Before you plan on building something, it's always best to consider what's underneath it.
So before we started anything with our upstairs remodel, we looked at how it would affect the structure below.
In order to create a stairway to the second level, we would have to add a load to a formerly non-bearing wall. After determining that it was able to become one, the load had to be brought down to the foundation with a new beam and column.
Also, it had to be considered that this column would be joining an existing fraternity of columns and we wouldn't want it to look out of place. So even though the structural calculations didn't necessitate a column so wide, we made it a size to match the one's around it, with a baseplate wide enough to transfer the load to the slab.
Similarly, where the new beam was being placed, it would be right next to a steel beam that had been there for over 80 years. A steel beam didn't really provide the best cost/performance ratio for the new structure, so we decided to use a glue-lam beam the same depth as the existing steel beam, rated to carry the load. Glue laminated timber beams can be an attractive option for exposed structure, as long as they are purchased in, "architectural" or, "premium" appearance grade.
Having set the column and tightened up the beam, it's time to move on to the stairway. Onward and upward!
