This article addresses the issue of site-made beam made by laying framing lumber down on the flat and building it up resulting in extra costs of both time and materials that could potentially be avoided by using alternate construction techniques. Corrective measures are also suggested.
Issue
Site-made beam made by laying framing lumber down on the flat and building it up.
Description of Implementation Error
All interior beams in the building were site-made.
Risks
Had Advanced Framing techniques been used an overall savings of approximately $2,000 per building would have been realized. The money could have been available to improve other building components to make them more energy efficient in addition to increasing the builder’s profit margin and improving the marketability of the product.
Required Corrections
Use a single or double LVL instead and Advanced Framing techniques.