Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 5/29/2007

Question
I have an open concept home, but in the unfinished basement there is a support telepost that goes against the feel of the rest of the home.
The telepost is located about half way on a 4X10X(15') LSL
Truss Joist.  I would like to remove this telepost, and am looking for options on how to accomplish this.  I've heard of people bolting a steel plate to the support beam to strengthen it, and then just pulling out the post.  Is this viable.  Any information on the subject would be appreciated

Answer
It may be possible to "sister" another beam to your existing beam to accommodate the loads in your home.  There are many factors that affect the proper structural design of this beam, including the existing loads, required clearances, bearing capacity at the foundation wall, soil bearing capacity, etc.  You would need to hire a structural engineer to design this beam and bearing - this is well worth the modest expense for the risk involved.  Good luck with it.