Expert: Dan Griffin - 8/3/2008

Question
hi-putting addition 12x28 onto backside of 36 'full dormer ed cape-i need to rip out about 20'of wall and install a steel beamto carry 2nd.flr.and give opng.everyone wants.house has full bsmt.my thot was to build temp wall in bsmt.one on first flr.gut wall in get the beam in ,never done this ,am i on the right track,another concern is the bath right above beam area has a completely tiled bath and i am concerned about possible cracking--any pointers???thks.court

Answer
Court, you are correct.  YOu will need to provide sufficiaent shoring to carry all loads prior to removing the existing wall.  This can be done by header and screw jacksor studs or flat plate and studs.  With a flat plate you should keep the studs in direct alignment with joists at both the floor and the ceiling.

Long before you get to this stage I assume you have sized the beam required and have developed or have a plan in place to transmit the loads of the new beam to the foundation