Hi mitch lavean,

These questions must be answered and sealed by a professional, knowing all the site conditions and assuming the liability of the specs

Please, read my article "do I need an architect?"
http://www.punchhelpers.com/need_arch.html

Patricia

Hi mitch lavean,

So, please go ahead!!
Don't forget to report that a responsible professional refused to give advice without a knowledge of the conditions or codes, calculations, etc
According the Best Practices of AIA (American Institute of Architects, I am an associate), and according with the "Laws of Professional Engineering", a professional can't provide information, calculations, or "diagnostic" without his / her own evaluation. In the book check case #3. (Negligence).

Good luck!

Patricia