The Big Beam

Mar 8, 2001

8 Mar 2001
Over the past week, quite a lot has gotten done. The framing of the walls is nearly complete and the space is taking shape. The biggest item to get done was the beam. Steve installed a 14' 3" steel (12x26) I-beam across the span previously supported by a wall that cut across the middle of the theater. That beam is probably overkill, but it's always better to be sure. The beam is supported at each end by four 2"x6" boards bolted together. The beam weighed nearly 500 pounds and the installation turned out to be pretty difficult (or so Steve tells me).
All the headers are in and look good. We added a header along the side of the closet under the stairs so I can install an equipment rack for the whole house audio equipment, home control equipment, and whatever else I think of later. We also opened up the stairwell coming down to the basement to provide for a more open feel to the space. We don't want the basement to look or feel like a dungeon.
The rough plumbing also got done this week. The plumber ran all copper supply lines and PVC drains to the bathroom and the location for the bar sink. Unfortunately he had to cut a big hole in one of the main level walls to tap in his vent line. What a mess! Anyway, the plumbing inspector gave the okay on everything, and Steve poured concrete to fill the hole in the slab. Then he installed the tub in the bathroom.
We still have a small problem with the furnace flue pipe being in the way of construction of the bedroom ceiling and not drafting very well. I'm not sure what we are going to do about this just yet.