2 story gambrel roof

[mmarks1]

My wife and I are considering adding onto our house. The house is a dutch colonial, one roof faces north. After talking with various contractors, the only practical way to add on (make it look like it belongs to the house)is to build a two level addition and continue the roof line 15-18 feet. We are also hearing that the 2nd level sq footage would be "cheap space" because no mater what we do, the roof has to be built. I am just wondering if this is really true. I am also curious if this is going end up being a much larger project than originally planed. We bought our house at a good time and like the area. We can invest a fair amount of money into this house before coming close to what houses in the area is selling for.

I don't know what much about construction, but I am assuming a simple gable roof would be the least expensive roof to build. I just don't how much more we are looking at in terms of added costs because of the challenging roof.

I would sure appreciate any comments or suggestions. thanks

Mathew

[Rich]

It is definately much cheaper to build up than out. That's why so many tract homes are 2-3 stories. With truss manufacturers you can pretty much do any roof you can imagine without much of a problem. As far as additional blocking/bracing - yes a gable roof is the simplest and most cost effective. You also may want to look into using attic (box) trusses. Then add a couple dormers to get more headroom. This way the home doesn't become another 10' taller for 2nd story side walls.