Change out basement ceiling floor joists

[Canadashero]

Hey guys - had a question about potentially getting a little extra clearance from my basement floor to the ceiling. Currently, I have 2x12 ceiling joists that are i think every 16 inches apart (maybe 12", didnt measure exactly). From the floor to the bottom of those joists is 8'8" which is close to an ideal height.

My question is do i have any chance of creating a little 3x3 foot area to get the joists anywhere between 3-6" total? I realize i can't eliminate them entirely, and while i wouldn't be able to swing a driver, i should be able to hit long irons if i can get the height anywhere at or above 9 feet.

Second question is, if anyone has done this or similar, what did the cost run? I'm hoping there's an easier solution than needing to run a bunch of steel beams, but if thats the case, then i'll look to a professional for a quote. I reached out to a handful of structural engineers, but no one seemed to respond - is there another type of person that would have answers to my questions and be able to provide the necessary service?

I'll attach some photos so you guys can see, and will provide more info if asked. Cheers.

https://imgur.com/a/bToSSTL

[delta1274]

Personally, I'd look at digging down versus messing with the structural integrity of your home. I've run across a couple of setups where they had the basement floor dropped a foot and the cement re-poured.

[DejaVu]

Ok I will try to help you. I have built a lot of structures over many many years and they're all still standing.

First, I think the 2x12s are most likely overkill. 2x6/8s are usually plenty. See the picture. I would buy a few treated either 2x4 or 2x6s. Make sure they are straight. Center them so that the middle of them is located at the middle of your cut out. Attached them temporarily in place with drywall screws on each side of your ceiling joists.

Next, drill out holes for your lag bolts about every foot or so starting 4 inches from the ends roughly. Rather than the 4" lag bolts in the picture, it may be better to go with 7" bolts nuts and washers so you can really crank it tight. Use 3/8 or 1/2" bolts and lock nuts. Tighten everything down.

Finally, cut out your designated area with a sawzall/reciprocating saw.

your ceiling joists should be on 16 inch centers, so if you cut 2 of them out you should have 4' width. Your total cost should be under $100 even if you have to buy a reciprocating saw from Harbor freight.

Of course do this all at your own risk, I assume zero responsibility, but it should work just fine. Make sure everything is tightened in place before you cut into anything.

if you end up going this route, maybe take a measurement from a certain spot on the ceiling joists to the floor, that you can check over time,t make sure it is still in the same place and nothing has sagged.

[SkeetShooter]

Not trying to doubt your expertise, but without seeing his actual house I wouldnt recommend this course of action. You need a builder and likely an engineer to come in and determine if they can be changed. There could be a valid reason why there are 2x12's vs a 2x8.

[DejaVu]

I totally agree. SkeetShooter That's why I said 'most likely, do it at your own risk, and I take zero responsibility.'

He asked a question and I gave him an answer based on the information he provided. Nobody else was trying to help.

I would encourage him to consult with a local contractor to verify the validity of my idea for him. At least now he has something to go from; whereas a lot of contactors might not have known how to brace a joist like this.

[Jeff50316]

There was a post a while back where a guy raised his ceiling. He had to bring in 1 steel beam and sandwiched the joists with 2x6’s I think. But he also did a whole room. If you do a search I’m sure you can find it.

[Jeff50316]

My joists are also right around 8’8” and I can swing driver just fine. I’m also 6’3”. I do have a flatter swing though. I’ve also had buddy’s over and no one has hit the ceiling on the back swing or the follow through. But a couple guy have scraped it when they pull the club back around because they don’t hold the follow threw.

[Shipwreck34]

Not sure how much space you have outside your house (backyard/etc) but I think you'd be better off in the long run, and structurally for the house, just building a shed specifically big enough to house the Sim.

Plus, then you have a place to hide and/or sleep when your spouse finds out how much money you've spent to golf indoors!

[Canadashero]

Thanks for the help guys - it’s definitely something I don’t want to mess with personally without a professional. Another potential part of the basement is only 12 feet across, with 10x2’s instead. That makes the space 8‘10, and would likely make replacing them with metal I beams or doubling up some 2x6’s or 2x8’s for a little extra space if necessary easier than the original idea. I appreciate all the feedback folks!

[DejaVu]

Good luck and don't forget to update when you get it done.