[aar0nhurst]

Hello!

I'm looking for answers on if I can remove a couple of walls without adding a beam and posts.

A home I'm looking at has a rafter attic with what appears to be 2x4 posts (boards) coming down from the ridge beam and resting on ceiling joists. There is a post every 20-24ft across the length of the attic. I'm attaching a picture of the attic space and inside to hopefully help understand the situation.

Can anyone tell me if I need additional support before removing the 2 walls?

Thanks!
-Aaron

 

[Nealtw]

I think you have a beam from the outside wall to the corner you are after and to make that beam reach 20 feet it would have to be much bigger.

Taking to an engineer would be the only way to be sure.

 

[3onthetree]

The posts to the ridge board are not doing anything. Whether the ceiling joists are split would determine if the walls are bearing there.

If you are looking to buy, don't let details like this be the defining factor, anything can be done later.

 

[aar0nhurst]

Whether the ceiling joists are split would determine if the walls are bearing there.

I'd have to get up in the attic to be sure but I think it's a single joist all the way across. I couldn't quite tell by the inspector's pictures. Looks like I'm in for a visit to the lumber yard to find an engineer. :smile:

Thanks!

 

[Nealtw]

I'd have to get up in the attic to be sure but I think it's a single joist all the way across. I couldn't quite tell by the inspector's pictures. Looks like I'm in for a visit to the lumber yard to find an engineer. :smile:

Thanks!

Was there a basement or a crawlspace. Walls or beam directly below might be be bad news.

 

[Nealtw]

I'd have to get up in the attic to be sure but I think it's a single joist all the way across. I couldn't quite tell by the inspector's pictures. Looks like I'm in for a visit to the lumber yard to find an engineer. :smile:

Thanks!

See the repair in the ceiling where a wall was removed and a flush beam was installed above the ceiling.

They may have got away with using the footing that was there but if you go 20 ft you will likely have to put concrete footing below.

 

[aar0nhurst]

Was there a basement or a crawlspace.

Looks to be CMU crawl space and just barely 18" between floor joists and the ground. I had a guy come out to quote sealing the crawl space and he had a tough time getting in and out.

 

[aar0nhurst]

...if you go 20 ft you will likely have to put concrete footing below.

I've seen people use concrete block and jacks for supporting posts. Do you think that's ok?

 

[Nealtw]

I've seen people use concrete block and jacks for supporting posts. Do you think that's ok?

For that kind of load i would expect a concrete footing about 10" thick 30 or 36" square with a grid of rebar in it. But that depends on the soil type and the load, I would expect the beam to be 6" x 14" or more.