Architecture - Can living space be supported by steel posts?
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walkman
06-03-07, 08:31 AM
It is legal to pour footings and use appropriately sized steel posts to support the addition on the 2nd floor only?
I'd like to extend the size of one of our bedrooms on the 2nd floor. It's on a sloping lot so it would be very expensive to build a new foundation and build a two story addition.I had a contractor say that the space underneath the addition would have be enclosed if it was for living space, but I don't know if he's right.
I'd like to extend the size of one of our bedrooms on the 2nd floor. It's on a sloping lot so it would be very expensive to build a new foundation and build a two story addition.I had a contractor say that the space underneath the addition would have be enclosed if it was for living space, but I don't know if he's right.
nap
06-03-07, 11:18 AM
your answer is going to be very specific to the building codes in your area. While I have seen similar types of buildings in many areas (think Louisianna with the houses on stilts), each area has there own buildong codes and requirements.
Chances are you will need an engineer to certify the design as adequate for the requirements of your area if it is acceptable as a building design.
Chances are you will need an engineer to certify the design as adequate for the requirements of your area if it is acceptable as a building design.
Jack the Contractor
06-03-07, 12:39 PM
You will need to check with your local building code department. You will also need engineered drawings for them. I am pretty sure it will need to be enclosed underneath. That is a fire code requirement in most of the country.
nap
06-03-07, 01:27 PM
palestine texas:http://www.22dollars.com/images/house_on_stilts.jpg
los feliz california:http://www.woodsontheweb.com/Bio/images/Los_Feliz_Modern_BImg.jpg
key largo florida:http://www.valuevacationrentals.com/images/property/prop5543_22659.jpg
guenreville cali:http://www.geog.utah.edu/~tc2512/classes/Image2.jpg
beverly hills cali:http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/images/Letalweaponhouse.jpg
fairhaven mass:http://www.oceansart.us/OceansArthome/PixBeaches/thumbnails/0208beaches26.jpg
somewhere is Louisianna:http://www.oxfamamerica.org/resources/photos/houseonstilts_Wilma.jpg/sidebar
stinson beach cali:http://www.seadriftrealty.com/images/on028/mainshot-sm.jpg
actually elevated houses are very common along shorelines, especially ocean front. IF it is legal would be dependant upon the building codes in your area. In flood plain areas, it is even a recommended method of building since it obviously saves the structure in times of flooding.
los feliz california:http://www.woodsontheweb.com/Bio/images/Los_Feliz_Modern_BImg.jpg
key largo florida:http://www.valuevacationrentals.com/images/property/prop5543_22659.jpg
guenreville cali:http://www.geog.utah.edu/~tc2512/classes/Image2.jpg
beverly hills cali:http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/images/Letalweaponhouse.jpg
fairhaven mass:http://www.oceansart.us/OceansArthome/PixBeaches/thumbnails/0208beaches26.jpg
somewhere is Louisianna:http://www.oxfamamerica.org/resources/photos/houseonstilts_Wilma.jpg/sidebar
stinson beach cali:http://www.seadriftrealty.com/images/on028/mainshot-sm.jpg
actually elevated houses are very common along shorelines, especially ocean front. IF it is legal would be dependant upon the building codes in your area. In flood plain areas, it is even a recommended method of building since it obviously saves the structure in times of flooding.
Pendragon
06-04-07, 03:45 AM
Yep, you see these types of homes all over the beach, where the open area underneath is used for parking. I don't think the pillars are steel though, but rather poured concrete pylons.