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Question
I would like to finish my basement, and I have two steel posts I would like to remove in order to add framed walls. My question is how do I do this properly? The steel posts are below separate 16 foot spans; each with a header above. Each header butts to an exterior wall on one end and a load bearing wall on the other...I want to add walls below both headers. Each wall would have one or more doors. I plan to leave the header. Is this possible, and how is it to be done correctly.
Hello Jason,
Obviously the two steel columns are there for a reason - to support the floor above. It is possible to remove them as long as you replace the means of support with a wall or more columns but in a different location.
Usually basement columns are set on a "spread footing" that is below the slab. A bearing wall needs this "footing" to prevent the slab from cracking or collapsing from the weight of the load above. In other words, when you build a bearing wall, you should chop open the floor slab and pour additional concrete with steel reinforcing in a continuous footing to accept the bearing wall pressure.
You mention the "header" above. Is this a steel I-beam or a solid wood beam or a beam made up of two or more floor joist members such as 2"x10"'s? The "header" must be supported. If you are planning a wall directly under and parallel to the header, this would suffice to provide support. Usually the steel column is a 3" round jack column (a screw adjustment at the base) which can be encased within a wood stud or steel stud wall.
I really would need a sketch of your planned layout showing the existing columns, etc. before I could determine if the columns could be removed. Is it possible for you to send me a sketch? You can email me directly at askthecontractor@hotmail.com or fax a sketch to 561-245-4348.
The doors are not a problem as they too will use a header to create a distribution of the load bearing above.
I hope this has been helpful.
Roger
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.
Experience
After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.
Organizations
Previously - NAHA
Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)
Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column
Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column
Education/Credentials
Michigan State University
University of Detroit
BS in Engineering
Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family.
I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit.
I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision.
I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.
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