Savfil

Hello everyone, it's been a while since I've posted on forums, and the first post on this one in particular. Anyway, we have a project and are unsure of how to proceed, and this seemed like a good place to ask for help!

I have an addition off of the side of my house, currently closed to the house itself, with access via doors on both the front and back of the house. Currently it is used as a shop/ tool storage/ junk storage area, but we're thinking that it would make a good space for 2 extra bedrooms. This would mean we'd be opening up a doorway on the exterior wall of the house that joins to the addition, but that's a battle for another day, what I really want to find out first is if it is even a good idea. The framing was done sometime in the 80's I believe (we've owned the house for 2 years now), and it's done with 2x4's on 24" centers. I was told by the lumberyard manager that I should add 2x2's to the studs and both top and bottom plates to make it 2x6 framing. That's all good, but I'd like to get some more insight before I tackle this project. What's currently built seems sloppy to me, (note the glass door was installed with hinges facing out...) and am not sure if I should be knocking it out and starting from scratch or what..

Please reference the pictures, and any insight is much appreciated!

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mako1

I would not listen to the lumber store guy to even buy a nail.What what would adding a 1X2 to the walls do?
You will first need a permit.In order to obtain one you will probably need some kind of structural drawing .Is the present building on a slab on grade or on a foundation with footings? this would be your first concern.
It would also help if we knew what part of the world you were in?

Savfil

Oh right, I live in Saskatchewan, Canada... Winter is a concern. So far as I can tell it sits on a 4 or 5" concrete slab, no discernible grade. The lumber dude said that I could turn the exterior walls into 2x6 framing by adding 2x2's to the current 2x4's.. for strength and additional/ better insulation.

mako1

The lumber dude is full of BS.You can add the additional width to the studs to make them 2x6 but what do you have under the slab to support the structure?

joecaption

Is there no codes in you area?
Adding a bedroom opens up a whole can or worms in the US, zoning and the heath dept. get involved.
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/grho/grho_010.cfm
There's not even close enough room in the ceiling for enough insulation and proper venting.
That deck also was built to high and is just going to cause water damage. In you area it should have been at least 6" below the threshold.

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Millertyme

More room for insulation. Yes. More strength, absolutely not. Best bet is to get a competent contractor to give you an idea of what needs to be done. It's all about the existing structure and what it can handle

Mingledtrash

the extra 2" would be for insulation it gets cold in the north.

Savfil

Thanks for all the responses everyone.. Like you said I think this is going to be a can of worms opened up, and I will get a reputable local contractor to come and look at it, although I'm sure we'll likely end up leaving it as shop space.