Moving a support column

[One Skunk Todd]

I have a support column in my basement that I would like to move and I'm trying to figure out if it's feasible.

As best I can tell the column is a metal pipe about 3 inches in diameter. It supports one end of an 8" metal beam, about 8.5' long which starts on the south wall of the house and extends about halfway across. I think it is set into the concrete slab foundation. I'm not sure how the beam is supported where it meets the cinder block firewall between houses.

What I would like to do is move the column about 3' north and replace the 8.5' beam with one about 11.5' feet long.

FYI I live in a townhouse, about 20' x 30', and this beam is parallel to the back wall about 10' in.

Here's a little drawing I did showing things as they are now:
http://www.glpics.com/oneskunktodd/basement.jpg

The column I want to move is the closer one. Ideally the beam on the right would end up about 3 feet longer and the column would be on the other side of the hallway opening.

Doable?

[Cole]

What did you use to sketch the pic?

BTW- I would consult an engineer before I do anything.

[One Skunk Todd]

Just the little paint program that comes with Windows.

I was definitely going to consult with an engineer. And I'm not dreaming of doing this on my own. I'm just trying to get an idea of how reasonable this plan is.

[Pokey]

I would be ready for a bunch of work!!! Doesn't sound like a lot of work but by the time you shore the floor remove the old steel and column, cut in a new concrete collumn pad to support the new steel column, reinstall the steel and column, repour the slab where the new column is and where the old column was. Not to mention the extra cost of an engineer. What I would recommend if you are just wanting to finish your basement is to be creative on how you can build around this column.