Bearing Walls

[HomeBuyer]

I am a new home buyer and have a question regarding bearing walls. Our inspector noticed that in our unfinished basement above the french doors and windows, there is no mechanism to support the concrete and the load it carries other than the concrete itself. This is a life and safety issue if it is incorrect. Can someone provide me more information on this? Is this common practice in new homes? The builder stated that if the county doesn't say anything when they come to inspect the property, they will not bother to address this. I am a little concerned by this statement and would like to know your opinion. I will attach pictures for reference.

 

[ToadJones]

Your pictures are not the best.

If it is a new home, ask the builder if the area above the door is actually a reinforced concrete beam or lintel.

Sometimes the builder can actually span a beam above the concrete where the rim joist normally is. In this case, the joists frame into the beam in the rim joist area and the concrete above the door doesn't carry the load of the joists.

If this is a new home and the builder doesn't even know how it was built, I 'd walk away from it.

 

[hello12345hello]

pics are not clear.

 

[HomeBuyer]

All the pictures show is that there is no metal support beam above the window and door seal. Is there supposed to be one?

 

[msquared48]

It is the norm to have a header over a any opening in a bearing wall. The size needed depends on the amount of load coming to the header and the distribution of the load.

Personally, I would expect a wood header here, perhaps the rim joist as Toad previously mentioned.

If you are needing a structural engineerng opinion, I would really invest a little money here and engage the services of a local structural engineer. The cost would be minimal, but your investment in the residence is not.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[ztengguy]

the left side looks like the concrete is tied to the wall, maybe its designed as a beam. It looks monolithic over the door. Not sure whats the issue?

 

[jdgengineer]

I agree with Mike. If your inspector brought up an issue that he is uncomfortable about you should see about engaging the services of an engineer for further evaluation. Although to be honest since its a presage (and therefore usually has high liability with low reward) you may have to look a little harder for one.

Although your intentions are good this forum is intended as a medium for engineers to bounce ideas off of other engineers. It's not intended as a place for a homeowner to solicit free advice. Hire a local engineer so that they cam get a better sense of the construction of the house and give you a better more thoughtful evaluation.