My architect used a structural engineer. I opened up my whole house and put in 10 new lam beams and new footings. I think you’re talking $20k ballpark not including finishing work (floor repair, etc).

We just opened up a load bearing wall in 2 places (10’ for one opening and about 14” for the other) but plan to open up 2 more (13’ in kitchen and about 13’ in exterior to add a large glass sliding door to where a large window and door is currently).

we are acting as our own GC. We used a structural engineer to do all calculations for us. Framer followed their measurements. All was approved by City.

I’m not sure what the cost of the beams were as the framer didn't line item them. But it wasnt exorbinant or cost prohibitive (i think framing entire basemt including materials was at most $5k). However when we do the large exterior opening, we’ll need a steel beam and i cannot recall cost he quoted me but for some reason i have a total of $14k for new slider and beam in my head and if i recall, slider is about $8k of that. it was out of our budget to do with current basement reno so we will circle back around in a year or 2.

You might check out homeguide.com for info on costs.

Architects and engineers are subs on jobs like this.

Thank you all, this is incredibly helpful!!

I have a customer doing exactly that sort of thing. The architect drew up the plans and gave us all the info of what needed to be done to support the new header. As it turns out here were additional footings that now needed to be done in the basement to transfer the new load. If I remember correctly it was about an additional $15000 onto the job give or take a couple.

Of course now the prices of the beams are through the roof so I would budget a few thousand more!

Your question is framed as an either-or question. I submit the answer is "it depends." Some architects, like my former staff architect, have a really good background in structures and are capable of most residential structural design, others, not so much. The best way to get a handle on the likely cost is to consult a remodeler, but keep in mind any estimate without plans and engineering, is at best an educated guess.

Well it's happened again, Charles and I agree. An experienced remodler is going to give you an estimate within 10-20% without any plans or engineering. Compare that number to your budget and you'll know whether or not to hire the drawings done. Nothing is a larger waste of money than drawings that are mathematically perfect and useless simultaneously.

@Joseph Corlett, LLC,

You haven't been drinking, have you?

As a matter of fact, I had been, but I stand by my remarks. lol.

Cats and dogs living in harmony.

Good advice on finding your GC first. They should be able to ball park this within $100K plus or minus. Once you have a ballpark figure you can make a decision about proceeding. The GC will advise as to what type of additional planning will be required.

IMO a structural engineer is the one who will tell you if it is possible then and only then do oyu get pricing IMO the money you spend for proper advice is worth every dime and BTW sometimes your money tree is just not big enough .