Does anyone know if a hip roof can be converted to a gambrel? We need more space and are considering converting our foursquare's attic to living space. This is a 26' x 28' 2 story house. Stairs are already in place from 2nd floor to attic, but headroom is dicey on the way up. Our house seemed large when we moved in, but now with 2 6-year-olds, who will one day be over 6' as their dad, we're feeling a might crowded these days. Currently a 6-footer can stand upright within a 4-foot radius of the attic center. The highest point is about 7 feet. The current roof angle is 8 over 12. I considered a simple gabled roof, but would not gain enough walkable floor space to be worth the expense. Side dormers of some style would be desirable also, one for the stairway headroom, one for the view of the river.

Thanks