Building Homes or Extensions/Removing a support post

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Expert: - 3/15/2010


Question

Basement
I am in the process of making plans to finish my basement. In order to create a more open plan, I am looking at removing/moving one of the support posts. The center beam runs the length of the house (46'7") and is constructed of four 2x8's. The beam is supported by 5-6"x6" wood posts which are approximately 7 feet apart from one another. See attached. Any help would be appreciated. (fyi the post I want to remove is the second post from the south wall.)

Answer
Hi Clint,
If there aren't any bearing walls on the section of floor you want to remove the post from you might be okay but I am hesitant to give you the greenlight on this.  A 14' span for this size beam is pushing the limits.  If you can sister a 2x12 on each side of the beam in this area it might help to keep the bounce down.  I recommend a structural engineer look at the span and the load on the beam before removing any posts.  I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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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