change of plans

[tesa]

is it possible to build the 1 1/2 story WITHOUT the 1/2 story??

can't i just frame the walls to be shorter, basically only building a one story?

way back in the beginning of things, i had considered building the 1 1/2 story as a 20'X40' but thought it too big

now i'm reconsidering it, building it as a 20'X40' but not building the loft, we decided it will be enough room at 20'X40',
and i'd like to have exposed beams so i wouldn't want the loft

thoughts?

tesa

[OkieJohn2]

Have you already purchased the 1 1/2 story plans?  John also has the 1 story 20 x 30 plan.
http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/46.html

[tesa]

yes, i've already purchased them.

and the funny part?

we THOUGHT we were sure of what we wanted, i agonized over the decission, and now we want the other one

i'm hoping i can make these plans work for us

tesa

[John Raabe]

Yes, you can just build the one story walls to the height you want for the ceiling and then have the local truss company build trusses (24: o/c) for the roof structure. They will factor in the local loads.

If you want, they likely can make different shapes for you interior ceiling other than just flat. Ask about an "energy" truss if you want a highly insulated ceiling.

[tesa]

phew! thanks, one less thing to stress over

man, this home building is FULL of decissions!!

we wanted to do site build trusses, and contract out the metal roof install

do i have to go with off site built?

tesa

[tesa]

sorry, i'm confussed, or tired, or both, but we're not doing trusses, we're doing rafters

tesa

[John Raabe]

Use 2x8 rafters and 2x8 ceiling joists both @ 24" o/c. See "Basic Gable Roof"  Chptr 9 in Wagner book.