Can I erect a 1000 lb shed on my parlor floor?

I’ve seen similar things in modern spaces on Apartment Therapy over the years. If you go forward with it, I hope you’ll post a picture!

slopette

in General Contractors 12 years and 9 months ago

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pocketdora | 12 years and 9 months ago

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I am thinking of building a small wooden cabin inside my apartment to act as an extra bedroom. It’s a parlor floor apartment with a big open living room. The house was built in the 1980s, and I believe the beams are closer together than in older brownstones, but I’m hazy on details. I assume I need to consider structural, safety and legal issues, so my questions are: 1) How do I confirm that the floor can hold the weight? The cabin will weigh about 1000 pounds, and a queen box spring, mattress and two people maybe 500 more. The weight would be spread over a 9×6 foot area. Do I need to get a contractor round? How much would it cost to get him/her to answer a question like this? 2) Is it a fire hazard? It would be a lot of wood, and I’d be using a shed kit intended for outdoor use. But, you know, the place is full of wood anyway (like the floors)… 3) Is there any legal reason why I shouldn’t do this? Am I obliged to notify anyone or seek permission? Many thanks for your advice.

dillettanteinbedstuy | 12 years and 9 months ago

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two persons plus bed equals 500 pounds – thats hot and heavy ultimately i thing this is a question for jock and jim

fractalogical | 12 years and 9 months ago

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for starters, a bedroom must have a window to be legal

jcm | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Go to the Brooklyn Museum and take a look at the early Dutch settlers clever bed solutions. It may accomplish what you need without creating an illegal sleeping room. Think sleeping cabinet and you won’t be breaking any laws. Plus it might look nicer than a backyard shed.

pocketdora | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks for your comments so far. It would have a window (out into the room) but as it is a temporary structure which we would remove before selling, does it matter if the thing is technically legal in the mean time? I will go and have a look at the Dutch settlers stuff; thanks for the tip. The shed I have my eye on is quite charming though…

dazednconfused2 | 12 years and 9 months ago

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It does sound interesting. As a free-standing structure, more like a big piece of furniture, it might not be an issue with light and air. Most likely, if you distribute the weight correctly, structure wouldn’t be an issue. Jim Hil, RA, Urban Pioneering Architecture

eme1million | 12 years and 9 months ago

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If it is not attached to your structure, you do not need any permits etc. It is no different than a large and heavy piece of furniture. No one gets a permit to place a piano. Sounds cool. Just do it.

argylerd | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Seems like a very odd way to create a bedroom. There are companies that create temporary walls for such a purpose.

Hardcharger | 12 years and 9 months ago

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I would think about venting it. It might get stuffy.

pocketdora | 12 years and 9 months ago

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Yes, I admit it’s an odd way to create a bedroom, but I’d rather not erect walls that reduce the feeling of space in the living room. We have a high ceiling, so there would be several feet of space above the cabin which I’d like to keep. Also, I think the shed will be cheaper and cuter than temporary walls. This is what I’ve got in mind:

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/500606cdd880f-httpwww.originalsheds.comproduct-imagessturdy-9×6-cabana-garden-shed-x-2332.jpg

Can I erect a 1000 lb shed on my parlor floor?

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Can I erect a 1000 lb shed on my parlor floor?

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