if you built with 16" O.C.