0

My entrance is below photo and it is very tight/small space inside. I would love to expand it "out" to make inside area larger.

enter image description here

My questions are:

  1. Do I frame all the way to the top (hitting the roof) and make a box above the door like so?

    a. If that is the case, how far can I go to ensure some roof overhang?

    b. Is it possible to remove the old wall? What do I look for?

enter image description here

  1. Or should I make a small roof sloping down like below (not touching anything on top):

enter image description here

Also look like in either case, I have to pour more concrete foundation on both side of the top stair, right?

But please advise if I should stay away from this idea (and why). Thanks.

|improve this question

closed as primarily opinion-based by isherwood, Daniel Griscom, mmathis, Tyson, Machavity Dec 22 '18 at 3:46

Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

  • You seem to be asking a question about design, which is off-topic as a matter of opinion. If it's something else, please revise to make that more clear. – isherwood Dec 20 '18 at 19:00
  • You will likely not be able to use the existing concrete stairs as part of the foundation for this. It will probably have to come out. – longneck Dec 20 '18 at 19:55
  • @isherwood I modified the question. It's more about framing and clearance code... Not design option. – HP. Dec 20 '18 at 21:12
  • @longneck Can you elaborate more on the concrete stair? From the look, it's probably same level as what is in side. If I pour more concrete on left/right side, would it do it? – HP. Dec 20 '18 at 21:13
  • Your revisions didn't change much. Code doesn't have anything to say about your design, really, and the overhang question is completely up to you. Your bigger concern is the foundation, which requires full frost footings to locally-required depth. – isherwood Dec 20 '18 at 21:16
1

I like your first idea best. In fact, you could expand the addition to include the area to the left and include an entry closet. (I don’t like the looks of additions “pasted” on.)

By expanding up to the existing roof, you’ll give the entrance a sense of volume and space, AND you’ll have an interior entry chandelier.

Remember, any glass in a door, within 18” of the door or within 18” of the floor needs to be safety glass, (tempered or laminate).

Be sure to check with Building Codes to make sure you’re allowed by zoning ordinances, (i.e.: lot coverage limits, setbacks,etc.)

|improve this answer
  • Is there a requirement on roof overhang on top of the entrance door? I just want to see how far I can go. Also I just cannot remove the old wall on top of the old door, right? That seems to be supporting the roof...? – HP. Dec 20 '18 at 21:10
  • There is no “minimum” overhang requirement at your front door. However, usually there’s about 24” minimum just for convenience: ((i.e.: get your key out in the rain, put a jacket on, etc.) ALSO, yes the exterior wall is a load bearing wall and you’ll need to insure there’s an adequate header where you remove the wall...the roof beam may be adequate. – Lee Sam Dec 20 '18 at 21:19

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.