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What’s the best way to fix this?

Jonathan Lieberman

5 years ago

We just had a builder open concept a space. There were 2 load bearing walls that were removed and replaced with 2 LVL in one direction and 3 in the other. as you can see in the picture it hangs a 1/2 below the connecting beam. Is there a way to fix this? the beams seem level.

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PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

What are we looking at? It's completely unclear about what the photo is illustrating.

We need much more information and illustrations than have posted here.

Do you have an architect and/or structural engineer? Has the installation been inspected by the Building Department?

There's so much more information that's needed before any sort of informed response is possible.

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Comments (11)

PRO
PPF.
5 years ago
Is there a way to fix this? the beams seem level.

Yes -- why are you asking here instead of asking your builder?
Jonathan Lieberman
Original Author
5 years ago
Want to get a second opinion/ideas on what the best way to go about it? Did I break a rule of this message board or something? If you have a recomendation I’d love to hear it.
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User
5 years ago
Well, if there is a rule it is "talk to your builder first. Come here to check the answer."

One photo...out of context...strangers on the internet...etc etc.
dan1888
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Post more pics from different distances and angles. Put a level on the different components. You get responses like the first, etc. when not enough info is posted for anyone to respond.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
I thought the square was stuck.
Tony Stevens
5 years ago
Yes, the builder needs to come back and pry his square loose.
worthy
5 years ago
It's not uncommon to shim ceiling framing for a level drywall job. My concern would be that anyone who made such a poor connection may have not chosen the correct connectors and fasteners.
Tony Stevens
5 years ago
The picture is difficult to interpret, but be aware that wood crossmembers are often intentionally left proud to allow for seasonal wood movement that doesn’t occur to the same degree in LVL beams.
PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
5 years ago
To answer your question: Ask your builder, they are there to see all the conditions; nobody online knows what they know.

Who sized the beams? It appears, and it is difficult to determine with the information provided, that the end of the three LVL's are supported by the two LVL's. The three LVL's would suggest it is carrying a heavier load than the two LVL's, BUT the two LVL's has a point load of the three LVL's.

Also it appears that the three LVL's are independently aligning with the slope of the bracket which would suggest they are not adhered or fastened together to act as one large beam.
Jonathan Lieberman
Original Author
5 years ago

I appreciate the feedback. Sometimes it just helps to be a little educated on a topic. It can be a little intimidating for homeowners to talk to builders. I also don't want to falsely accuse the builder of doing something that couldn't have been avoided. That said, the red arrow points to the hanger in question. in the original picture you see the left LVL is the lowest That beam is level (homeowners 1' level). The 2 LVL's that the 3 boards are hung from is also level. It appears to me the far left of the 3 LVL's was purposely left at that height to maintain level joists connecting to it. To answer the question of architect, structural engineer and permits. Yes, yes and yes and we've already passed inspection.

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