Support Beam / Header Replacement Cost in 2026: $1,500-$15,000

A standard door header spanning 4-6 feet costs $800-$2,500 to replace. A basement carrying beam spanning 12-16 feet runs $4,000-$10,000. A long-span ridge beam or open-concept header spanning 20-30 feet can cost $8,000-$20,000. Longer spans require deeper, heavier beams that cost more in material and are harder to handle, often requiring special equipment.

Dimensional lumber headers cost $10-$20 per linear foot for materials. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) costs $25-$50 per linear foot and is the standard for most replacements. Glulam beams cost $30-$60 per linear foot and are used for long spans and exposed applications. Steel I-beams cost $50-$150 per linear foot for the beam alone, plus significantly higher labor for placement.

Before any load-bearing beam can be removed, the loads it carries must be transferred to temporary posts and beams. Simple shoring for a short header might cost $300-$700 in labor. Shoring a full-length basement beam supporting multiple floors with a full load runs $1,500-$4,000. The complexity of the shoring plan is often what separates a straightforward job from a complicated one.

A basement beam with open joists above and concrete below is the easiest access scenario. Beams concealed in finished walls or ceilings require drywall removal, patching, and repainting on both sides - adding $1,500-$5,000. Beams above finished floors may require temporary protection or partial floor removal. Exterior headers behind brick veneer add $2,000-$5,000 for masonry work.

Many jurisdictions require a building permit for structural beam replacement. Simple header replacements may not require engineered drawings, but any beam change that alters the load path requires stamped engineer drawings at $500-$1,500. Permits add $300-$800 in fees. Skip this step and you face disclosure problems at resale, insurance issues, and potential safety risks.

“What temporary shoring plan do you use, and can I see a sketch of it?”

Why this matters: Shoring is the most dangerous part of beam replacement. A contractor who treats this casually - or says they will 'just prop it up' - is a red flag. Good shoring plans are thought through in advance.

“What size and type of beam are you proposing, and is that based on an engineer's calculation?”

Why this matters: Beam sizing must be based on the actual loads (span, tributary area, floor live load, etc.). A contractor who sizes beams from 'experience' without a calculation is making a guess.

“Will this project require a permit, and will you handle the application?”

Why this matters: Structural work almost always requires permits. Unpermitted structural work creates problems at resale and may void homeowners insurance claims for related damage.

“What does your bid include for surface restoration - drywall, paint, and trim?”

Why this matters: Many contractors exclude surface restoration from structural bids. Understand what you will be responsible for finishing yourself versus what is included.

“How will you handle the bearing points at each end of the new beam?”

Why this matters: The ends of a beam transfer loads to posts or walls. Proper bearing plates, posts, and footings at each end are as important as the beam itself. Ask how the contractor plans to handle each end condition.