Replies

1. 
   merrigan | Mar 30, 2000 05:23pm | #1

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   I am renovating an old house and had to cut out plaster between the 2X4 to access the space under dormers to get to electrical boxes and wiring. Now I want to enlarge the opening for storage access, but the opening will need to be larger than 16" wide and therefore will have to cut out 2x4s. I am afraid this will destroy the strucstructuralgrity of the house and want to know how I can frame this opening to be at least double the current width and perhaps the same height. I am just a home owner with a good attitude and a few basic skills.

2. 
   Guest_ | Mar 31, 2000 02:18am | #2

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   Merrigan, It's hard to say how structurally significant the framing under those dormers may be without a picture or sketch. I'm gonna suggest that you have a local engineer or architect look at your situation. You could pay them, say, $50 to $100, to evaluate the load, transfer of point loads, etc. and give you some piece of mind along with some simple framing instructions. With your basic skills, you should be able to do the work yourself. Thanks for the nice attitude...

   Best wishes, Steve

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   Guest_ | Mar 31, 2000 02:53am | #3

   *Merrigan....if ALL you want to do is take out (one )stud....ASSUMING there is no special load on that area..you can make a header out of two 2x4's on edge with jacks to support them, to carry the same load as the one stud...this is relatively minor.... if you start to take out two studs, it gets a lttle more dicey...but basically you can take out as many as you want......IF.. you build another method of carrying the load (header... or... beam).. you can gain some peace of mind if you consult a pro as Steve suggested...

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   merrigan | Apr 04, 2000 08:38pm | #4

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   Thanks Steve,

   The 2X4 is cut out and the opening for the closet is in. I doubled 2x4's on side edges for headers to transfer the load and screwed ends into exiting framing. Roof is still on, so I guess that it is ok.
   Thanks for the reply.

   Merrigan

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   merrigan | Apr 04, 2000 08:40pm | #5

   *Mark,The job has been completed and I appriciate your advise.Thanks, Merrigan

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   Guest_ | Apr 05, 2000 01:17am | #6

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   Merrigan. Should autta have a buck under each end of that header. 2 x 4 that goes from bottom of header to plate and is nailed to the king stud. Then jamb, then door. Just a thought on that there question.

5. 
   merrigan | Apr 05, 2000 01:18am | #7

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