skip to main content

load bearing wall removal

9 years ago

Hello,

I recently hired a contrcator to remove part (approx 8')of the wall between kitchen and dining room. The house is 22' wide and 30' long. The wall location is on the top of the metal beam that runs in the basement approx. 12' from the outside wall. The joists (2x8) for thr second floor join on top of the wall that we partially removed. The roof is triangle type and it sits on the outside walls (30' apart). He used 2 LVL beams (1 3/4" x 11 7/8" x 12' LVL 1.9E). I just want to make sure that this will be anough to support the second floor. The house is about 45 years old, no heavy materials like hard wood floors or tiles are installed on the second floor, just plywood and carpet. Please see the attatched pictures for refrence.

thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

User
9 years ago
What did your local code inspector say when you filed the plans? When he inspected?
millworkman
9 years ago
Also what did the report by the structural engineer hired by either the GC or the Architect recommend?
Related Discussions
Load bearing walls corner removal for kitchen open concept
Q
Comments (7)
We had a similar layout change in our kitchen remodel and they used LVL beams (manufactured beams) and wood posts to replace the existing framed wall. The new posts were right on top of the existing steel beam in the floor, so keeping the proper load transfer to the basement footings was relatively simple. Our contractor made the design and we had the structural engineer sign off on the plans that went to the city. The tables for LVL beam size requirements were easy to understand, and they already assumed the load of one story above the beam. One option our contractor offered was whether to put the 2nd floor joists on top of the new LVL beam (like they already were on top of the existing framed wall) or put the LVL beam up higher and connect the floor joists to the side of the LVL beam (which would hide the beam in the ceiling.) We chose to just replace the wall with a beam under the joists, so there is still a "divider" that projects down about one foot from the ceiling. Bruce
...See More
Load bearing walls corner removal for kitchen open concept
Q
Comments (8)
With a 2 story structure, removing load bearing walls gets to be infinitely more difficult than in a one story. There's also snow loads, and seismic and high wind stability with resistance to shearing to consider in creating the support for what you are thinking of removing. If this is to be a DIY project, you need to have a pretty well experienced friend list in the trades that are willing to give you a couple of weekends for a heck of a lot of pizza and beer, and you'd better be well experienced as well. Might be cheaper (and safer!) to just call a licensed contractor who already has the burly guys on his payroll and can do this a bit quicker. And that IS after a consult with a structural engineer who will create the support plan! That's how you know for sure that your house won't fall down in the next high wind. :-)
...See More
How to tell if a load-bearing wall was removed?
Q
Comments (4)
No idea. :) But as a buyer, I would wait for the permits to be dug out of permit storage. Perhaps make an offer that is contingent on a satisfactory permit being located? If there is really no permit, offer less. Maybe after closing hire someone to do some exploratory wall/ceiling surgery (drywall repairs aren't that bad). A few years ago I purchased a home that had been similarly opened up (but a one-story, no basement--less scary). The "new" header was visible and it had been there long enough (and through enough decent earthquakes) that it didn't concern us structurally but a permit hadn't been taken out on it which in my neighborhood means nobody will touch it (except suckers like me). Made it a great buy though--I bet I would have had to pay $100k+ more if someone had just gotten a stupid permit. (Ask the buying/selling homes forum about your issue. They're usually pretty good.)
...See More
Worried that load-bearing wall was removed- advice?
Q
Comments (3)
The structural engineer can tell a lot even without open walls. He'll look in the attic to see how the roof structure is supported. When he know which way the joists and rafters run, he can make a few educated assumptions that will go a long way to relieving your anxiety. If there isn't any sagging of the opening and adjacent walls, cracking of drywall or plaster, the chances are they properly supported it. Get a licensed structural engineer to conduct an inspection.
...See More
liwocz79
Original Author
9 years ago
the job has not been inspected yet beacuse there is other work being done. I think the plans said 2x12 but I don't know for sure.
User
9 years ago
"I just want to make sure that this will be anough to support the second floor."

Ask the contractor for the load calculations. Or hire a structural engineer yourself.

Normally the calculating is done BEFORE the permits are granted.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
" I just want to make sure that this will be anough to support the second floor."

Yes. Plenty.
weedyacres
9 years ago
Not all jurisdictions check structural calcs when granting permits. That's the case for where I live now and my last home.

In such cases, the manufacturer of the LVLs typically can do the calcs and determine what's needed, as this is their bread and butter. It's not something that mandates the use of a separate structural engineer, unless your local permit people require it.

That's what we did when we replaced a load-bearing wall with an LVL (though we put it flush in the ceiling).
Bruce in Northern Virginia
9 years ago
When I applied for a permit the city office told me I could bring in all the LVL manufacturer docs to prove the beam was the right size to replace the load bearing wall, and also show them there was appropriate support in the basement to hold up the 1st floor support posts (there was a steel beam in the basement under the floor). Or I could hire a structural engineer and have him certify it was correct. I took the easy way out and paid the structural engineer, since the city engineer seemed a little difficult to work with.

Bruce
User
9 years ago
To answer your question it is necessary to know the span of the beam (is it 8 ft or 12 ft long?) and the area of the second floor that it supports.

It is not enough to describe this condition; you need to make a drawing.

Off hand it seems like it might be oversized. As noted earlier LVL manufacturers will size a beam like this for you if your lumberyard is willing to contact them.

A more important issue is probably the location of the support posts on the beam below. If they are not near a basement support post, the steel beam might need to be checked for the new point loads.

Related Stories

ARCHITECTURE 21 Creative Ways With Load-Bearing Columns

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Turn that structural necessity into a design asset by adding storage, creating zones and much more

REMODELING GUIDES House Planning: When You Want to Open Up a Space

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

With a pro's help, you may be able remove a load-bearing wall to turn two small rooms into one bigger one

SMALL KITCHENS The 100-Square-Foot Kitchen: Fully Loaded, No Clutter

By Mitchell Parker

This compact condo kitchen fits in modern appliances, a walk-in pantry, and plenty of storage and countertop space

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Add a Load of Color to Your Laundry Room

By Jennifer Ott Design

Give a tedious task a boost by surrounding yourself with a bold, happy hue

STORAGE 5 Tips for Lightening Your Closet’s Load

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Create more space for clothes that make you look and feel good by learning to let go

DECORATING GUIDES How to Remove Wallpaper in 4 Steps

By Christine Tusher

Learn the best way to remove wallpaper with only water (and elbow grease) so your next wall treatment will look great

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Traditional Kitchen Opens Up and Lightens Up

Removing a wall was key to creating a large kitchen and dining space for family life in this London house

BEFORE AND AFTERS More Storage and Light for a Seattle Kitchen

By Mary Jo Bowling

Removing walls and replacing dysfunctional features give a kitchen a bright look and better function

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know Before You Tear Down That Wall

By Mitchell Parker

Great Home Projects: Opening up a room? Learn who to hire, what it’ll cost and how long it will take

REMODELING GUIDES Tearing Down a Wall? 6 Ways to Treat the Opening

By Rock Paper Hammer

Whether you want a focal point or an invisible transition, these ideas will help your wall opening look great

Sponsored

More Discussions

How would you update this fireplace?

11

What Cambria Quartz Countertops?

13

Bathroom vanities

0

Drop Zone/Pipe Disguise

7

help with flooring ideas for 2nd floor and stairs

0