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Victorian Restoration Project

Review of the Attic Conversion Plans Video

Bob meets up with structural engineer Steve Siegel on the Medford's home third floor. The attic is right from the 1880's and clearly no longer meets code. As the homeowner intends to create a home office up there with cathedral ceilings, structural changes will be required. Steve explains that the existing structure is undersized and will need to be reinforced. The 2 x 6 rafters are pretty widely spaced at 2 feet on center with flimsy 2 x 3 collar ties. To create useable living space Steve suggests taking out the existing collars and putting in a ridge beam to support the whole load of the roof. To do this Siegel would put a piece of wood (possibly a 2 x 6) at every rafter pair and then position the ridge beam just below. However, this configuration might conflict with the architect's plan to fill the whole gable end with a big glass triangle.

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	Other Video Clips from this Episode

	Removing the Closet Bob meets up with Charlie Tomaszewski, the general contractor for the Medford renovation project, in the home's existing master bedroom. While awaiting the arrival of the demolition crew, Charlie and ... Watch video and view full description
	NOW PLAYING Review of the Attic Conversion Plans Bob meets up with structural engineer Steve Siegel on the Medford's home third floor. The attic is right from the 1880's and clearly no longer meets code. As the homeowner ...