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Mighty -- Neither ceiling was actually removed/replaced. I was told that both sides were braced with supports before the wall was removed and the beam went in, but I didn't see that part myself. Is the bracing alone not enough for a typical wall removal/beam insertion? I would hate to have to...

Thanks... so assuming that it is determined that our beam doesn't have to be especially high, the 2 pieces of the top plate can stay in. We have 8 ft (96") ceilings so I am hoping that with LVL and with the overall narrowness of the house (16 ft across) it will turn out that our beam doesn't...

Is it acceptable that both top plates are still in there? Or are they causing problems relating to the sag upstairs?

Mightygiving -- You're right, from that pic and now that we've opened up a couple of holes in the drywall, there definitely is some other material above the beam. This was existing material, before the reno. Despite that material being there, shouldn't the beam have been placed high enough to...

Not that this makes any difference regarding safety and code, but was that 9 ft header showing any signs of actually physically failing? Also, what do you have to change it out to now?

nealtw -- Can I clarify something about the chart with you? I know very little about this which is why I hired someone to do it for me. :( In the first section of the chart, when it says "Supported Joist Length", does that refer to the span of the beam? And, in that case, does the chart...

Thanks for the responses. Initially, he had written in his quote to me that he planned to use LVL. Would 2 2x6 LVL be more appropriate? Also, I'm not sure what has been used as column on either side to support the beam. Any ideas how to look in to what would be appropriate the bear the...

Sorry for the lack of updates on this... been working on discussions/opening up of things with the contractor to figure out all the details of what has been done. Turns out that the beam is made up of double 2x6s with a layer in between (see pic in OP). Span is 10'. Is this anywhere close to...

Thanks for these responses. newltw -- I know, it's too bad that I realized too late that the fact that this guy has significantly more knowledge than me doesn't mean he had enough knowledge to deal with this properly. This was the first reno I was ever involved in and I obviously made a rookie...

I suspect I already know the answer to this whole thing, but seeing as you are probably all quite a bit more knowledgeable about this stuff than I am, I thought I would ask over here! We have a 1930s, 2 story, semi-detached home. I would say it's an updated home with many original features...