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pokefan7790 · Jan 3, 2009, 03:09 PM

I have a load bearing wall between two living areas that I would like to remove to create one large space. I would like to do it without the beam exposed in the area. My question is can the ceiling joists be cut and reattached to the beam using joist hangers? I understand that there would have to be some temporary support walls constructed. Thanks for any advice.

ballengerb1 · Jan 3, 2009, 04:58 PM

You must have a beam but it could be above the finished ceiling. However, you would need supports at each end of the beam that could carry the entire load down to the foundation. This is not a DIY project and would require a structural engineer or architect to spec it out. I have done home repair for 45 years and would not attempt this on my own, it's a big, dangerous project.

21boat · Jan 3, 2009, 10:27 PM

Ive jacked up buildings and the temporary bracing. The "temper are" bracing will be form that ceiling and underneath the floor to carry the extra weight. I am curios. Is there A roof plate sitting on the interior wall? If so which way are the bottom roof rafters setting on that wall Are the parallel or perpendicular.
Or is the ceiling "joist" a floor above this room

Signed 21 boat

MasterFramer · Jan 4, 2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

You must have a beam but it could be above the finished ceiling. However, you would need supports at each end of the beam that could carry the entire load down to the foundation. This is not a DIY project and would require a structural engineer or architect to spec it out. I have done home repair for 45 years and would not attempt this on my own, its a big, dangerous project.

I agree completely, you need load ratings to get the correct size beam or else you could be hurting if there was an earthquake or something!

logan176 · Jan 16, 2009, 03:49 PM

I knocked down a load bearing wall to make the master bedroom larger in my house. I was able to do it with a friend and my father-in-law because we left the engineered beam exposed. I agree with ballenger... hiding the beam and cutting away the preexisting joists is NOT a DIY job. You need an experienced crew and blueprints from an architect... don't forget the permits either.