Now that I have read some of the other posts, I wanted to throw this into the mix as well. I haven't called a professional contractor yet, because I don't plan on adding the roof until later this year of the beginning of next, and I didn't want to waste anyone's time. But I need a few ideas if possible. I will try to describe as best as possible for those that want to lend me their opinion.
The home has an open space in the back that is shaped into an L. I am now finishing that area with concrete "squaring off" the back of the house and want to put a permanent roof over it later. The back of the house faces south. The roof is gable end with the ends facing east/west. The bottom of the L is a bedroom that has the "one" end of a gable, facing south. The front of the house has this type of roof also ("one" end of a gable) over the garage and master bedroom. My question is how should I cover this back patio? The area is approximately 17X42. I don't want to just do a lean to as I don't think it will look like it has always been there. I thought of adding a much larger gable starting at the peak of the bedroom gable but that won't cover the whole area or should I add an additional gable going east/west? The pitch on the roof is approx 8/12, (I'm guessing but it is steep). The former patio is under the existing roof, the room having a flat ceiling. All other rooms to the back of the house are vaulted (if that helps). Someone watching me would probably have laughed, but I have stood in the back yard for quite some time trying to figure out how to make it work and look right. I know without pictures or being onsite is hard to imagine, but I would consider any and all suggestions.

Thanks for any help!

Lena (out of my comfort zone)

One of the most difficult architectural problems to solve is squaring off an "L". I suggest you find an architect, who knows what he or she is doing, to advise you and deal with the details. It's not a job a homeowner or even a contractor is qualified to do.

First off, I wouldn't wait to contact a contractor. Any contractor that is reputable may be booked into the fall and winter so I would start calling qualified contractors as soon as possible and tell them your situation, he's probably going to tell you to not pour any concrete patio until some kind of foundation for the new roof can be installed. I'm working plans for houses right now not scheduled until next summer, so it's definitely not too early to call.

Next, what are the dimensions for the existing house? That will help in suggesting what type of roof is going to look good.

quote:

Originally posted by Richard Hetzel:
One of the most difficult architectural problems to solve is squaring off an "L". I suggest you find an architect, who knows what he or she is doing, to advise you and deal with the details. It's not a job a homeowner or even a contractor is qualified to do.

Thank you for the information. We are beginning to find a reputable architect to take a look and give us some ideas on what to do. I thank you for your information

quote:

Originally posted by JayinMinnesota:
First off, I wouldn't wait to contact a contractor. Any contractor that is reputable may be booked into the fall and winter so I would start calling qualified contractors as soon as possible and tell them your situation, he's probably going to tell you to not pour any concrete patio until some kind of foundation for the new roof can be installed. I'm working plans for houses right now not scheduled until next summer, so it's definitely not too early to call.

Next, what are the dimensions for the existing house? That will help in suggesting what type of roof is going to look good.

We are beginning to seek out reputable businesses that can help us with the entire process of this addition. The square house footprint is approximately 80' X 45'. Some we have already talked to said that it is better to do the pad w/footers all at once instead of trying to reinforce and tie that in for a roof, so our plans may be pushed right into more immediate than we thought.
I thank you for your information. I am glad you suggested contacting businesses now, as we probably would have created a bigger obstacle with just poring the pad without future building support in mind.
Thanks again.
Lena