SNAFU Minor

The Roofline

We learned the hard way that an architect’s drawing doesn’t always mesh with reality.  The front elevation by Spearman Architectural Design showed the new roof intersecting the old chimney 34 inches higher than it actually did.  The large beam holding up the front of the porch turned out to be 6.5 inches lower than drawn.  The result was a house with mismatched elements and awkward proportions.

The remedies included copper sheathing around the chimney ($712) and re-framing the porch ($900).

Front elevation showing original chimney (yellow) protruding far above roof line.  Main beam holding up front porch shown in blue. 

Front of house as of Oct. 23, 2008.  Original chimney cap intersecting roofline.   Massive beam supporting porch roof disproportionate to fascia board.

(Lumber in foreground is original incorrect delivery on site since July 25.)

Close-up of original porch beam, 6.5 inches lower than drawn on elevation.  Overhang needed to be extended an additional 10 inches to achieve  proper scale.