C brackets or wooden beam to replace a load bearing wall?

Question

I am trying to find a contractor to replace a foot thick brick load bearing wall in my house. No one really wants to do it since it is not a large job.

One of the contractors that I might hire said that the engineer would be able to tell what's best. I have never heard of C brackets.

Anyway, what would be better, support-wise, to replace the wall. Steel C brackets that would be bolted in at the top in a zig zag pattern or a wooden load-bearing beam?

1 second ago - 3 days left to answer.

Answer 1

I think when the contractor said; "the engineer would be able to tell what's best" he meant one who actually examined the wall, not someone on the internet who has not seen seen the wall and would have to guess at details.

Answer 2

It sounds like you need to contact a structural engineer and your local building control inspector. They will advise what solution you need for this work.

Don't rely on the advice of a contractor to decide what to do, as in general they will do what they can do for least cost and maximum profit to themselves, and leave you to sort out the mess they create.

Remember, it's your house and maybe your home, don't take chances with it.