A gambrel roof house addition can greatly expand your living space while also adding a touch of charm to your home's exterior. This style of addition is characterized by a double-sloping roof with two distinct slopes on each side.
The average cost of a gambrel roof house addition can range from $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the materials and design chosen. This cost can add up quickly, especially if you're looking to build a large addition.
To give you a better idea, a typical gambrel roof house addition can add 200 to 400 square feet of living space, which can be used for a variety of purposes such as a home office, playroom, or guest room.
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Design and Benefits
A gambrel roof design offers a lot of benefits when it comes to house additions. More space is a major advantage, allowing you to add extra rooms, lofts, or storage spaces to your home.
The classic look of a gambrel roof is also a major draw. It's the perfect choice for a traditional or historic-style house addition.
The angle of a gambrel roof is designed to let the breeze flow through, making it a great choice for areas that get a lot of wind. Fresh air is just a bonus.
One of the biggest advantages of a gambrel roof is its ability to handle rain and snow. The angle helps water and snow slide right off, reducing the risk of leaks and water damage.
Types of Gambrel Roofs
A gambrel roof can be a great addition to your home, but did you know there are several variations of this style?
The classic barn-style gambrel roof is a popular choice for farm buildings and historic homes because it maximizes the space under the roof.
This style is commonly found on farm buildings and historic homes.
There are also some different forms that still can be defined as gambrel roofs, such as those found on churches.
The barn-style gambrel roof is a timeless choice that can add character to your home.
It's worth noting that the classic barn-style gambrel roof is a great option for maximizing space under the roof.
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Space and Functionality
A gambrel roof house addition can be a fantastic way to increase your living space without sacrificing style. The extra space created by the roof's design can be used for storage or even as an additional living area.
The unique shape of a gambrel roof allows for maximum utilization of space, making it an efficient choice for both old and new homes. You can use this extra space to create a cozy reading nook or a home office.
Gambrel roofs are particularly well-suited for large structures, providing ample attic space for storage or a living area. This design feature creates more usable space than other styles of roofs, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to add extra square footage to their homes.
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A Shed
A shed can be a great addition to your property, and one style to consider is a gambrel roof. It's a simple construction that maximizes space.
For example, a gambrel shed roof is a top contender for outbuildings due to its space optimization. It's perfect for small spaces.
A gambrel roof can accommodate a wide range of materials, making it a versatile option. This flexibility is a big plus when it comes to choosing the right materials for your shed.
Excellent drainage is another benefit of a gambrel roof, which is especially important for outbuildings that are exposed to the elements.
Extra Space
A gambrel roof's design is a game-changer when it comes to maximizing space. Unlike other types of roofs, gambrel roofs are constructed without a bottom rafter spanning from wall-to-wall, leaving huge sections of the interior open.
This open space can be built into an extra floor or attic, making it perfect for storage or even as an additional living space. Think of the hayloft in a country barn – that's essentially what you get with a gambrel roof.
The extra space on the upper floor or attic level is one of the biggest advantages of a gambrel roof's design. This space can be used for storage or even as an additional living space, making it a great option for those who need extra room.
Gambrel roofs are ideal for outbuildings like sheds, as they maximize space and provide excellent drainage. This makes them a worthwhile option to explore for anyone looking to build or renovate a shed.
An Attached Garage
An attached garage can be a game-changer for homeowners, providing a unique space for parking, storage, and even a rental unit.
Adding an attached garage can completely transform the look of your house and create a unique style, especially if you opt for a gambrel roof.
A gambrel roof can help maximize space and add an interesting visual dynamic to your home, even if your house has a standard gable roof.
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You can choose from various colors and materials to match your home's existing exterior, or go for the traditional two-tone look for a classic look.
Adding windows or skylights can let in natural light and enhance the overall look of your home's exterior, making it a conversation starter among neighbors and visitors.
An attached garage with a gambrel roof can increase the value of your property and add to your curb appeal, making it a smart investment for any homeowner.
Cost and Considerations
The cost of a gambrel roof can be a significant factor in your decision to add one to your home. Expect to pay around $16,000 to $30,000 just for gambrel roof framing on a 2,000-square foot home.
Size of the structure and region will also impact the cost. A larger home or barn will require more materials and labor, making it more expensive. For instance, a 12,000-square-foot barn with 20-foot high walls will be much more challenging and costly to build.
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You'll also need to factor in contractor labor costs, which can range from $40 to $80 per hour on average. Plus, you'll need to pay for roofing underlayment and materials like tile, asphalt shingles, or sheet metal, which can add an extra $4 to $20 or more per square foot, depending on your choices.
Gambrel roofs are considered middle-of-the-road in terms of price to build, with costs falling between 15% and 20% more than a gable roof on the same size home.
Cost and Considerations
A gambrel roof can be a beautiful addition to your home, but it's essential to consider the cost. You can expect to pay around $16,000 to $30,000 just for gambrel roof framing on a 2,000-square-foot home.
The cost to build a gambrel roof is affected by various factors, including the size of the structure, region, choice of roof materials, and difficulty of installation. For instance, it would be much easier to erect a gambrel roof on a modest 2,000-square-foot home than a 12,000-square-foot barn with 20-foot high walls.
Relatively speaking, a gambrel roof is considered middle-of-the-road in terms of price to build. You will most likely pay less to build a gable roof or flat roof on a 2,000 square foot home, but pay more for a hip roof. A gambrel roof costs between 15% and 20% more than a gable roof on the same size home.
You'll also need to factor in contractor labor costs, which can range from $40 to $80 per hour on average. Plus, you'll need to pay for roofing underlayment and materials like tile, asphalt shingles, or sheet metal, which can add an extra $4 to $20 or more per square foot.
A tall gambrel roof can be more challenging to build than a small shed, which could impact the overall cost.
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High Cost
A gambrel roof can be more expensive compared to other roof designs due to its complex design and the need for more materials during construction.
The high cost of a gambrel roof is a significant consideration for homeowners. Installing one can be a substantial investment.
The need for additional support beams is another factor that contributes to the high cost of a gambrel roof. This can add to the overall expense of the project.
The cost of materials needed for a gambrel roof is higher due to its complex design. This includes the cost of additional materials such as beams and rafters.
The complexity of the design also means that labor costs will be higher, adding to the overall expense of the project.
Pros and Cons
Gambrel roofs can provide increased space, which is a major advantage for homeowners who want to maximize their attic area.
A high cost is one of the significant disadvantages of gambrel roofs, which may be a deterrent for some homeowners.
The unique design of gambrel roofs offers many benefits, including protection against the weather.
However, the need for additional support beams is a consideration that homeowners should take into account when deciding on a gambrel roof.
Increased maintenance is another con of gambrel roofs, which may require more upkeep and repairs over time.
Gambrel roofs can be a great option for homeowners who want to add extra space to their homes, but it's essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are three disadvantages of a gambrel roof?
A gambrel roof's open design makes it more prone to collapse, and it's not ideal for areas with heavy snow and rainfall. Additionally, its design can cause the roof to buckle under extreme weather pressure.
What do you call a house with a gambrel roof?
A house with a gambrel roof is often referred to as having a "barn roof" or "Dutch roof" style. This distinctive two-sided roof design is commonly seen in the Hudson Valley and other areas.
What is the point of a gambrel roof?
A gambrel roof combines sloped design with interior space, offering a unique balance between exterior aesthetics and interior functionality. This design allows for a larger living space without sacrificing the benefits of a traditional sloped roof.
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