Any architects here?

[Kali]

We're looking to rent a building and need to raise the roof 2 feet in one certain spot...

The roof has the height we need but would need to remove trusses.

Anyway to remove the trusses and put in support posts or something to that effect?

I guess I better go hunt around Google for some answers...and how much something like that would cost.

[Grand Master Melon]

I think you need an engineer not an architect.

[Kali]

Yeah, I found that out...it's doable but will cost around 15K or so.

[ximmy]

oh, architect... I thought you said anarchist

[madfranks]

I'm an architect - based on the info you posted, you're going to have to really want that extra two feet because it's going to be expensive. You can temporarily shore up the roof and cut the trusses, but then you'll have to install a new beam for the trusses to hang on, which will either need to be supported on the walls (if they're bearing walls), or new columns to support the load of the new beam. Then you have the problem of supporting the rest of the roof; depending on the load you might be able to use stiff shallow steel beams to span the roof where you need the clearance. And yes, you'll most likely need an engineer to do the calcs if you need a city permit for this renovation. Why do you need the extra clearance? PM me if you want to talk about it.

[Kali]

Thanks madfranks...I talked with a local architect and he said basically the same thing as you.

We need the extra room as its going to be a fitness club and need the room for pull up bars and "wall balls".

Current ceiling is 8.5'.

Looks like it might cost well over 10K...

[madfranks]

Free advice from an architect: make sure all your equipment can comfortably accommodate people using them with an 8'-6" ceiling height. Think stair stepping machines and those similar:

http://www.funfit.pl/sklep/images/produkty/stairmaster/stairmaster7000pt.jpg

Also, a workout room requires a lot more HVAC capacity than other occupancies, and patrons will not be comfortable with stale, sweaty air circulating around them with tight ceilings. That's why most workout gyms have high ceilings, you need a lot of air and constant circulation to keep it fresh.

[Kali]

I didn't think so much about the circulation...you're right.

Would have been such a great location though so was trying to work around these kind of issues.

Darn.