This is a question for your contractor.

Yes I am aware of that. Now that I finally have the plans architect plans, contractors will meet me. I have 4 contractors I plan on meeting within the next two weeks. But was using this as a place to get ideas. Also after research here and elsewhere I see prices raaaaaaange. And was simply trying to seek advice from some experts/experience, before receiving multiple contractor estimates.

Architect proposed a site built beam, plate steel sandwiched between a pair of microlams. Under $1-2K plus labor and bolts is my guess. A steel beam to carry that load is likely a little more, but sometimes we need steel.

8" isn't that tall so you need steel to help.

Talking to 4 contractors should give you some competitive numbers.

"Someone told me the beam alone could be $10,000! Is this accurate?"

No. Maybe $1,500.00 in materials. You'll probably get it fabricated and installed for another $2,000.00.

Spanning 17' with an 8" deep beam is impressive.

Materials are always cheaper than labor. And those combined are always cheaper that the associated costs that go with the wall removal. There’s stuff in a wall. And a flooring gap when it’s gone. And it needs drywall repair. That’s why it can very easily be a 10K job, TOTAL. Not the beam

cost.

I‘m surprised that more attention wasn’t paid to the point loads that will be carrying the weight that the beam is supporting. Are the new foundation piers on a separate section detail? Because if they are not, you are missing that part of the engineering, or the beam is over engineered for the weight. You can’t have it both ways. Either the load needs a flitch beam and piers, or it doesn’t need quite so robust a beam.

Who was the "someone" who told you the cost of the beam alone could be $10K? Was it anyone who would be doing the work?

I think people jumping in and talking prices without knowing the conditions: this could be part of a remodel where upper floor have to be resupported, and lower floor will also need a temporary support, there is a danger of structure/floor above shifting and having all kind of drywall / roof mess.

@BT Thanks for the anxiety. Lol.
Though the architectural engineer did come here. Also finished the asbestos check. However my post was asking an estimated cost of THIS specific beam. I unfortunately am well aware that the unknown once wall/ceiling/floor are opened things can change, actually things will only get mores expensive, not less. Therefore it’s nice to have a starting (things work out this way) point. Not asking about estimated unfortunates or even the cost of labor. Just asking ideas for cost of this specific size constructed beam.

@Juneknow they are on the plan I only took a snapshot of the beam size.

@kudzu9 not man doing the work. The architect actually. Was he explaining total cost? I was specifically asking him cost of “beam”. I’m doing a lot of construction besides this. Meaning new floors, moving gas line, sink, moving baseboard heating (maybe heated floor), remove wallpaper-paint, the works. So my total construction cost for this one room will be a compete gut-reno. So when he said this specific “beam” would be 10,000, I was like wow, not with labor?? But if this post is helping me learn I misunderstood that, then it was worth posting.

What Jeffrey and Joe said, You figure the flitch plate will cost you $300-400... the microlam standard sizes are 7¼”, 9¼ so most likely you have to get 9 1/4" and rip to size unless you can find in that size... in any case 9 1/4" microlam will run you about $8 per foot so it will be $130-150 per beam so let's say $1,000 total + Carriage bolts, nuts and washers about 16-18 of each let say $5 per set lets say $100 give or take

The rest is labor lets say another $1500-2000 roughly speaking put the beam together, and basic prep to put the beam up.

Of course, the cost could increase depending on what needed to be done to put the beam in place. i.e if this a flush-mount install, in that case, the existing joists over a 17' span have to be cut to insert the beam, have to get and install beam hangers, etc so worst-case scenario figure 3k give or take... Whoever gave you 10k is a ridiculous price, for that you can get the whole house framed.

Do not take advice from "someone" again.

Thank you all. I’m so glad cause between this “someone” and HGTV my head spins. Lol

"Either the load needs a flitch beam and piers, or it doesn’t need quite so robust a beam."

The beam needs to be so "robust" because it's so skinny. Look up a 17' span on an LVL chart please. If you want an 8" deep beam, you're gonna hafta insert some steel, hence the flitch plate.