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Header replacement

15 years ago

I need to replace the header over a sliding glass window. It spans 9 feet. The header is 4x10. The trimmer and king studs need to also be replaced. I'm debating on whether to tackle this job or not. The wall is a load bearing wall that holds up one end of a cathedral ceiling. The trusses are 2x8 and are cut at the top plate. It extends outside at a width of 4in for the outlook. I have a poured concrete slab patio outside. I would build a temporary wall outside to support the roof while doing the work. I could also build a temporary wall on the inside if that is the best method.

Also, if I contract this out, is it better to just hire a general contractor. He will only be subbing out the framing. I will do the rest (drywall and siding). I could call a framer/carpenter directly, but I'm having a hard time finding one in the phone book. It seems like they all work under GC's. Can someone give me a ball park figure on the cost to contract it out?

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Comments (2)

weedyacres
15 years ago
You sound fairly handy, so I'd say you could do this job yourself. My (handy) DH replaced an upstairs load-bearing wall with a flush LVL beam in the attic, and did the job solo (my role was researching how to do it properly and being the extra set of hands when lifting heavy stuff). He hadn't ever done it before, and pulled it off fine. Replacing a header is even simpler: build temporary wall(s), cut out the header and applicable studs, nail the new ones in place.

It's probably not a big enough job for most GCs to take the time with.
sierraeast
15 years ago
The yellow pages isn't a good source for trades people. A better bet is to ask friends, co-workers, family members that have had projects done by reputable trades people for their contact numbers. Even at that, always check their other references and ask to see their work. Supply yards are also a good contact for reputable trades as well as stopping by jobsites and getting numbers. Again, always check references and get more than one estimate, not neccessarily going with the lower bid.

I agree that this is doable diy. The way im reading it, you dont have much of an overhang on the outside, so i would build the temporary support wall on the inside back enough to allow you to work the inside as well as the outside during replacement. Your temp wall can be back a ways allowing you that work space. It doesn't have to be tight to the existing wall.
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