Loft extension on a timber frame house: feasibility and structural concerns

[user1465146157]

Hello

We are looking at having a loft extension but as the property is timber frame, our architect says it will likely involve some posts in the walls that transfer the loads down to ground level.

Has anyone else here done renovations on a timber frame property and has it caused any issues?

We're thinking financial but also structural i.e is a loft extension possible.

Is it usual to have designs first before appointing a structural engineer to confirm the build is actually feasible?

Any help here much appreciated!

thanks

Yes, doing this at the moment

they have indeed opened a slot in the plasterboard on the first and ground floors and inserted a post (actually 5 timber studs bolted together). It is to support the ridge beam as we previously had W trusses and no load bearing ridge beam (now there is a huge glu lam beam holding up the roof)

I can’t say if it has caused issues as we are still mid build. I mean you would definitely have to redecorate the rooms where they inserted the posts, but our house is being quite extensively remodelled anyway.

I think there might be other options if you didn’t want the disruption downstairs. Your architect could ask his engineer. Ours muttered something about “spandrel plates” at one point