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2 story addition

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03-08-18, 09:07 AM

Ram85

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2 story addition

I am looking to add a 2 story addition coming off of the left side of my house which will be 20x24. The 1st story will be partially below grade and tie-in to my existing walk-out basement which is step-framed with 2x6 platform framing. The 2nd story will be 14' walls to create cathedral ceilings and will tie-in to my existing 1st and partially 2nd floor wall which is balloon framed. Being new to building an addition I have some questions that I'd like to get answered before I start drawing up plans.

1. Will this new addition need to have 4 freestanding walls or will I just need 3 walls and the 4th wall would be the existing exterior wall of my house?

2. If I only need 3 walls for the addition, how will I tie in the new roof and walls to the balloon framed walls on the existing 1st and 2nd floors?

3. I am assuming I will also need to tie the foundation of the existing house to the foundation of the addition as well. (I think this is called pinning) If that's the case then I must need to build 4 free standing walls?

Before anyone mentions it I am planning to get a structural engineer involved I just want to have a general idea of what I should be asking for and what is possible. I'd also like to draw up the plans myself first to save a bit of money on that yend and then just have them reviewed by a professional. I'm not entirely new to framing as I've remodeled a basement, built a 32'x12' deck and a large shed but this would by far be the largest thing I've taken on

Thanks!

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03-08-18, 01:29 PM

PJmax

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Welcome to the forums.

Not a building pro... just making some observations.

It would make the most sense to tie into the existing side of the house. Once the additions were up that wall could be opened up completely. The foundations are critical and that's where you'll need the input from an onsite professional. Most towns required sealed(by an architect) plans for any type of building permits.

Posting pictures.... in this thread and your other one... are very helpful.
How-to-insert-pictures

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