[Qiix]

I own a Townhome Duplex, and we have decided to occupy both sides so to I want to open up a doorway between the two units for easier access to the secondary unit. The units are mirror image floor plans and connect at the stairwell and main living room. After removing the drywall to take a look I discovered something resembling a beam across the length of the stairwell wall.

My guess is that this is the base of the second floor and has some load bearing qualities so my first instinct is not to cut through the thing and put a door there. It looks like I can put a short door (5’ tall) underneath the beam without interfering with the structural support. There are 3 2x4’s I would need to cut but it’s clear that they have no load on them and are just there for something to nail the drywall to.

I have seen a few of these duplex units that have had the stairwell wall removed entirely, opening up the stairwell to both units. Is it possible that I am mistaken about the Load bearing properties of this beam? It’s not a solid beam as you can see in the picture but several 2x6’s, and it spears to be hollow behind the 2x6 that is turned on it’s side and mounted vertically.

Ideally I would like to put a full 36 x 80 door in there, or even eliminate the wall, but do not want to destroy the structure. Any tips on how to do that without toppling the townhouse or breaking the bank?

Of course I can always settle for the 5’ door

Cheers,
Qiix

 

[Gary in WA]

Welcome to the forums!

IMO, check with local AHJ as this is a structural as well as occupancy change. They will advise on proper fix so building doesn't fail and HO Insurance carrier is satisfied if ever a claim...

Gary

 

[mako1]

Picture did not show up.You can not put in a 5' door and why would you want to?
Anything can be reengineered for an open span and to give you what you want but you do have to have it engineered.
In a single story duplex it should be pretty simple but will still have to be permitted and require an engineer to sign off on it.

 

[Qiix]

For anyone that is interested the photos are there, just click on “view Qiix’s album”. I viewed them on another computer and not logged in to the site so I know they are there. The 5’ doorway (not door) is for temporary access while we re-engineer the opening between the main living areas.

I’m aware of the AHJ, Permit, and other red tape but thanks for the posts. Was looking for comments on the type of beam/etc. in the picture if anyone in here has that level of expertise.

 

[Bondo]

For anyone that is interested the photos are there, just click on “view Qiix’s album”. I viewed them on another computer and not logged in to the site so I know they are there. The 5’ doorway (not door) is for temporary access while we re-engineer the opening between the main living areas.

Ayuh,..... I found yer pictures,....

That sure looks to bearin' a serious load,.....

What's on the ends of the beam,..??

Lotsa studs under it holdin' it up,....

What's under that wall in the cellar if there is a cellar,..??

How 'bout what's above it, load wise,..??

 

[carpdad]

That one photo is not enough. It is odd to put that beam there when it is to separate two dwellings. Could be for the stairwell but again, not necessary. You need a pro there to make the best guess. Could be just rim joist. If it is a mirror image, is the staircase on the other side? If not, may be the floor joists were framed against that beam? If the beam was installed anticipating the renovation, you want to know if it has jack/king studs at the ends and they rest on a foundation, minimum.

 

[Qiix]

Bondo’s comments-

End of the beam – looks like a 2x6 under the edge of the beam
Lots of studs- Most of the studs have a 1/16-1/32 gap between them and the beam. There is no weight on them, you can shone a light through the gap- they are staggered alternating between the two sides for nailing the drywall.

No cellar underneath- the studs go down to the ground floor- the foundation is around the rim of the building with a crawlspace under the majority of the home.
Above is a second floor- bedrooms and such but no load on this wall except the stairwell wall on both units- High Ceiling up 16” from the ground level

Carpdad’s comments-

Yes by mirror image- stairwell is on the other side- the stairwell landings are the same height/same place on both sides but not connected- This unit was built in 1950- Govy Housing- I don’t think they were anticipating renovation. Since I don’t know what Jack/King studs are- I guess I need to get a pro out here for an estimate as you suggest.

I could create the 5’ opening pretty easily with very minimum expense, which would suit my needs quite well. My family is all short in stature so no problem for them, but for me that’s a little low. This is obviously not up to code and not sure yet how that would affect my Insurance coverage.

Previously the building department here was ok with temporary work- But lately they have been cracking the whip. I suppose it’s best to get a quote from a reliable pro before I make any final decisions on the temporary opening.

 

[Bondo]

No cellar underneath- the studs go down to the ground floor- the foundation is around the rim of the building with a crawlspace under the majority of the home.
Above is a second floor- bedrooms and such but no load on this wall except the stairwell wall on both units- High Ceiling up 16” from the ground level

Ayuh,.... In the crawl space, is there a row of pillars or other supports under the beam,..??

What is the beam made up of,..??
How many 2x what's,..??

It looks like a few 2x 12s, 'n many 2x somethings in yer pictures,...

Lots of studs- Most of the studs have a 1/16-1/32 gap between them and the beam. There is no weight on them, you can shone a light through the gap- they are staggered alternating between the two sides for nailing the drywall.

Ayuh,.... Framin' is like the little tiny aluminum rivets that hold 747 airplanes together,......
Each one holds Nothin',....
But combined, they do the job,....

Since I don’t know what Jack/King studs are- I guess I need to get a pro out here for an estimate as you suggest.

Basically, Jack studs, 'n king studs are the 2x somethings that are spiked together, formin' larger lumber to support the beam on the ends, 'n other heavy load points,....

'n Ya, ya probably oughta have somebody that understands buildin' loads to actually get "Eyes" on it,....

I could create the 5’ opening pretty easily with very minimum expense, which would suit my needs quite well. My family is all short in stature so no problem for them, but for me that’s a little low.

Ayuh,..... Don't do that,.... Please,.....

I've got a 100 year old house with some low doors, but not that low, 'n my ole lady's kids are T a l l ,.... 5'11"s, 6'2"s, 'n 6' 10"s

It ain't pretty,.... anybody taller than 5', 1/2" will hate you into into eternity,...