Ok, so three beam options exist to remove the post.

1. Bolt C channel steel along both sides of the existing beam.
Pros- easiest option, cheapest at under 500$ Done in few hours.
Cons- beam still keeps its current protrusion into the headroom of the space.

2. 4 2x11 LVLs sandwiched together and sunk into the floor joist.
Pros- beam now protrudes only 3" into headroom of space.
Cons- more work and higher cost of approx 1000$

3. 8"x8" I Beam sunk into joist space with 2x8 laminated on top to hang floor joist from.
Pros- beam protrudes 1.5"' slightly less.
Cons- most work and lifting involved (over 400 lbs). Most expensive option at around 1200$ Most work to retrofit into current beam foundation pocket.

All three options allow the removal of the post and are suggested by an engineer as suitable choices. What should I do? What would you pick?

Last edited by Serenity_Now; 05/24/14 12:20 AM. Reason: Floor 8", not 10"