Ceiling Beam Post Removal

1/22/2024 at 5:14:52 PM

Hi, depending on how the post is situated it may not be possible to remove the post that supports it. I would have to have a look in person to be sure. The average cost of a project like this is $2000-2500.

1/23/2024 at 1:26:15 AM

Hi, You likely will not be able to remove that post with out significant costs, tens of thousands of dollars.

You will need to have a structural engineer involved. They will calculate snow load and I would suspect that that beam doesn't meet current code requirements. I run into this fairly often in older homes where structural elements don't meet current codes. Being that one end of that beam has a column between the two windows you would have to open all of that up to accommodate a new support column and footings. For example we recently built a carriage home with a 28' clear span, we were required to install a 20" deep x 9" wide beam. The cost of the beam itself was $3800.00

A structural engineer will usually do a site visit for a couple hundred dollars. They will tell you what you need to do and you can make an educated decision if you would want to proceed.

1/23/2024 at 3:31:24 PM

Gerry, there are a number of factors with beam replacements that determine the final cost. "There are two methods of beam replacement:

1. Exposed as the picture shows then:

a. acceptable depth of the beam (wood is deeper, steel is narrower but up to 3x the material price - 25' of steel weighs 2000+ lbs)

b. access to outside walls for load bearing columns

c. final ceiling finish

or

2. Recessed (within the attic), with all of the above items listed ,plus

a. roof style, slope, and direction

b. attic framing (stick built or engineered trusses

c. existing attic insulation (partial removal and replacement

In both cases the City of Calgary requires a building permit and structural engineering.

For exposed (wood), budget $5-7k.

For exposed (steel), budget up to $9k.

For recessed (wood) budget $10k

Trust that helps,

Paul Kowalenko

Blackstone Renovations Inc.

Calgary AB

1/25/2024 at 10:42:44 PM

You cannot remove that post without a (re-engineered beam) The span will likely require a LVL or 3-ply 2x12 at min. for 25ft. You could consider keeping the post and incorporate a wall design to hide it, would be cheapest option. Regardless you are looking at far more than $2500 and get a professional with experience doing these to look at this. A major supporting beam "must be engineered" for load & structure design if you want it done right.