I recently completed a home remodeling project where a subcontracted roofer was tasked with adding a roof vent for a range hood. However, he ended up drilling a 6-inch hole through what I believe is a load-bearing beam. To accommodate the vent, he also cut a U-shaped hole in another beam. Since this is a two-story house, I'm concerned about how this might affect the structural integrity—especially since one beam seems to support the upstairs while the other appears to support the garage roof. Can anyone help assess if these cuts could compromise my home? I've included some pictures for a better look: [First Cut](https://imgur.com/a/FQIwDr4), [Before Cut](https://imgur.com/a/5ubosjk).
3 Answers
Honestly, that looks pretty concerning to me. If you're worried about the integrity of those beams, calling in a structural engineer is definitely the right move. They'll know exactly how to assess the situation and create a proper plan. And make sure they oversee any repairs so this doesn’t happen again!
You should definitely bring a structural engineer in to check it out. It's key to get a professional assessment, so you can fix any potential issues before they become a big problem. Just know that if this contractor was already paid, it might be a tough lesson learned about vetting workers!
From what you described, it sounds like those cuts were not done correctly, especially the U-shaped notch that likely weakened that joist. Your house probably isn't going to collapse, but it definitely wasn't smart work on their part. The risk of structural damage is quite real, so I'd definitely get a professional opinion as soon as possible. It might be a good idea to consult with a structural engineer to evaluate the damage and recommend a fix.