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Determining need for header in remodel

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bamaxray

bamaxray

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All,
I have a modified ranch built in 2002 using slab on grade and engineered trussing. Originally the house was built with a one car garage but that was converted to a bonus room and a new 2 car garaged built next to it following the same roof line.Gable ends NOT HIP. The gable end over the wall between old garage and new garage IS cross braced, I assume for sheer and load...
The trusses over the original wall between the bonus room and the house are W but at a different angle than the other trusses. There is a load bearing (perpendicular) wall that is 1/3 out from the back of the house (the trusses run front to rear). I would like to open up this wall between the house and bonus room without using a header. the opening would be 12 foot long with a section of the wall to remain towards the front of the house and the cross wall to remain. Is this possible? yada yada yada hire a PE i know...im trying to get an idea before I call the guy since there's only ONE in my small town area...
I'm attaching a quick photo of the truss in question over the wall I want to open up...
Thanks for any input.
 
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An idea for what? You already know what you want to do, now go talk to the structural engineer.
 
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well, so far Ive had two contractors give me a bid. One said yep no need for header "based upon his guy", the other contractor said need a header....one PE in town....hence me wanting more input. I know that if it wasnt a former gable end it would be fine without a header due to running in line with clear span joist. Similar design clear spans the garage.
 
 http://files.engineering.com/getfile.aspx?folder=f506862c-e6d4-467b-a714-64c014fdee6b&file=01d45f6fff2822cd446a48abe727f1a479cd9c6e50.jpg
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Be careful taking a contractor's recommendation on whether or not you need a beam...he might be correct or he might not but often he won't be aware of his own ignorance, thus making him dangerous. Indeed, between the two you've asked they can't both be right.

If I've correctly understood your situation then yes, what you propose is likely possible. But like others, I recommend you hire the local engineer. Among the things the contractor will be unequipped to advise you on is whether that wall functions as a shear wall resisting the wind load on that portion of the building. It's unlikely that that would be the governing criteria but it's worth checking.

Also, this should be able to be a quick, simple (read: inexpensive) project for your local engineer. If he proposes some outlandish fee than either there's something about it I don't understand or it's time to check if there's an engineer in your neighboring town.
 
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If the contractor said it's "based upon his guy", I would simply ask "his guy" for a signed and sealed letter and/or detail stating as such.

Archie264 had a great comment.

It's not that we don't want to help you, this board just isn't meant for that purpose. However, the way we can help is by pointing you to a good local engineer. And make sure they aren't just using the title engineer. Make sure they are licensed. You can go online (typically) to the state board of engineers and do a quick search of names. Legally, in the US non-engineers can't use the title engineer, or at least in the states I do work in.
 
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Thank you all. I have the local 'engineer' scheduled for next week. I will definitely check his state credentials. That should give me the peace of mind I need.
 
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