Engineering advice needed for steel support beams

[kyron]

I have a timber house which has been lifted to legal height in the early 60s (I think). The main supporting structure for the house is a Besser Block frame.

When they lifted the house they used some dubious methods to support the joists. One support beam is a railway beam which spans 5.2metres and has very flismy supports at either end. I want to remove this beam and put an I or UC beam which would conform to engineering specs.

My problem is getting some engineering advice on beam and footing sizes and who will do small jobs like this on the North side of Brisbane. I could probably do it myself but if I can find someone reasonably priced I would prefer to go that way.

One reason I'm reluctent to get an engineer in is the cost, last time I did this I was charged $1,500 to get advice on having 1 post shifted 500mm along a beam so I could have a reasonable size room.

[Dirty Doogie]

Unfortuneately no one can give any advice until we get some figures and diagrammes. It is the sort of job that really needs an inspection to see what is going on. $1500 does sound a bit pricey for an engineers plan though of a small job.

Maybe consult a builder, carpenter, designer or contact archicentre.

[kyron]

Unfortuneately no one can give any advice until we get some figures and diagrammes. It is the sort of job that really needs an inspection to see what is going on. $1500 does sound a bit pricey for an engineers plan though of a small job.

Maybe consult a builder, carpenter, designer or contact archicentre.

I agree its hard to ask for advice without inspecting the site and drawings. Luckily I've found a reasonably priced engineer to advise me on the beams and footings I need for around $350.

However I would like some advice on a company who does small installation jobs such as removing the old railway track and lifting up and welding the new beam/s. The reason I won't do this myself is the weight of the beams and I'll need a fair few accro props to hold the floor up while the old supports are removed.

Does anyone have advice on a person or company who does small jobs like this on the north side of Brisbane?