dividing a load bearing wall

[csquared]

Just found this forum today...great source of information.

I am about to start rennovations on a lake home built in 1963. It is a typical ranch style that is long and skinny and I would like to remove a 12-15 foot section of a load bearing wall that is between the kitchen and dining/living room to open the room up significantly. As expected, the wall runs perpendicular to the celing joists in the atic. The roof is a gable roof and there are no direct supports from the roof to the wall, just overlaped joists.

I've done quite a bit of "standard" framing in the past, but it has been a very long time. My initial thought is to brace either side of the wall and cut in a double 2x12 or laminated beam and connect the joists with hangers. The beam will be end supported over existing columns in the basement.

Anyone have any thoughts or comments on this idea? I'm considering calling in an engineer as I don't have a great handle on calculating what the beam would be supported and if my lumber size would be correct.

Thanks for any help.

[Rich]

I would do exactly what you said....hire an engineer come out and give their recommendations. With a local eng they can come and take dims and really seewhat is thrtr. IMO though - I think you are on the right track with your ideas.

[csquared]

Thanks...probably will go with the engineer to avoid any problems with codes or insurance in the future. The part of the wall that I want to take out is reasonably small, but I want a smooth ceiling so it is a bit more complicated than running a header.

[roger g]

I've seen it done just the way you decribed in fact it was also in a magazine called Fine Homebuilding in an older issue. I hope that was the name of the magazine.

roger