Basement support beam replacement

Purchased a 1960's colonial a few months ago and pulled drywall off the support beams in the basement to find termite damage. Needless to say, the beam will need to be replaced.

The beam is about 15-20 feet long and supported by 2 permanent metal posts (straight to the concrete floor) along with two temporary adjustable posts (resting on pine). The reason for the temporary posts is the first floor was renovated by opening up the kitchen walls. Due to this renovation, 2 metal posts were installed ON TOP of this damage support beam in order to support the second floor support beam.

To summarize, the basement support beam that needs to be replaced is supported by 4 columns and also supports 2 additional columns (which support the second floor).

My questions are, living in Fairfield county Connecticut, what general price range am I looking at for beam replacement (I understand it's a broad question)? And who exactly do I contact for this service (and where can I go to find them)?

Definitely not knowledgable in this area so my apologies if I'm leaving something out.

 

The beam has to be really damaged to need replacing. Did you have anyone look at it? Did you have anyone deal with the termites?

 

Another concern is that termites rarely walk 20 feet out into the middle of a home and start eating. They are more likely to have eaten their way out there. You should determine the total extent of their damage so you don't run into any surprises.

As for who and how much, most general contractors will give you a quote if that is work they do.

Bud

 

The damage on the beam is visible 2 feet from the foundation. There is a termite tube from the basement floor up the foundation wall to the support beam, that's how they entered. You can drive a rod 3 inches into the bottom of the beam. It needs to be replaced...maybe not ASAP but sooner rather than later. I've already had an exterminator come out to to look at it. He recommends the standard termite barrier. My concern is the support beam cost. I'm wondering if we're talking $1-5K, or something in the $10K+ range.

 

Good that it is not the tip of the ice berg. I guess I've had too many projects that chased damage all over the house.

As far as cost, the problem I see is supporting the second floor AND the first floor while this is removed and replaced. Without being there it's just a guess, but more than the 1 to 2K range. However, if space allows, the damaged area might be repairable with something like a steel plate added for extra strength. Again just a guess.

If you don't know a contractor, stop in at your local lumber supply and talk to someone at the desk to see who does these types of projects (not the big box). Lumber yards know their contractors.

Gl
Bud

 

Call the department of consumer affairs to check out a contractor before you hire him. One or two complaints over 10 years is ok. 10 complaints over 2 years is not.

 

Hi, I saw your older posting about problem with basement beam. I just want to ask if you were able to fix it? Can you refer me to the people who helped you? I am also from Connecticut, very near Fairfield. Can you also give me an idea how much it costs you? I think we have similar problems. Thank you.

 

RBfeliz, welcome to the forums! The original poster hasn't been on the forums since September of last year, so a response may not be forthcoming. You may want to make a separate post regarding your problem if you intend to fix it yourself. We have many pros on the forum that could give good advice.