Beam Me Up

Doesn't every house have a 16 1/2" tall 60 foot long beam in it? Hmm?

So that we could remove a portion of the first floor and cellar that would be tied-into, and replaced, by the new addition, we had to support the second floor and remaining roof. Somehow. . . 

Luckily (except as it relates to the budget!), we needed a 60 foot beam to use on the roof ridge. We decided to have it delivered early so we could use it as a temporary support. 

A crane is the best way to move a big beam. It's very nice to live in a town where many neighbors have very large equipment!

It started on the West side. . .

Over the house. . .

Now on the East side!

 

We had to maneuver the beam through the tree and "thread the needle" by moving the beam into the house and through a hole we made in the wall that was just big enough for the beam. 

We supported it in the yard on one side and in the downstairs bedroom on the other.  Kinda hangin' out in space you know?