Richard and Jodie, a happily married couple with three kids were facing a rather universal problem – their single story ranch house, which they had bought after the birth of their first child, could not accommodate their present extended family. They could not bear the thought of moving to a new house, as they loved their locality, their back garden (on which they worked hard), the sunset view at the nearest lake, … in fact, anything and everything about the house. Hence, they decided to add another level and remodel ranch house. Two story ranch houses mostly have such engaging tales associated with them.
Ranch style houses originated as single storied lodgings with low-pitched gabled roofs. Most ranch houses were asymmetrical and had simple floor plans. Deep-set attics, large windows and a long, narrow, low-lying structure are some of the other characteristics of the conventional ranch houses. There is no doubt that these attributes add a romantic appeal to the ranch houses. However, when adjudged from a practical angle, they also assign some negative features to the ranch houses. Thus, most single story ranch style houses have dark, poorly lit interiors, minimum space economy, etc., etc. Naturally, nowadays we hear more about ranch house remodeling projects than the construction of new ones!
What Is The Best Way To Remodel A Ranch House?
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Going by the trend, it appears that the best way to remodel a ranch style house is to raise the roof of the building. Adding a story will mean no eating into valuable garden area and so you will have access to greenery even after you remodel ranch house. Two story ranch houses, like other two story buildings, have more utilizable space area. Moreover, the rooms in both the floors get more natural light. And when you consider expenses, adding a level always means considerable cost cuts on several heads. With no need to dig base plot or lay foundation concrete, you will be able to save precious bucks!
How To Go About The Real Job?
The real remodeling expansion project requires you to seek professional help.
There are many things you need to take care of before you start off to remodel ranch house. Two story houses must have a strong foundation so that it can support the extra weight. The other things to be examined before going ahead with the remodeling job are:
• Basement’s central load-carrying beam
• The distance between the foundation walls and the house’s structural posts
• The ceiling joists
Remember, a strong and solid concrete base, wide load-carrying beam and a balanced minimum distance between the walls and the house’s structural posts permit you to go ahead and remodel ranch house. Two story buildings also require strong and thick ceiling joists; otherwise, the walls will give way and crumble under added weight.
Once you are sure that the structure is strong enough to support your remodeling plan, cut out a cardboard model of the expansion plan you have imagined for your ranch style house. Consulting an architect will be helpful at this stage. A professional can best guide you with the expansion plan – suggesting ideas that best suit your existing structure and décor.
The planning aspect of the remodeling project ends here and it is time for real physical action. You can give a call to reliable builders in your area to take care of this part or else get to work on your own. The pre-assembled frameworks will get your job done easily. You can also include some facelift programs to give a new look to your old house.
Remember, it is not just extra space that you win when you remodel ranch house. Two story ranch houses rank equally high on comfort and looks!
by Manuel Kupka
