Might add a second floor to the Barn..

[FTWingRiders]

Hello all,

As a few people mentioned during the build, I have a rather large empty space above my camper in the barn I built a couple years ago.. (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=209131).. Well fast forward, and already I'm running out of space.. Must be the "collector" in me LOL!! One reason is the large collection of outdoor holiday decor I have that has taken over my garden shed, which pushes my tractor implements into the barn, which takes up space for the motorcycles and atv's, and which is causing my current dilemma!

So while taking to SHMBO about getting a dedicated shed for said outdoor decor, she mentioned going up in the barn.. hmm.. the more I think about it, I think this is the way to go. Besides using existing space, I believe that for the same cost of a separate shed, (especially a decent sized one), I could build a complete second floor in the back bay.. possibly almost the full 20X40 with plenty of height.

Now looking the space, and due to the front half of the barn is actually a little shorter than the back. I might have to be creative to get up there. Besides that the second floor will be about 16' up, needing access without compromising the space needed to fit the 5th wheeler in there is going to be tricky. My big concern is that I really don't want to have to lug all said decor up almost 2 flights of stairs. Which got me thinking.. a HOIST!! I'm thinking a 5'x8' platform with an electric hoist, centered in the middle of, and just inside of the big doors so I can still use it when the camper is in there. Its hard to see, but when the camper is parked all the way in, there is room in front for the hoist to work.

First a few pics to show what I'm working with..



With the camper inside





So I'm thinking building the floor just above the 14' doors. Removing the 5 joist running across now, There are ties at the top of the peak from front to back which the pics don't show. I'm going to contact my GC from my addition to see if he'll run by and check it out, but thought I could get a sense from all you guys to see if what I'm thinking is even feasible, or just a harebrained idea and I should stick with just a shed. I thought I had some current pictures, but can't find them.. I'll post some tomorrow.

All thought and suggestions are very welcome!! Thanks!!

 

[Thumper68]

Looks like it should be doable, are you planning on continuing the stairs to reach the new level? That is how I would do it.

 

[FTWingRiders]

I'm thinking that might be my best option, the only issue is headroom. It will need to turn to get me up there, I believe. I am curious, as its close to 20' span, will regular 2X12s be ok, or will I need LVLs which will increase the cost? Knowing me, there will quite a bit up there by the time I'm done, and I'm worried about floor load.

Thanks for your thoughts!!

 

[Thumper68]

I would look at I-joists, any good lumber yard should be able to spec them for you.

 

[FTWingRiders]

well, got my builder back here, and they got started yesterday. should be only a couple days or so. My electrician came by to see what I was talking about, and plans on coming in a week or so. He needs to remount the lights under the new floor, and wire in new lights upstairs. I plan on just leaving them all on the same switches, for convenience sake. The big bay always needs the lights on most of the time as the trees around it puts it in the shade most of the day.

Adding about 800 sq ft of storage, with an 8' ceiling. In my original build thread, I believe RadioRon mentioned having all that wasted space would drive him nuts.. he was right. I'd look up and see the potential, glad to utilize the space. Should have done it from the start, but hindsight is always 20/20..LOL

LVL's with 4" lags into the beams with 20' I beams for the span.









The stairs will be a bit tricky as they need to continue up 3 steps to a landing, then turn and up 4 to the second level. Thing is, it can't be supported by a post and need to clear the top of my camper when parked.

Old pic, but shows where the stairs need to go.



I think I have my lift figured out, I'm going to talk to Peter in the morning and see if I make any sense...LOL!!