This is a repost from a Twitter thread I made back in June 2018. I will be resurfacing old threads I happen to like from time to time to make them available on cohost too!
This is also my longest-surviving series of tweets as they were being RT'd right into 2022. I will link to part 2 from here when I post it later.
[Back in 2017], "beatmastrJ" started to post photos in the DIY section of the Something Awful forums. Here was the bathroom as it was and a sketch of the plan (see above).
Upgrades included new lighting and electrical plus a medicine cabinet. There is a lack of GFCI here but it isn't the worst thing.


The way the wall studs were cut bothers me too but here's how it looks with the drywall all mudded.


It's time to destroy the bathtub.

A window was also removed and the exterior was re-stucco'd.


It's time to rip out the subfloor for a new tub!

Someone noticed something [and replied to the thread:]
Are those engineered I beams that you cut the top off of?
[To which beatmastrJ replied:]
Yes, which i'm sure is not to code, but its the only way I can accomplish what I'm trying to do.
No big deal. Violate a little bit of code to get a bit further.
And yes. He cut right into the engineered beams.

Someone goes into detail about why he did a bad thing.
I started writing up a big post but I don't think it will be constructive.
Basically the jist is this: You've done a really bad thing and are making some choices that will have serious consequences. I suggest stopping here for a bit and thinking things over. Also ask lots of questions and listen to what alot of people are about to say here.
[So he replies.] It's DIY! Get messy! Make mistakes!
Well the fun part about posting your project online is that the internet is a ruthless foe, quick to point out your mistakes. Obviously i'm a bit vested into this project to stop now, but i do encourage any advice people may have on how to proceed. While normally I do my best to stay within code compliance (to the best of my knowledge) I may take some liberties here and there. But I'm certainly not looking to destroy my home so I don't take these things with a grain of salt and do my best to over engineer anything I may have done wrong. Code compliance issues are a dime a dozen I'm sure, but most people turn a blind eye if they never saw it happen. While I may not be doing things completely right, I don't have a blatant disregard for what I'm doing. I've invested a ridiculous amount of time into thinking about all the details of this project already.
I'm happy to share my future plans with people if that would solicit helpful advice, but telling me I did something wrong without offering any constructive advice is not helpful.
He was called out a few times so he replied with a solution to his follies.
Here is my idea for strengthening the beams prior to installing the new subfloor. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions.
New 2x4's will be added to the top (with a slot cut to slide onto the beam).
Plywood "bridge supports’ will be added directly below the 2x4s extending beyond the cut area.
2x4 cross members will be added between each beam for extra rigidity.
Front view and side view of proposed plan:
Clearly nobody thought that he knew what he was doing.
Dude I really think you need to consult with someone before moving forward on this.
Have you talked to an engineer about this?
He relented and said he'd get a professional involved...
OK, you guys scared me sufficiently enough that I reached out to some engineers. I spoke with one and he gave me some suggestions on how to accomplish what I want to do. Might involve some contractors but it's probably the right thing to do. So for now this will be on hold until I can get some contractors over.
Will post part 2 sometime later!
