Fact-checking: Removing load bearing walls
NJ Mom
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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catinthehat
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRelated Discussions
load bearing wall removal
Comments (8)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....See MoreWall removed- load bearing, or frame?
Comments (14)If the contractor was licensed, you wouldn't be on the internet after the fact asking if the wall was load bearing. He would have pulled the plans as Renovator says, and if it was unclear from the plans, he'd have gotten a structural engineer in to create the construction documents that would be needed to be filed with both the condo association and the local municipality in order to get the permit to alter the wall, the electrical in the wall, the HVAC in the wall, and any other changes that you are making in this renovation. But, I'll also bet that wasn't done either. Neighbors have been known to turn each other in (Not to mention the people on the condo board!), so the thing to do is to march down to the local codes office and throw yourself on their mercy pleading ignorance and swear that you won't be using that contractor who didn't do things correctly. Then, do things correctly by hiring someone who will do the job with the correct sign offs and permits. When you live in a multi family dwelling, that means contractors who are licensed and insured to work in a multi family dwelling and approved by your condo board. DIY is strictly prohibited in multi family dwellings due to the liability issue. If something is done incorrectly, it can affect more than just your unit. And boy would the neighbors love to sue you then!...See MoreLoad bearing wall sanity check
Comments (4)Thanks for the responses. I've met with some other contractors, who actually looked at the framing and are confident it's not load-bearing. Interestingly the guy who made such a fuss about it talked to his boss and now agrees it's not an issue---that would have gone over much better if he'd started with something like "I'm concerned about this wall and will research more" rather than "you can't do that."...See MoreIs my wall load bearing? hesitant on removing the wall.
Comments (5)Your picture seems to show 2x4s, a doubled sill plate, a gap, then a header. If that header spans from an exterior wall to an exterior wall, the 2x4s and doubled sill plate aren't doing any work other than holding up drywall....See MoreJoseph Corlett, LLC
6 years agoUser
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agomillworkman
6 years agoHALLETT & Co.
6 years agostrategery
6 years agoBruce in Northern Virginia
6 years agocatinthehat
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoChris D
6 years ago
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