[caitlinshall]

Hi --

I am considering making a bid on a house, but wanted to get some feedback on potential (extensive) remodeling here first. The house is an unusual shape so that it can fit into a small lot -- it has many narrow, long floors (4) stacked on top of one another. The area directly above the living room is a space (an open second bedroom) that my husband and I wouldn't need. My question is: Is it possible to take out the floor/ceiling between these two levels, in order to create a two-story living room (and to let in a lot more light)? In case it matters, the bedroom is on the top floor of the house -- so there are no additional levels (other than the roof) sitting on top of it.

In the event this is theoretically possible, is it possible to estimate a range of costs for a large project like this?

Thank you!

 

[joecaption]

Not possible to even guess what this would cost.
20' ceilings might look cool but are a might mare to heat and cool.
Sure you can not find a house you like the way it is?

 

[BigJim]

There are several problems you would have to over come which would cost quite a bit. One right off hand is there is a double plate in the wall and without lateral support a slight wind could blow that wall in and your house would collapse. I will imagine you will change your mind about having that done once you get a hard cost on it. It would be best to get a contractor come out and give you a cost, no one here will be able to.

 

[caitlinshall]

Any sense of whether it's a five-figure renovation or six-figure?

 

[Joe Carola]

Hi --

I am considering making a bid on a house, but wanted to get some feedback on potential (extensive) remodeling here first. The house is an unusual shape so that it can fit into a small lot -- it has many narrow, long floors (4) stacked on top of one another. The area directly above the living room is a space (an open second bedroom) that my husband and I wouldn't need. My question is: Is it possible to take out the floor/ceiling between these two levels, in order to create a two-story living room (and to let in a lot more light)? In case it matters, the bedroom is on the top floor of the house -- so there are no additional levels (other than the roof) sitting on top of it.

In the event this is theoretically possible, is it possible to estimate a range of costs for a large project like this?

Thank you!

That type of project is done a lot. There's a lot involved and the cost is high....but it can be done. You need to have a professional come out to see your house......an architect or emgineer.

 

[oh'mike]

Need to see the structure-----is it a wood framed building---structural masonry---row house holding up the next building----balloon framed----

Just to much to guess at of estimate at all----start with a structural engineer--

Some times you get lucky---other times the entire structure needs to be rebuilt---

Done wrong the building might collapse---

Joe is faster than me---and very correct----

 

[winnabago]

Something I've seen done in cases like this is taking 2/3 of the joists out and wrapping the remaining ones in sheetrock. These remaining beams will help stiffen the building laterally (both in and outward).

Where I live this is a low $six-figure project, easily.

Call an architect to take a look at the existing framing. It should be a low or no-cost consult.