1. What would roughly be the requirements to foundation, posts and beams if I want to raise the ceiling of the "old box" 48", i.e. going to a finished-floor-to-ceiling height of 145", from currently 96 3/4" - the box is 16' wide and 48' log (outer measures), and the "top" would have several clerestory windows
Please note that I am assuming that the raised ceiling would be done by removing all roofing material (tar&gravel over 3-ply) "peeling" of existing decking and beams. I would be interested in reusing the beams and decking.
1a. However, does it seem possible and feasible to replace the current wood posts, beams, etc. with steel as I consider raising the roof and adding the new "top"? All the windows have to be replaces anyway. Would the steel be much heavier and therefore require even more extensive reinforcement of foundation?
2. The "old box" consists of 8 segments of each 72" width (defined by the beams); the middle 6 sections of the south facing side of the box would have large glass windows / doors. Would it be sufficient to put shear walls in each end, i.e. in each of the two outer sections?
3. Would requirements to foundation, shear walls, and posts be significantly different if -- instead of the above idea -- we replaced the current flat roof with one that is slanted upwards towards south, say, keeping the current height where the "old box" meets the add-on, and then raised to, say, 48" at the south wall. It would give the roof of the "old box" a slope of 4/16 = 25%
4. Would the garage roof be strong enough to hold an "extensive" green roof. According to some literature I found on the web, an extensive green roof weighs 12 lbs/sf (I believe that is to complete roofing surface weight)
5. Would the current roof of the "newer box" be able to carry solar panels, or would it require some structural reinforcement of beams, posts or foundation? It looks like solar panels would add a weight of 2.5 - 3 lbs/sf - in addition to the regular roofing surface which currently is tar&gravel.
6. Roughly, what kind of foundation would be needed if I wanted to add a room by bumping out 1/2 of the old box, say, adding a 144" x 288" room to the south side of the "old box"
7. Would I be able to add a new entry way as filling in the space between the garage and the add-on, simply by extending the slab on grade? Or would I need something more fancy as foundation?
8. What are the requirements to a foundation for integrating the 4' overhangs of the "newer box"? Would like crawlspace under the floor
