Any way to fix this?

[Jbmotorsports]

The continuing saga of this nightmare garahe build continues. Finally got the contractor to build the awning I wanted over the garage doors. It's not horrible but it's got a big sag in it. Any way to fix this or should I rip it down and build it the way I want. Which is what I should've done originally. You can see in the pic the far end has a droop to it

 

[BillK]

You might be able to save it by attaching a 2x facia board to the front. You will have to support the sagged area while you do it. I know you wanted the open tails though. The only other way would be to use a long 2x and notch it for each rafter tail. Thats probably how the one is done in the picture you posted in your other thread.

 

[tarmy]

Built crappy. If it is bad now…in a few years it will likely sag more. The real issue is that every time you look at it…it will bug you, already does.

in my world, if I can get rid of something that will bug me forever, reminding me of the **** experience I had…then it goes and Ibuild it correctly the way I want it.

that rule applies to everything except the wifey of 40 years…

 

[Jbmotorsports]

Bill that front fascia is already a 2x4, I'm not sure I understand exactly what you mean by adding another one....So those "rafter tails" are totally decorative. Before I tear this down, which I'm close to doing, I had an idea. Knock those tips off, shim the plywood to be level and then cap that fascia with....whatever....then reattach the tips. Was actually thinking about modeling them and 3d printing them so they wouldn't need maintenance or painting.

Tarmy....I know, they threw this up in like 3 or 4 hours. I have the same mindset, obviously, it's bothering me after one day. No way I'm gonna be able to live with it, rather have nothing there.

 

[woodscaper]

If those tails are just short stubs, that 2x4 was put in with the crown down, **** wood, they should have used a straight one or put the crown up if it was minor. Lousy workmanship.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

That's exactly it. Any workaround or should it just come down?

 

[The Cobbler]

If you're questioning it now, you'll never be happy. tear it sown, build it again.
hope the builder doesn't get pissed at you. That is not very professional work in my opinion

 

[Sweetcorn]

The fix for such poor workmanship is to tear it out and redo it correctly.

 

[dcg9381]

If those tails are just short stubs, that 2x4 was put in with the crown down, **** wood, they should have used a straight one or put the crown up if it was minor. Lousy workmanship.

Looking at the picture, I don't think they are stubs, which is part of why it's sagging. No horizontal support at all at the ends, it's just held up by the triangulated struts. Using short stubs would very likely solve the sag as you'd need a beam (2x4) across there, but I'm not sure a single 2x4 should be spanning that.

I really dislike awnings that are just "toed in" this way. No way this one makes it with no horizontal support on that outer ledge. They toed some in like this (with horizontal supports) on my home too, but mine are no longer than spans of 2.5' and have steel struts at both ends.

I saw one of these done right recently, it was attached all the way through to inside framing, but that framing was more substantial than the 2x4 framing used here.

 

[Youngandfree]

If your contractor is doing such ****** work, why is he not fixing it?

 

[FMB4]

Once a lousy worker, always a lousy worker imo. Meanwhile, we have at least one house in our '02 sub that has a similar awning over the 2 car G doors and it looks great (wife has + commented on it more than a few times.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Great example of..."what's in the scrap pile we can use!?"

If you want a "timber frame" look, by-all-means make timber frame brackets.

 

[jack stand]

I have a feeling that we need to hear the other side of the story.
That picture is useless for judgment other than seeing the dip.

 

[BillK]

Bill that front fascia is already a 2x4, I'm not sure I understand exactly what you mean by adding another one....So those "rafter tails" are totally decorative.

So the tails are just short stubs. Thats the problem. If you look at the picture you posted in your other thread it looks like the rafters are all on piece out to the end and the long 2x6 (?) that is supporting them is probably notched for them to fit into. It looks like it hangs down some from the actual rafters. I would have built it exactly like the one you showed in your other thread.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Everyone knows that 'There's a right way and a wrong way to build things' and unfortunately your builder choose the later way.
I concur with K'ledgeBldr...If you want that timber frame look, you only have one choice.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

BTW there is no other side, I said I wanted the one I had pictured, left pictures of it taped on the wall and that's what I came home to. It wasn't in the original build and I never expected it to be free or anything and told him I didn't care because I want it.. It's essentially a work table angled downward with 3 supports.

These guys take no pride in their work, every time I bring up these issues they act like I'm being too particular, it's extremely frustrating. I'm just going to take it down, I'll never be happy with it as is. Rather have nothing there than this. Annoyed because I could've started it last week but he said don't worry his guys will come and do it

Why won't he fix is? If this is how it was done, why would I even want them to try. If you guys even knew how much I've had to redo on my own you'd be annoyed at me for not ditching him a long *** time ago

 

[Jbmotorsports]

I tried previously to find some kind of plans or a diagram so I could do it myself, I am new to construction. If anyone knows where I could find something like that it would be greatly appreciated. I'm willing to pay for drawings

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

It's quite apparent that they do NOT posses basic carpentry skills. A good framer would be embarrassed to admit they had anything to do with that. They are hacks.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

I know, and they framed the building. It passed inspection at least lol

 

[brownbagg]

that not a sag, that a not built correct

 

[Jbmotorsports]

Guys, please, I appreciate the input but I'm extremely frustrated. I know it's not built right. My f-ing dog knows it isnt built right. Is the only option to take it down or can I work with what I have in any way?

 

[FMB4]

Take it down. There's no fixing 'it isn't built right' with your issue. This is, imo, especially true true on such a small feature. Note: there is nothing good about that construction. Not the ply thickness, not the braces, not anything.

 

[billconner]

A 2x4 will not span 8-10'. The design of expecting it to is going to fail. The only fix I see that doesn't completely undo the design intent are adding support, perhaps brackets under each rafter. Might even create a horizontal soffit half or 2/3 up under awning.

I do think the brackets look too small. 4x4s would have been more in scale with the rest of awning and building. So besides propping up awning continously from wall/header, I might replace or beef up brackets.

Another idea occurs but without drawing not sure, but a member - 2x4 maybe some other shape, from bottom of each bracket up to horizontal 2x4 - 4 pieces total that is reminiscent of the angled upper corners of some garage door. Think about a light or some element at base of each bracket. Ned's sketching.

So, I'm in the fix it camp. Given a lemon, make lemonade. The rafters and roofing look fine, just needs some delicate support.

 

[csp]

That's exactly it. Any workaround or should it just come down?

Remove the pseudo tails, swap the warped 2x4 for a pair nailed to each other that are straight with a piece of plywood sandwiched between them (like the header above a door or window), and re-install the tails.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

So I had my neighbor come over who deals with more commercial construction engineering and he, too, was not happy with it. Looking over everything it would be quite the job to take it down and he had an idea similar to what Billconner mentioned. Remove the stupid rafter things. I was able to use a scissor jack on my ladder to straighten it out. Then run another 2x4 across the face, the main problem was the fascia ends were not over a support I'll attach a pic, and also beef up the supports with another 2x4 once it's in place. There's so many nails in this thing getting it down would be a chore. I will however, if I need to. It's strangely overbuilt underneath

 

[dave_dj1]

can you pull the stub rafter tails, add in some 5/8 plywood strips and glue then another 2x4 then put the stubs back on?
Of course jacking up the sag first.

 

[dcg9381]

Guys, please, I appreciate the input but I'm extremely frustrated. I know it's not built right. My f-ing dog knows it isnt built right. Is the only option to take it down or can I work with what I have in any way?

I know you're frustrated. And it's often not helpful to have a bunch of guys on the internet tell you "I'd fire his ***". I've seen perfectly good framers do a good job on a house and hack some other **** together (like awnings in particular). The contractor needs to fix this. As he's already failed once, give him another shot but tell him how specifically.

Can you add a awning like that? Yes. The major issue is that it needs a stable straight beam capable of supporting roof weight across the outside of the awning. That means you'll lose those the "true tails". Tails (or fake ones) can be added back.

You need to figure out what will span 8'10", supported in 3 places that are not equal, and will handle a roof load (roof load is relatively small). There is probably a span table for this, but as it's non-structural, I'd take some good advice instead. Guys have shown you photos and given you good advice. You'll need add "short tails" if you want that design. Toe them in and then further secure via roof deck.

In the grand scheme of construction problems, this is minor, trust me.

 

[PassnThru]

I know you're frustrated. And it's often not helpful to have a bunch of guys on the internet tell you "I'd fire his ***". I've seen perfectly good framers do a good job on a house and hack some other **** together (like awnings in particular). The contractor needs to fix this. As he's already failed once, give him another shot but tell him how specifically.

I see where you are coming from but his contractor has no interest in (or knowledge maybe) in making it right. If he did it would have been right already. The contractor has never built an awning before apparently - the OP expressly said "Finally got the contractor to build the awning I wanted over the garage doors". If he knew how to build the awning and you were willing to pay for it then why would you have to fight for it? That should have been your first clue that things weren't going to end well. There is no reason to believe that just because someone can frame the four walls of a garage that they can also do anything beyond that.
As you have learned - the awning is a little more complicated than erecting four walls and slamming trusses on it.

 

[bucolic]

So I had my neighbor come over who deals with more commercial construction engineering and he, too, was not happy with it. Looking over everything it would be quite the job to take it down and he had an idea similar to what Billconner mentioned. Remove the stupid rafter things. I was able to use a scissor jack on my ladder to straighten it out. Then run another 2x4 across the face, the main problem was the fascia ends were not over a support I'll attach a pic, and also beef up the supports with another 2x4 once it's in place. There's so many nails in this thing getting it down would be a chore. I will however, if I need to. It's strangely overbuilt underneath

Well, in my opinion, I would cut my losses, remove it and start over. The problem I would have with it is it is such a prominent feature of the garage and if done correctly can really add a wow factor to the facade. You could easily waste more time trying to cobble this together than just tearing it off and starting over. As others have said an awesome framer can be a lousy finish man, and a finish man can be an awful framer. Two different skill sets.

I googled some pics of overhangs and there are so many options you can do with this that may look awesome and be much simpler. I can only see that getting worse with time and it seems more complicated than it needs to be. I know you probably have a particular look in mind but I am thinking of adding one over my garage and I am going to go with a look like this maybe using steel as the roofing for lightweight and ease of build as in the pic I attached.

Good luck and again being that this is going to be a focal point that will draw all eyes to it I would remove it and just start fresh. In the long run, I think you will be much much happier.

 

[zak77]

I agree that it's such a mess that it needs to be redone with a plan in mind to make it look nice. The entire construction of that screams they have no idea what they're doing and i'd be willing to bet it'd be pulling away from the structure in 5 years so do it right now, when it's easy, or rebuild it later.

 

[Jbmotorsports]

You guys all have really valid points and essentially are all correct. I personally think the correct action is to take it down. In talking with my neighbor he said it would basically be fine if they had a continuous beam, or put the ends over a support member. He, however, is talking me out of taking it down as he's concerned it may cause other issues like pulling the sheeting off the wall, etc. I suppose I really need to address this with the GC and see what he says, why? I guess just so he doesn't try to charge me for this work.

I understand it seems minor for most people but I can't find anyone local to do the work correctly so it means I have to not only take it down, but go and get lumber and find the time to do it myself. That's the part that is stressful.

 

[CraigStu]

I am thinking it is fixable. I am not well enough educated on building structure to comment overall if this technique is good or not. But what I see is that 2/3 of it looks fine. The bad 1/3 looks bad just because he used a warped piece of wood. Seems to me that the warped piece could be removed and replaced w/ a straight piece. Maybe it should be upgraded to a 2x6. You could glue and screw a 2x2 to the bottom of the other portion that is straight to match the 2x6. Someone also said maybe a sandwich made of two 2x4s or 2x6s w/ plywood between to reduce future warping.

 

[Joemctag]

I am thinking it is fixable. I am not well enough educated on building structure to comment overall if this technique is good or not. But what I see is that 2/3 of it looks fine. The bad 1/3 looks bad just because he used a warped piece of wood. Seems to me that the warped piece could be removed and replaced w/ a straight piece. Maybe it should be upgraded to a 2x6. You could glue and screw a 2x2 to the bottom of the other portion that is straight to match the 2x6. Someone also said maybe a sandwich made of two 2x4s or 2x6s w/ plywood between to reduce future warping.

I p lop

 

[acer66]

I know, and they framed the building. It passed inspection at least lol

In most instances passing inspection is a pretty low bar and the bare minimum you can get away with.

Good luck with your project.

 

[ordpete944]

Fix it now before it is too late. You will always see it and it will bother you.

 

[dcg9381]

I see where you are coming from but his contractor has no interest in (or knowledge maybe) in making it right. If he did it would have been right already. The contractor has never built an awning before apparently - the OP expressly said "Finally got the contractor to build the awning I wanted over the garage doors". If he knew how to build the awning and you were willing to pay for it then why would you have to fight for it?

I agree with all your points.

But this framer framed the rest of that garage and apparently it passed inspection. Beyond passed inspection, we don't know if he did OK or not.

I just completed a residence (18+ months in this economy). When the framer did something wrong, we had him fix it. And yes, he made mistakes. Should we have hired a different framer? Perhaps.. But here, there is so much construction pressure, framers are getting swings of 50% on bids and it can be months before they get a gap in jobs.. And getting someone out to do a "small job" like this (the awning) - here, it's near impossible, without massively over-paying for the privilege.

I'm simply saying that it's perhaps more pragmatic to be specific about how it should be built and have him rebuild it to spec.

Yes, a framer should know how to do this.

 

[Tman]

That should never been framed in two pieces with the joint unsupported in mid span. They prob framed it in sections so they could lift it by hand. The right way would build it in place with longer stock OR build it on the ground and use a job handler or boom to lift it into place. Lack of nailing on the sheathing up above concerns me as well.

 

[FNM]

This is how mine was framed. Had someone standing on it multiple times so seems well built

been through my fair share on contractors.. you’ll get there!

 

[Tman]

This is how mine was framed. Had someone standing on it multiple times so seems well built

been through my fair share on contractors.. you’ll get there!

Looks good, nice framing

 

[Citation]

That should never been framed in two pieces with the joint unsupported in mid span. They prob framed it in sections so they could lift it by hand. The right way would build it in place with longer stock OR build it on the ground and use a job handler or boom to lift it into place. Lack of nailing on the sheathing up above concerns me as well.

This is exactly what I was thinking. I don't have much framing experience but plenty of mechanical knowledge. It's clear the left side is basically two separate beams with a poor quality "joint" in the middle. A joint at the center brace would have been fine if a longer beam wasn't possible. As completed either the person wasn't thinking or worse, they are an idiot.