I am trying to plan out a basement remodel so that I can submit for a building permit. My current plan is to replace part of a load bearing wall with a beam, but I am unsure of what size and type of beam I should use. This is the existing floor plan: [IMG]https://s3.amazonaws.com/images_jh/existing+floor+plan.png[/IMG] I want to change the floor plan to this: [IMG]https://s3.amazonaws.com/images_jh/new+floor+plan.png[/IMG] The beam would be 15 ft clear span and rest upon a steel post at each end. The beam is a floor beam for a single story residential home. Above the beam is a living room and a wall that runs perpendicular to the beam and parallel to the the joists. If the beam is less than 12" deep, I could run it under the joists. However if it would be better or necessary, I could cut notches in the joists to insert the beam. I am contemplating whether I should use a steel I-Beam or an LVL beam. Since this a remodel, the weight of the beam is a consideration. A steel beam would have to be light enough that a few strong men could carry it in and lift it in place. If I use a steel I-Beam, what size should I use? Also, can I use beam bracing to help strengthen the beam? If the joists were notched out and connected to the beam, would that help brace the beam? Please don't tell me to hire an architect or a structural engineer! Thanks for the help!

I have a detached covered patio that was built by the previous owner. upon tearing down the 4X8 wood sheets that were used for a ceiling I discovered that they used 2X4 for ceiling joists. There is a double beam running dow the center of the structure and all other framing appears up to snuff. I am planning to put up a new ceiling (Tongue and Groove or some other wood ceiling sheets or planks), but I wanted to fix the framing structural issues first by adding support to the 2X4 ceiling joists. The structure is 18 ft X 16 ft. I have been told that I can do one of the following: 1.remove the 2X4s and put in 2X6s. 2. add 2X6s in between the 2X4s and nail the new ceiling sheets or planks to the 2X6s only. 3. create two strongbacks (one on each side of the double center beam) using a 2X4 and a 2X6 in an L shape running perpendicular to the joists for further support. Does anyone have any recommendations on how I should do this?