J
JahneKess6 Jan 2017 18:00Hello everyone,
In a very small Swedish-style house (timber frame construction), there is a space issue, and now we are considering how to gain a few square meters cost-effectively.
From our perspective as non-professionals, the obvious solution would be to convert the unused rooftop terrace into living space. The rooftop terrace is about 14 sqm (150 sq ft) and essentially serves as the flat roof of an extension on the gable side of the house.
In theory (for us non-professionals, everything always seems so simple ), it would only require three walls and a roof. The doorway, currently a terrace door, could remain and be converted into a standard interior door. Of course, it would be adapted in terms of materials and appearance to match the rest of the house, meaning timber frame construction as well. A window would of course be a nice addition.
Before moving forward with this idea towards an architect or carpenter, it would be very helpful to hear whether such a project is even feasible. Can you simply "enclose" a rooftop terrace? Is this idea practical and sensible, or just a pipe dream that would lead to enormous costs?
Speaking of costs... I know expenses vary greatly, but can anyone provide a rough estimate for a project like this (we will do the interior finishing ourselves, so it’s just about the walls and roof)? Would it be more likely up to 10,000 euros? Or closer to 25,000? We honestly have no idea what to expect and would really appreciate a rough range!
Thank you and good luck!
In a very small Swedish-style house (timber frame construction), there is a space issue, and now we are considering how to gain a few square meters cost-effectively.
From our perspective as non-professionals, the obvious solution would be to convert the unused rooftop terrace into living space. The rooftop terrace is about 14 sqm (150 sq ft) and essentially serves as the flat roof of an extension on the gable side of the house.
In theory (for us non-professionals, everything always seems so simple ), it would only require three walls and a roof. The doorway, currently a terrace door, could remain and be converted into a standard interior door. Of course, it would be adapted in terms of materials and appearance to match the rest of the house, meaning timber frame construction as well. A window would of course be a nice addition.
Before moving forward with this idea towards an architect or carpenter, it would be very helpful to hear whether such a project is even feasible. Can you simply "enclose" a rooftop terrace? Is this idea practical and sensible, or just a pipe dream that would lead to enormous costs?
Speaking of costs... I know expenses vary greatly, but can anyone provide a rough estimate for a project like this (we will do the interior finishing ourselves, so it’s just about the walls and roof)? Would it be more likely up to 10,000 euros? Or closer to 25,000? We honestly have no idea what to expect and would really appreciate a rough range!
Thank you and good luck!
1. Check or have checked whether an extension of the living area is permitted according to the zoning plan – including floor area ratio/building coverage ratio. Also, would the house then technically become a two-story building? This might not be allowed in your area.
Next, consider the setback distances to neighboring properties, which must be observed. Increasing the height of a building placed directly on the boundary is usually not permitted.
In most cases, you can verify these points yourself first, then consult the local building authority, which often holds open consultation hours.
If the extension is allowed, the next step is the structural assessment: for this, you will need a structural engineer, usually coordinated by an architect.
The architect can also provide information on the costs involved.
Next, consider the setback distances to neighboring properties, which must be observed. Increasing the height of a building placed directly on the boundary is usually not permitted.
In most cases, you can verify these points yourself first, then consult the local building authority, which often holds open consultation hours.
If the extension is allowed, the next step is the structural assessment: for this, you will need a structural engineer, usually coordinated by an architect.
The architect can also provide information on the costs involved.
J
JahneKess7 Jan 2017 09:40Thank you for your reply! There should be no issues with the building authority / planning department. There used to be a semi-detached house (courtyard building) on this site, which burned down, and then two detached houses were built side by side. According to the plan and the information from the building authority, we can definitely build right up to the property boundary again. However, we wouldn’t have to do that because we only want to build upwards.
The current extension has only the ground floor, and we would simply like to add a first floor, which wouldn’t be any higher than the rest of our house.
We just don’t know whether something like this is financially feasible for us. Let’s say we don’t want to spend more than 20,000 euros for this project! The question is whether we should even call an architect with this budget in mind or if they will just burst out laughing.
The current extension has only the ground floor, and we would simply like to add a first floor, which wouldn’t be any higher than the rest of our house.
We just don’t know whether something like this is financially feasible for us. Let’s say we don’t want to spend more than 20,000 euros for this project! The question is whether we should even call an architect with this budget in mind or if they will just burst out laughing.
For an extension like this, my first thought would be to ask a prefab house manufacturer. I haven't dealt with Swedish houses for a long time, so right now, aside from Västkust Stugan, no company name comes to mind that I could recommend. Are there any clues about the original manufacturer or builder of this house?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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