By: Monte Leeper
A. Good question. Many people suffer from support-pole obstruction. I often find them leafing through phone books, looking for a handy-person who can remove their obstruction. But fear not: Your support pole problem can be safely and gently removed. You must, however, call a competent professional - that is, a registered architect or structural engineer with the necessary training and experience. He or she will calculate the weight of all loads on that column (we don't call them poles), and then design the correct beam to be installed to transfer the weight all the way across the room.
It is not uncommon to get calls from a concerned homeowner after a confident contractor has installed a beam that the homeowner suspects is too weak, because the floors are shaky or the ceiling is bowing. Sadly, confidence is no substitute for applied science. If a contractor tells you he's done this many times before and knows just what you need, ask to see the calculation sheets, and even ask to have them sealed by an architect or engineer whom you have spoken with in person. Some professionals will "sell" their seal for $100 or so, especially retirees who can use a little extra money. I may get an angry call or letter, but having served on a review board investigating this fraudulent activity, I can assure you that the problem is real, and your safety comes first. Also, if a contractor uses the word "Microllam," be suspicious, since it seems to be a buzzword among builders for the miracle substitute in every situation, which it is not. It is a composite beam made of many layers of wood, designed to be a little stronger than regular wood, but it's no substitute for steel.
The project requires a building permit, since it's a structural change. Depending on whether you live in a small community with its own building department or a big town or city, the permit process for your simple column removal could take a few weeks (in a village) to several months (in a town). And the cost? Expect to spend anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on several factors, including the length of the beam and its material, temporary support walls, redone ceilings, dust protection, asbestos removal or encapsulation, electrical work, taping, spackling and painting. Some or all of this may need to be done.
Readers are encouraged to send
questions to: HERALD Homes, 379 Central Avenue, Lawrence, N.Y. 11559
Attn: Monte Leeper, Architect.Good luck!
