Building Homes or Extensions/laminated beam

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Expert: - 9/29/2008


Question
We are putting an addition on our house and combining rooms. we wanted to put a beam where the present room will be joined to the addition. The span would be 20 feet long. what dimensions would the laminated beam have to be and could you hazard a guess on the cost?

Thanks,
Brian

Answer
Hi Brian, I imagine a double 1 3/4X 14" LVL would work at a cost of around 8-10 dollars a foot apiece.  Contact your local truss manufacturing company or commercial lumber yard for more specifics.  I like the truss manufacturers because they usually have engineers on staff that can make the proper calculations for beam size requirements.   They can also specifically give you a delivered price.  Prices will vary depending on the accessibility of the area you live in...I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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