Building Homes or Extensions/support beam

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Question
hi Stephen
I have remodeling problem i moved a wall out 8 feet and the load bearing wall is held up by 2 beams. The length of the room is 24 feet I want to take one of the beams out and put a 6x6 beam in. one of the spans is 16 feet and the other 8 feet. I was wondering what could i use for a support beam wood or metal, and for it not to be to thick??

Answer
Thomas,

I would really like to help you with this, but I can't visualize the space and the structure from your short description.

If you can, please take a few photos and draw a quick diagram, and e-mail them to info@majordesigngroup.com.  My fax is 866-636-2528.

Without more information I can only advise you to consult a local engineer or architect.

Hope to hear from you!

--Steve Major

Building Homes or Extensions

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Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group)

Expertise

I can answer any questions regarding the design and construction of homes and additions. This includes trade-specific questions (how-to) in all major building trades: framing, foundations, site prep, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, interior finishing, trim & cabinetwork, exterior finishing, roofing, siding. PLEASE indicate your state or region, so I can provide the best possible answer.

Experience

25 years experience in building design and construction, all hands-on, including the construction of dozens of single-family homes and hundreds of remodeling projects in the northeastern US.

Publications
Author: "Architectural Woodwork - Details for Construction" published by Van Nostrand Reinhold (now Wiley).

Education/Credentials
BS Cornell University.

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