Finding
Storage Space Begin by thinking big: Assess the largest possible spaces in your house, the attic and the basement. If used properly, both spaces can provide ample storage without overtaking your life or living space. Second, think about how long you plan to stay in your house. A major renovation project like raising a roof, refinishing a basement, or building a garage loft may not be cost effective if you're planning to move in the next few years. Finally, work up a budget to help prioritize your storage projects. Weigh whether your needs and budget are best satisfied by adding space, renovating existing space, or purchasing freestanding storage units. Attic Space Not all attics are built to withstand foot traffic or heavy furnishings. If the floor joists aren't thick enough or aren't properly spaced, you won't have the necessary support for a floor. Two by eights, at minimum, and a joist span of 16 inches on-center are necessary for a load-bearing floor construction. A 24-inch span is acceptable if the joists are thicker than 2" by 8", but adding additional support to each of the joists increase their joist strength and enable floor construction. Whatever your solution, be certain to have a qualified professional oversee the project and certify the load-bearing capacity before installing an attic floor. Basement Space To find out which one of these conditions
is present, conduct the following test: Using duct tape, affix a piece
of aluminum foil to the wall or floor of your basement. Leave the foil
in place for three days. When you remove the foil, take note of its condition.
Foil that is visibly damp on the outward face indicates a condensation
problem; if the wall-facing side is wet, your problem stems from poor
drainage. Both can be remedied, but you must first identify the cause.
Improvements in foundation construction, waterproofing, and insulation,
help protect newer homes from these conditions, but it is still up to
you to make certain that these protective controls are in place.
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Copyright Sudprasert Engineering (C)2002
10 February, 2003