Wrap Around Extension

[devaney]

Please be gentle with me. This is not my area of expertise so please forgive some of the terminology.

I am considering a wrap around extension on the rear of my detached two storey property. It will measure approximately 18' and project outwards 8' on both elevations. I would prefer to have a completely flat ceiling and no upright pillars for design reasons. The RSJ's are causing me sleepless nights. Is it possible to achieve want I want and would a crane be require to get the RSJ's in place. Sorry I havent got a clue what they weigh.

I have briefly spoken to a structural engineer who seems confident that my requirements can be achieved.

Any help or comments would be appreciated. Please shout if further information is required.

Thanks.

Dev

 

[tony1851]

You do not need a column at the corner if that is what you are worrying about. On that span, your SE should be able to design a beam to span wall-to-wall.

How the beam is positioned is up to the builder to sort out. Some use a 'genie' to lift them (a small hoist), or alternatively the beam can be supplied in two lengths and bolted together in position. This is called a 'splice', and your SE would have to design the connecting plates and bolts.

 

[devaney]

Thanks Tony.

Would it also be possible to completely recess the RSJ's so that I could acheve a completely flat ceiling with no evidence of an extension.

 

[tony1851]

Thanks Tony.

Would it also be possible to completely recess the RSJ's so that I could acheve a completely flat ceiling with no evidence of an extension.

That depends on a number of factors, principally the span of the existing first floor joists.
It is possible to have a flush ceiling, but if the existing joists are running onto the rear wall, it is time consuming and fiddely to get the steel beams up at the same level.

 

[devaney]

Thanks again Tony.

If the joists are in deed running onto the back wall just what do you mean by fiddly. Exactly what would be required and how long would it take in terms of man hours to completely conceal the RSJ ?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Its not necessarily so bad as its an external wall, but there will probably be some disruption to the skirting/finishes etc of the floor above. Inserting a flush beam on an internal wall is more fiddly.

 

[devaney]

Thanks Freddy

In terms of time does the additional work required to conceal the RSJ's take hours, days or weeks in extreme cases?

When I discussed the possibility of concealment with my builder he gave it the usual look up to the skies expression! To be honest I think he is a little bit too keen on an easy life and I may just have to have a chat with another builder. My builder is a cracking bloke but sometimes he forgets who the customer is He also needs to appreciate that if I can't get the result of a perfectly flat ceiling with concealed RSJ's then I may just bin the idea altogether. The interior results of some extensions I have researched fill me with dread.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Days probably.