Need home improvement advice

[CyberB0b]

We're thinking about purchasing this house, which is extremely dated. Could these columns be replaced with headers?

 

[Runwildboys]

We're thinking about purchasing this house, which is extremely dated. Could these columns be replaced with headers?

The furniture is dated, but what's wrong with the columns? If you just want it to be more open, I'm sure you could just keep the corner column, and put reinforced headers up. You may also need to add support below the corner column.

 

[CyberB0b]

The furniture is dated, but what's wrong with the columns? If you just want it to be more open, I'm sure you could just keep the corner column, and put reinforced headers up. You may also need to add support below the corner column.

It's concrete slab underneath. Wife doesn't like the columns. We'd like to open it up.

 

[Runwildboys]

It's concrete slab underneath. Wife doesn't like the columns. We'd like to open it up.

Doesn't seem like it should be too much work. Do you have the original blueprints? It looks like there might already be big enough headers there, and the extra columns might be superfluous.

 

[CyberB0b]

Doesn't seem like it should be too much work. Do you have the original blueprints? It looks like there might already be big enough headers there, and the extra columns might be superfluous.

No, it's from the 60s. We haven't purchased it.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

Guessing from just the pics, the only column that matters is the one at the corner...all others most likely aren't supporting weight

 

[65fastback2plus2]

can pop one of those can lights out and see which way the joists run, looking at them again that drop down and columns all look to not be structural but architectural

 

[Runwildboys]

Guessing from just the pics, the only column that matters is the one at the corner...all others most likely aren't supporting weight

I agree. I've never seen load bearing columns that close together.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I agree. I've never seen load bearing columns that close together.

Agreed, then again. I've never seen "non-decorative" columns that close together either. ...or are those supposed to be decorative?

Good luck on the house Bob. I just signed a contract on a new house last Thursday.

 

[YosemiteSam]

heh the mirror wall with the harp chair just floating out there.

 

[Tabascocat]

Guessing from just the pics, the only column that matters is the one at the corner...all others most likely aren't supporting weight

Agreed

 

[CyberB0b]

Here is the kitchen. Total gut job. The plan is to knock out the mirror wall, most/all of the columns and open everything up. What kind of cost are we looking at just for demo and sheetrock/wiring?

Thinking 25k?

 

[nightrain]

We're thinking about purchasing this house, which is extremely dated. Could these columns be replaced with headers?

Go to the town's municipal building and check the file on that property. Maybe you will find the architectural drawings or better yet the as-builts and any permits pulled for renovations. If you know builder or framer, have him take a look. There's a lot going on in your picture.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

Here is the kitchen. Total gut job. The plan is to knock out the mirror wall, most/all of the columns and open everything up. What kind of cost are we looking at just for demo and sheetrock/wiring?

Thinking 25k?

Hiring it all out?

 

[CyberB0b]

Hiring it all out?

I'll demo the kitchen, but want a pro to do the walls, if load bearing, and redo the sheetrock.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

I'll demo the kitchen, but want a pro to do the walls, if load bearing, and redo the sheetrock.

Realistically should be able to do it for under $10k. Even if they are load bearing, 2 LVL beams can be installed and you're back in business.

 

[Chrispierce]

My advice,is to go get advice from professionals who can take a look at it,give you some options,and cost estimates. It doesn’t cost a thing for their opinion,and you’ll be on more solid footing with a plan. It’s also not that dated,it’s the style of the current owners that doesn’t mesh with the home. Most things are just superficial related like paint schemes,lighting,fixtures and furniture.

 

[Quickdraw]

You could remove the columns and replace the header with joining I-beam's and support both where they join at the 90° joint. Since those columns are structural, that would be the only way to remove them. That's a lot of work, and costly.

What I would do instead is design wall space that would replace those beams. You lose the openness but it's less costly and with the right design layout, would still looks nice and still keep the open sort of look.

 

[CyberB0b]

My advice,is to go get advice from professionals who can take a look at it,give you some options,and cost estimates. It doesn’t cost a thing for their opinion,and you’ll be on more solid footing with a plan. It’s also not that dated,it’s the style of the current owners that doesn’t mesh with the home. Most things are just superficial related like paint schemes,lighting,fixtures and furniture.

I definitely will if we get the house. Just trying to have some idea of cost.

 

[Ranching]

I definitely will if we get the house. Just trying to have some idea of cost.

You may want to do it during the option period. You don't want any surprises.