HELP!? I have a modular ranch built here in NE PA in 2007. The ranch came with a full set of steps to an unfinished attic. With the family expanding, we wanted to explore options for making this attic space livable. I'm fully confident I can finish off the space myself, but I'm most concerned about structure; specifically, the roof rafters and collar ties. I'm going to try my best to include pics so you can see. The collar ties are too low for me as they are about 6'10" off the floor space. I would love to move them up and at least get a 7.5ft ceiling. Since this was a modular and assembled as two halves on site, they did some pretty funky things with the rafters. They set up the 2x6 rafters on 24in centers, but they didn't carry them up to the ridge. (see pics). The rafters stop at the collar ties, then they use 2x4 above to carry up to the ridge. I'm fairly confident I CANNOT remove the collar ties and move them up as they would not properly tie into the rafters, but could I sister in additional 2x6 to the existing 2x6 rafters and carry them up to the ridge? Looking at this pics, does that seem feasible?? Are there any alternative options I should consider? Again, I want to move the ties up, insulate and finish off the space. Thanks in advance for your help with this.
Links for pics:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XSkxZMTFCUWt1czA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XOEVGOXRoNmJUVEE
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XUGdadEVxZ29XVnc
Links for pics:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XSkxZMTFCUWt1czA
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XOEVGOXRoNmJUVEE
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHemI3wU70XUGdadEVxZ29XVnc