Building a New House Within a House

Although there is lumber involved in this type of project it is NOT a job for a typical "general contractor". You need a specialist. Just like sub-contractors are required to get a special license for each trade such as electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc... there are enough specialized skills required in converting a high ceiling that it should warrant a specialized license. The state of California has not caught on to this unique construction category yet.

Why a specialist? Because while almost any contractor can build a new addition outside your home, building an "inside addition" requires special knowledge and experience.

HONEY WE SHRUNK THE HOUSE
Just one of the problems is this; Your existing house has shrunk in size since it was built. Each home has about three to five tons of moisture within the materials when it is built. Over the years as it dries out it shrinks. Sometimes the thickness of the structural floor system can shrink up to 1/2 inch in depth. Making the floor and ceiling match is nearly impossible for those who don't have specialized skills. 

YOU WOULDN'T ASK A GENERAL SURGEON TO PERFORM BRAIN SURGERY, THAT REQUIRES A SPECIALIST.
Although, building a high ceiling conversion is far from brain surgery, it does require a specialist to get it right.

Therefore, using traditional methods and materials can prove to be a disaster for the finished product as well as a few years from now when the new room shrinks as well. It's a biblical principle. You cannot put new wine into a old wine skin or it will burst. You must use new wine skin. 

Truplans Inc and our approved contractors are trained to provide both the new room (new wine) and also the "new wine skin" (retrofitting). This way your home will look beautiful from the day it's done and for years to come.