| Author | Message | ||
     Diane Hughes Citizen Username: Dlh Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2005 |
We started a renovation project to remove a wall between two smallish and non-functional rooms in our victorian home and are now stuck in the middle of it. We need to hire someone who can put in a 12 inch structural beam correctly (e.g.,so that the ceiling is relatively flush.Current contractor put it in so that it hangs 12 inches from the existing ceiling, which looks terrible, and does not have the staff to install it correctly). We also need someone who can level the floors between the two rooms (turns out they are at different heights) or install a completely new floor (but we have built in furniture pieces). This job is turning out to be much bigger than initially planned, but we want it done nicely. Any recommendations for someone who does this type of work? We decided to do a bathroom also, since we have to bring in a contractor anyway, so we would want someone who could do this as well. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 4569 Registered: 12-2004  |
"This job is turning out to be much bigger than initially planned..." Welcome to the wonderful world of home ownership (or should I say, in particular, old home ownership). Have you tried Bob Hume or Tyce Palmaffy? Two local contractors who seem to have years of experience and a decent reputation. | ||
| Diane Hughes Citizen Username: Dlh Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2005 |
I'm just collecting names at the moment,so I haven't tried anyone yet. I know Bob Hume has been around for a while. And, yes, I've been through some renovation experiences before with this house. We started out to do a 2nd floor bathroom and ended up restoring the entire back third of our home.Unfortunately, I would not work with that contractor again. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12606 Registered: 5-2001 |
Wow. In order to bury the beam in the ceiling the ceiling joists have to be supported on both sides of where the former wall was and the joists cut so that the beam can fit up into the ceiling and then the joists attached to the new beam with joist hangers. Also the beam has to be supported at each end so the load is transfered to the building structure and the foundation. This is pretty complicated work. Did you ever get a hold of a structual engineer? Are the floors of different heights because of settling or were disimilar flooring materials used? How great is the difference in height? | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 2198 Registered: 8-2002 |
To add to what Bob said -- if there is a floor issue -- eg different heights -- the first thing to do is to get the floor structure correct. That might mean pulling up the old floors (and removing the built ins) and then rebuild the supporting structure in both rooms. It may be only half that bad-- are the floors of different heights because one room is an addition? Then the focus would be on the "addition" -- and rebuilding it so things match (unless there is damage or sagging). You must do that before you begin putting a beam in the ceiling -- otherwise that will be out of whack, too. This type of work requires an engineer and permits -- this is not a job you want done by someone who does not know what they are doing. Its going to likely impact the floors and walls on the 2nd floor, too -- since some movement during construction will be unavoidable. I faced something similar in a new construction house a few years back. The architect spscified a laminated beam ("buried" up in the ceiling) between 2 rooms. The carpenters, either couldn't do the job as spec'd or didn't read the plans. I arrived one night and found the framing completely off. Took a few days, a nastygram from the town inspector (and my lawyer), and a new crew to get it done right. If you get someone who knows what they are doing - you will be in good shape! Pete | ||
| Michael K. McKell Citizen Username: Mckellconst Post Number: 125 Registered: 5-2006  |
Example of floor fun: We renovated a (3) story brown stone in Jersey City and had to raise the two floors above by 8 inches each in order to get it close to level without collapsing the adjacent structures. It is some what difficult to achieve a "flush girder" in lieu of a drop girder (what you have presently). Although, it would appear that you have a more serious issue at hand based upon the description provided. If I can be of any further assistance let me know.  | ||
| Diane Hughes Citizen Username: Dlh Post Number: 10 Registered: 11-2005 |
Thanks for the comments. Any recommendations in addition to Bob Hume? A friend of ours, a local architect who does restoration work, estimated the load that needed to be tranferred and the size of the beam we needed. I guess I could also ask him for recommendations for a contractor,but thought I could just as easily get them here. The floors in the different rooms are different heights, by about 1/8 inch,because you can see where sanding has lowered the height of one floor, which is pine. The other floor is quarter-sawn oak and does notlook like it has been sanded. Both had carpet when we first bought our home. | ||
| Cjay2005 Citizen Username: Broig65gy Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2005 |
- Try contacting Claudio Russo russofloor@hotmail.com or 973-418-2417 | ||
| Cjay2005 Citizen Username: Broig65gy Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2005 |
- Try contacting Claudio Russo russofloor@hotmail.com or 973-418-2417 | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 12645 Registered: 5-2001 |
Diane, it looks like the difference in floor height is because of the different floor materials, not structual issues. This should be viewed as good news, although you are probably going to have to replace the floors if only for aesthetic reasons. Who wants a room with two different floors? |
