Moving into the attic for living space

[black2002ls]

So could the joists be added later, so that you'd have enough support to use it as storage? Seems like they could, but I know little of house building.

They could. It all depends on how everything is laid out, the spans, the available height for the I joists or lam beams. In an ideal scenario you have a system engineered to fit the parameters of the space and your needs.

In reality, if you are looking for additional storage space for your Christmas ornaments or off season clothes, you will be fine.

If you want to start a transmission shop in your garage and store cores in the attic, you need an engineer!

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[Gasser64]

90% of the plans I build have BARELY enough attic space for the mechanicals! Either way, the other attic spaces would be the same way. We do have a couole of plans that have walk in attic spaces that have I joists due to their location. That would of coyrse support a load, however, there is typically some sort of electric wiring or duct work in those spaces

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So could the joists be added later, so that you'd have enough support to use it as storage? Seems like they could, but I know little of house building.

[black2002ls]

You say garage... that makes me want to ask about the rest of the attic, over the rest of the house. Doesn't seem like it would be any different. But as we're all aware, people stuff all kinds of stuff up in the attic.

90% of the plans I build have BARELY enough attic space for the mechanicals! Either way, the other attic spaces would be the same way. We do have a couole of plans that have walk in attic spaces that have I joists due to their location. That would of coyrse support a load, however, there is typically some sort of electric wiring or duct work in those spaces

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[Gasser64]

Most garage ceilings are not designed to carry load. They are simply designed to span the distance between walls and hold the load of the drywall. We tell all of our homeowners that their garage attic is not intended for storage and any use in such manner can/will void any and all related warranty.

You say garage... that makes me want to ask about the rest of the attic, over the rest of the house. Doesn't seem like it would be any different. But as we're all aware, people stuff all kinds of stuff up in the attic.

[Chili]

I don't believe so. We have ZERO city provided services. No streets, no street lights, no sewer, no drainage, no water. Past our gate is all private property, I don't even think police can enforce speed limits or stopping at stop signs (which are not city provided or regulation for DOT)

Sounds like my kind of place!!

[KBScobravert]

Are you in a MUD district? If so, reach out to them.

I don't believe so. We have ZERO city provided services. No streets, no street lights, no sewer, no drainage, no water. Past our gate is all private property, I don't even think police can enforce speed limits or stopping at stop signs (which are not city provided or regulation for DOT)

[black2002ls]

Yes I would also like to see some pics.

This is something I was concerned about, simply for storage reasons. I'd like to store a bunch of crap in my attic, but I am a bit concerned about putting too much weight up there.

Most garage ceilings are not designed to carry load. They are simply designed to span the distance between walls and hold the load of the drywall. We tell all of our homeowners that their garage attic is not intended for storage and any use in such manner can/will void any and all related warranty.

[black2002ls]

We are unincorporated Fort Worth. I called years ago about getting a permit for my garage a/c install. Neither fort Worth nor Haslet would issue one. Both said in unincorporated areas you don't need permits.

Of course if I go through with this and hire someone, we will double tap that question again.

Are you in a MUD district? If so, reach out to them.

[Chili]

Wasn't it on here (or Canada) that someone finished out their attic including a 'hidden' entrance from a closet on the first floor?

[jewozzy]

We are unincorporated Fort Worth. I called years ago about getting a permit for my garage a/c install. Neither fort Worth nor Haslet would issue one. Both said in unincorporated areas you don't need permits.

Of course if I go through with this and hire someone, we will double tap that question again.

I would think you still need a permit from the county if you went that route wouldn't you?

[KBScobravert]

Make sure permits are pulled and it is inspected or you will have issues when selling.

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We are unincorporated Fort Worth. I called years ago about getting a permit for my garage a/c install. Neither fort Worth nor Haslet would issue one. Both said in unincorporated areas you don't need permits.

Of course if I go through with this and hire someone, we will double tap that question again.

[Gasser64]

Yes I would also like to see some pics.

The ceiling joists you have now aren't likely designed to carry the load for a room above.

This is something I was concerned about, simply for storage reasons. I'd like to store a bunch of crap in my attic, but I am a bit concerned about putting too much weight up there.

[fordracing19]

Make sure permits are pulled and it is inspected or you will have issues when selling.

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[juiceweezl]

Post up pics or a drawing if you have and I can take a look. You may get lucky and make it work. What's the height of the garage ceiling? That may open up some other options.

[KBScobravert]

Here's a span calculator that can help you determine some of what you have. It will provide the maximum allowable span. Some things you need to know though are the species and grade of your lumber. I would assume SYP (southern pine) and #2 grade for your 2x8's. Leave your live load at 40psf (unless you plan on putting a pool table up there) and dead at 10psf. Leave the deflection at L/360. If your house is built before 2013, use the No. 2 grade pre 2013. There was a code change that affects how it grades out. The lumber can't span as far in today's code.

With those parameters, a 2x8 can span 12 feet 10 inches as a floor joist. By contrast, it can go over 14 feet as a ceiling joist (what it was likely designed for).

Link: http://www.awc.org/codes-standards/c...tware/spancalc

Perfect. Thanks.

I have plenty of time to plan since I won't be home next until April...if I am lucky. My parents are replacing a blown up garage door opener this weekend at my house so I can get my stepdad up in the attic to get some measurements and take some pics.