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Hey Team, I’m wanting to add attic storage to our house but haven’t had much luck speaking with engineers - who want to take my first born for any advice provided.
This is the current timber from top plate upwards overlayed to scale on the house plans (see below for house plan dimensions). The large red beam is an LVL that spans the drop zone (3 odd metres).
I’m wanting to know if that LVL will support “floor joists” for mdf floor boards or do I need to create a new subfloor.
I’ve got creative on sketchup and thinking either steel or wood , adding another LVL to assist. The one below is steel, sliding a larger section in adjacent to the LVL to pick up the joist hanger. (If that makes sense).
Hoping someone can provide some advice - as I don’t think laying boards straight onto the ceiling joists is wise - which is the advice I’ve been given by attics storage installers! ?
This is the same as above but from above.
This is the house plans.
this is an alternative plan - with timber but only if I’m able to make use of the LVL.
this is the LVL and ceiling joist hanger to the right.
this is standing on the LVL looking across the area (pre ladder being installed).
Any help/advice would be appreciated!!
Hello @mike13
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's awesome to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your attic storage.
Turning your attic or roof space for storage is a serious undertaking because it impacts major structural aspects of the house.
Many conditions need to be taken into account when converting the space. Your local council will have regulations regarding the use of the attic as storage. Placing a sheet of plywood will not be enough to support you and the items you will be storing. I recommend engaging the services of an engineer or builder for a quote for possible conversion costs. In this manner, it will be built to carry weight.
I'm so sorry, but I'm afraid this is a project where you will have to get the professionals involved. Depending on what the rules are in your state the alteration to your house will possibly need to be sighted and inspected by your local council. It will need engineering plans that are signed off. Your builder will also have to sign off on it.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @shelldan08. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating attic storage.
Let me mention @mike13 to see if they can provide an update on the project.
It's important to remember that ceilings are constructed to hold up sheeting materials and support the roof structure. They are not designed as second floors or for space to store items. I'd eco @MikeTNZ's advice to speak with someone specialising in construction and determine the required modifications to use your ceiling space for storage. Once you get that sorted you'll be free to proceed with your project.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
I'd need to know much more about how you are constructing the flooring to offer any opinions @shelldan08. What's supporting the flooring/new joists in between the wall and the beam if no weight will be borne by the existing joists?
Mitchell
In that case, you'd need to verify whether the wall and the steel beam can bear the weight of the new joists, flooring and stored goods, @shelldan08. You'd also need to check span tables to ensure the new joists can span the distance between the wall and the beam.
Mitchell
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