New SFR 2 story build design project newbie help... 1

[JLV82]

Hi,
Im really new at designing and really trying to do my best. I have a project for my family. Our home burned down and we are in the process of rebuilding and insurance is doing their best to help but funds are limited. So I have taken on doing almost everything myself. I have demoed the house and excavated and gone thru most of the permit processes. I have designed a 2 story SFR with crawl and it has been revised. I am going to have it signed and sealed by a pro once done. I am asking for someone to help guide me, to make it more professional and make sure that I am following structural requirements. Such as, load capacity calculations for the joist spans is my only big issue. I am having trouble making sure I have the correct joist for the span and load, and wether or not a center beam is required for additional support. Any help would be really great. Thank you

 

[phamENG]

I'm sorry about your loss and your difficult circumstances. Hopefully you have a copy of the building code and you are designing based on those requirements. For the specific case of floor joists, there are tables available to pick and choose the correct size for the loading. There is also a table to select the appropriate loading based on the area of the house, but you usually can't go wrong by using 40psf inside and 60psf for any decks/balconies. There are similar tables for other pieces of framing to ensure the house is structurally sound. Not sure what part of Florida you live in, but depending on your distance from the coast there may be additional requirements that can't be covered on this forum.

That said, it's mostly a waste of time to figure that out if a licensed engineer is going to be sealing the design. If he/she has an ethical bone in his/her body, they'll match the outline of the building you give them and then do all the work themselves as is required by law (at least in my area). If the engineer doesn't do the calculations, the engineer cannot seal them.

 

[kipfoot]

Go to the library and ask for the IRC (international residential code) and look at table R502.3.2(2) for the question you're asking. Also, meet with the building inspector to discuss what you need for permits. If it's standard construction, you may not be required to have it sealed in your jurisdiction.

However, you'll get the best guidance from the registered pro that you intend to hire anyway. You make his or her job a lot easier by discussing it early in the process. They will help you avoid mistakes that you'll make simply because you're building your first house.

 

[IRstuff]

Note that "I am going to have it signed and sealed by a pro once done." is technically illegal in most states because the "pro" is supposed to have done the design/calculations themselves, OR, had actively supervised the design/calculations. Therefore, you should indeed consult with, and work with, your pro to avoid placing him in an ethical dilemma.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[r13]

JLV82,

Check this out. Link

I believe there are other sources for pre-approved building plans.

 

[RPMG]

Don't rent the IRC if you're doing your own house. Buy it, and write in it.

 

[SteelPE]

I agree with IRstuff

Your best option is to located the professional now and work with him/her to figure out what you need to do. This will make the plan review easier.

Also if the insurance company is took you to the woodshed regarding payment you might consider a public adjuster (I don't really like them) they will fight the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you are made whole.

 

[JLV82]

Thank guys...I get it.i found the table and have what i need. the rule of thumb 40 and 60 was what ive heard before and just wanted to feel better about going with 70 due to snow concerns. thanks

 

[msquared48]

Verify the required snow load with your local building department.

Also,once your portion of the design is completed to your satisfaction, turn over the design to a local civil or structural engineer so they can do the required calculations, and provide any additional details and notes to be added to your drawings prior to them sealing and signing the drawings.

There is no ethical conflict with this approach, done it for years.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA, HI)