Information for replacing a wooden i-beam with a metal one?
7/11/2014 at 1:46:54 PM
We are thinking about purchasing a house in Hamilton and our biggest concern before we put in an offer is that the house has a slight slop. While in the basement you can see that the previous owners have replaced some of the I Beam with metal but left the back part of the house with wood. The slop seems to be cause by the Wooden I beam. It is a smaller older home and the beam is about 14 Ft Long.
We are looking for some information on what would have to be done to replace the beam and perhaps a rough cost.
We love the house and wouldn't mind putting money and time in fixing it but we want to make sure we know what to expect and to adjust our offer. Any information at all would be helpful.
7/11/2014 at 3:23:20 PM
Looking to your situation I would let it review by structural Engineer and get his professional and written report would be my course of action so that whatever $ you spend is solid.
Hope this helps.
Nitin
7/11/2014 at 3:40:31 PM
Hi,
I agree with the above post. Have an engineer have a look at the house. Depending on how sloped the house, when you level it with a new beam you may cause problems above with cracks in the walls and possibly the floor.
7/11/2014 at 3:44:06 PM
Almost impossible to give you proper advice, even less the cost without seeing the existing condition.
7/11/2014 at 9:37:25 PM
That can be replaced easily as long as the contractor that you hire knows what's he's doing cuz there's a lot of weight on that beam. If you take the necessary precautions in supporting the house before you take out the beam you should be fine.
A job like that shouldn't cost more than $5000.
7/11/2014 at 10:08:26 PM
Hi,
I have read the previous posts. And here's my thoughts.
Yes, you have an engineer look at the house first. There may be more involved than you think. And if it is just the beam replacement issue, the concrete floor will have to be broken up at both ends of the new laminate beam replacement site. Pour proper concrete footings for the steel adjustable posts to sit on. Build a temporary support wall so the existing old wooden beam can be replaced. Install the new laminate beam on the new jack posts and tie it all in.
If this is all that has to be done, you are looking in the 5,500.00 to 6,500.00 range. It depends on access location etc.
Hope this helps.
7/12/2014 at 2:38:48 PM
Hi Sam,
Just to point out.
I mentioned using a laminate beam for the replacement in your basement.
They have less flex than a steel beam. And are far easier to install and build off of.
James
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