Adding a 2nd Story

[Hydroman]

I have a 20 x 40 cabin that was owner-built by person I bought my 20 acres from. It is about 10 years old and on a pier foundation. It is 2 x6 frame construction. What do I need to look for to verify if the existing foundation and structure will support adding a 2nd story to the cabin?


Thanks,
Dave

[glenn kangiser]

Possibly pier spacing and design.  If there are enough - if the beams etc are large enough to support the added load. Was concrete placed under the piers to spread the load?  Can the existing piers support lthe added loading - live and dead of the second floor?

[Hydroman]

Thanks Glenn

There is a wide concrete pad around the piers. I will have to dig down to see if and how much concrete is under the piers. I am not sure how big the beams need to be. I do know that their is a large 20 ft steel I-beam across the center point.

[glenn kangiser]

Odd - seems it should have went the 40 foot way - maybe the floor joists go to it spanning 20' lengthwise?  Check spacing too.

[Hydroman]

I will have to check a little closer and take measurements when I get up to the place in the next week or so. I have also thought of taking one of John's 16x or 20x plans and adding it as an extension. That will probably be simpler not to mention a lot less demolition.

[glenn kangiser]

I think you will find that to be a lot cheaper also.  Remodel is generally a 3x cost item.  Once to do it first time - second time cost to tear it out - 3rd to rebuild it, not to mention no stairs to climb - redoing foundations if necessary - etc.