Remove 6 feet of load bearing wall - PEM BB building.straw.removeloadbearing

This is a badge bit (BB) that is part of the PEM curriculum.  Completing this BB is part of getting the straw badge in Building.

When you take over an older property, there are often buildings that don't quite fit your needs.  Luckily, with a bit of head scratching, we can usually modify them to work better.  Perhaps the floor plan has too many walls.  Let's cut out a section of a load bearing wall without the house falling down!

 


Here's a wall getting removed.  Perhaps consider a bit more safety gear than he wears:


Mike's personal thoughts:  Do not cut a truss!  Cutting ceiling joists to install a flush beam weakens the roof structure in snow country.  Consider putting it above or below the joists so snow load won't push out your walls.

Minimum requirements:
  - Remove at least 6 feet of load bearing wall
  - Properly support load while doing the project
  - Beam can be below the joists, flush with the ceiling or above the joists
  - Properly use joist hangers if flush or above the joists
  - Proper posts to support load
  - Load from the posts is carried correctly to the foundation

Provide proof of the following as pictures or video (<2 min):
  - The wall before you begin the project
  - Temporary supports in place
  - Wall removed
  - Beam installed
  - Load path from the posts to the foundation
  - Rough carpentry completed