Help on adding character to my roofline

[triver525]

I have a 50's bungalow that I bought that has a BORING and outdated front facade. We are planning on painting and landscaping but we'd really like to do something to add some character to the front. One of the things we are considering is adding a second gable (see first photo for what it looks like now). I have attached a 3D model to show what we are thinking about doing. Essentially we'd like to add a second gable with a veranda underneath. I think it really adds a lot to the look of the house but the question I want an answer to is why do I not see this style of roof on any other house? Drainage can be dealt with so I don't think that's an issue. What about snow loads?

Thanks in advance.

[img] http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr_kBHUuwued8_J2mzx_2YrYZ2E-_sJeeY7CgRaNu4BUjsONMzM-I6PFxmgdEhRB4yGDAjKKHMC4 [/img]
[img] http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr_kBHUuwuee5F0K9ed1Vl_X_GKMge22nOfiPew-ddd5lrGNp5tuaWnVL72F0CGbaCs_ET5TaauI [/img]
[img] http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1pr_kBHUuwuefwuNaAaiTZ4SyAQUdvz3sR8dntHf1nNNwRQDSUXFGVwnlSMzi7Rl5MIVt0PWpMka0 [/img]

[carlos coley]

As a professional Roofer, I can tell you that this type of roof with a double gable may not have too much problems with drainage because you are right ,it can be dealt with, however, if it snows, then you have a weight issue, as the snow settles it will become heavy. you might have to enforce that general area. you can find more information through your city with the code and building dept. maybe this is the reason why you don't see too many houses built with double gables. Good Luck with your project.

[adailide]

I agree with the roofer, a second gable may cause more problems than good. You may want to consider a extension of the current gable, if front setback requirements allow. This would give more depth to the current configuration as well as give you a chance to have a covered entry at the front door.

Also, paint and landscape if done right can really pull together a facade and make a world of difference. maybe a nice vertical element on the left side to offset the gable. A nice tree could do wonders.

[davidness]

[nanrehvasconez]

"LESS IS MORE" for the modest home that you want to improve. I may sugest that the only change in the facade is to change the horizontal lap siding with a Cedar shingles with a proportioned small round attic louver vent 16" in diameter placed in the center; if your budget allows to build pealer round logs pergola from the sidewalk to the entry door, which will be used as support for climbing vines such as bouganvilla, clematis, jasmin, even grape.

As an alternative to pealer logs whic are about 5" in diameter you may use round vine stakes, about 2.5" round.

Good luck,

nan

[mx2]

You definitely wouldn't have draining issues as it's pretty much guaranteed you will leak at the valley...eventually. It's not a code issue...it's a common sense issue...you want to avoid valleys, particularly when collecting from two tributary areas.

But regardless, it doesn't look right nor does it make it more interesting in the end. I think you should think of it as "finishing" the exterior with nicer details and materials. But if you were to truly add on, I would consider constructing a covered front porch in front of the existing gable end. But you're also looking at some serious expense when discussing adding a roof...just beginning with structure. You need to hire an engineer to look at these (or a truss manufacturer at least). But ultimately, I think if you stay true to the design and just enhance the facade you can accomplish a lot with less money and effort.

mx2.5

[evelyns]

Hmm ... I actually don't like the look of the proposed second gable, and I think you would regret having it done. But then, I think the facade of the house, though modest, is basically charming. It just needs a little something.

Now, I'm not a design professional, so take this with a grain of salt, but: what if you extended the porch over to the left as you planned, but instead of having a second gable, just extend the main roof, maybe sloped downward toward the front of the house but not as much as the rest of the roof? Stick a few vintage metal slider chairs out there, and a bit of landscaping ... how cute would that be? Plus you'd have a nice place to sit in the evenings, iced tea optional.