AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Education: Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree (Architecture), 1978, Miami University in Ohio. I am registered to practice professionally in the states of Massachusetts and Maine.
Question I have a three year old house. The basement ceilings are approximately 10 feet high. The basement ceiling / 1st floor is support by big beams (wood). They are 6 inches by 12 inches. The span I'm looking at is approximately 30 feet long with three supports 8 feet apart. I would like to either remove one of the supports (not the middle one) or relocate one to the side. That would mean I now have a distance of 16 plus feet between two supports and 8 feet between two supports. Would that work?
Answer Hi Terry:
I am sure it is tempting, but ... NO !
At least, not without getting some real, specific, engineering advice and developing a plan to increase the load-carrying capacity of the beam. If you were to just proceed to take out the support, and not do any other work to compensate, it is not likely that the house would actually collapse on top of you immediately (possible, but not likely) but it IS likely that the floors above would sag, and that finished plaster walls above would crack, and doors would go out of alignment, windows (if any) would get 'sticky', and squeaks would develop in the floor.
My advice is that you let your fingers do the walking through the yellow pages, and call several structural engineers in your area. For 4 or 5 hours of time, I would think that one of these engineers should be able to visit your home, inspect the conditions, and sketch up a solution that would be suitable for your local building inspector to grant a permit. Definitely do not proceed with this work without getting a building permit. When talking with the engineers on the phone, be sure to tell them that you will need a 'stamped' drawing for the building permit.
Good luck; a ten foot high ceiling in a basement is unusual; if you can move the column and open up the floor space it should be a nice useable space. If you are planning a general building project to convert to a recreation room or something, be sure to discuss that with the building inspector also, before you get started. The inspector may require that you deal with other issues as well, like egress out of the basement, or ventilation, etc.
- PB
