OT: Roof framing, alteration Options

[thomasotten]

I have an existing roof on my house that is pitched and creates a cathedral type ceiling underneath. I am considering increasing the pitch of this roof, for ascthetic reasons mostly, but also to add insulation to the roof, which I don't thick is adequetly insulated. There is no attic space right now, so I cant' be sure of the insulation, although it gets hot in summer time. I want the final roof to be 12/12, and to do this, I would need to raise the ridge by about 2'. From the ridge, I would then run rafters down to the bottom of the roof fascia. Instead of raising each rafter up and causing a mess, I am considering building a structure over the exsiting roof, and then sheathing over. That way I don't disturb the ceiling. I was thinking of also doing this in phases, keeping the existing shingles on as a I go. What do you think?

[flippa]

Thomas

Do a search on your City regulations on line. Many city & towns have fairly decent web sites. This is where I always start when looking at new job in a town that I never worked in before.

Check out the San Antonio website at

http://www.sanantonio.gov/dsd/residential.asp

Seems like a real user friendly site with alot of good information. The FAQ section should answer most of your questions.

It can be intimidating talking with building department. Many times these guys aren't too friendly. Often people are taken back by this attitude, but these guys have to enforce the Code requirements & typically fight with contractors/homeowners; the constant conflicts kind of turns them crusty. Typically they have no tolerance for the rooky questions. I am used to dealing with folks up here in the Northeast, the attitude may be different down in Texas. DO NOT go in there with a "I pay your salary" attitude; they will remember you & go out of their way to bust your balls!!!

Start doing your research online; you get to browse thru regulations while sitting at the house in your PJs drinking coffee. Try & educate yourself on the process before meeting with the guys at the building department. It will make things less stresfull for you. Go in with a little knowledge, ask them if they could help to clarify questions you have & try and make friends with these guys. Like anything else, if you seem like a cool guy (many times the exception at their counter) they probably will be very helpful to you.

Many towns will allow the homeowner to self perform building projects but not electrical or plumbing.

Good luck with your project.