Good points overall, but I'd add a few things based on my own experience:
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"spend extra time upfront mapping out exactly where mechanicals and ductwork will run"
This is great advice, but in reality, I've found that no matter how carefully you plan, there's always something unforeseen that pops up once you're actually working in tight attic spaces. Plans look great on paper, but when you're sweating and cramped between trusses, theory doesn't always match practice.
- Trusses definitely save money upfront, no argument there. But I've also seen situations where the homeowner regretted the choice later because of limited attic access—not just for DIY projects or big renovations, but even for basic maintenance like checking insulation or dealing with rodent issues. Crawling around between trusses can get old fast.
- Storage-wise, yeah shelves and sheds help—but some folks underestimate how much space they're losing. If you're someone who really values attic storage (holiday decorations, seasonal gear), rafters might be worth the extra cost just to avoid frustration down the road.
- On HVAC upgrades: flexible ducting can work fine with trusses if you have patience, but rigid ducting can be another story entirely. If your climate or HVAC situation ever demands rigid ducts (for efficiency or code compliance), trusses can complicate installation significantly.
Don't get me wrong—trusses are perfectly fine for most typical residential builds. But it's worth carefully weighing the hassle factor alongside budget considerations before deciding either way...
Fair points there, especially on the ductwork headaches. One thing I'd add though—have you considered how rafters vs trusses might impact future roofing upgrades? From experience, some green roof retrofits or heavier materials like slate or tile can be tricky with trusses unless they're specifically engineered for it upfront. Just curious if anyone's run into structural issues down the road when switching to heavier roofing materials...?
"Just curious if anyone's run into structural issues down the road when switching to heavier roofing materials...?"
Ran into exactly this issue a couple years back. Original roof had standard trusses, and when we wanted to switch to clay tiles, the engineer basically said "nope" unless we reinforced everything. Ended up costing way more than expected. If you're even remotely considering heavier materials down the line, rafters might save you some headaches. Have you checked with a structural engineer yet to see what's feasible?
Had a similar experience myself. When we bought our first place, the inspector warned us about switching from asphalt shingles to something heavier like slate. Didn't think much of it until we actually got quotes later—turns out our trusses weren't rated for that kind of load without major reinforcement. Like you said:
"Ended up costing way more than expected."
Wish I'd thought about rafters or at least checked with an engineer sooner... hindsight's 20/20, I guess.
Yeah, that's a common oversight. People often underestimate how much extra weight slate or tile adds. Trusses are great for cost and quick builds, but they're not flexible for heavier upgrades later. Rafters give you more options down the road... something to keep in mind.
