The column is there to support the beam. The beam is use to support the floor slab.

If the beam can be supported without the column then they would not have built the column in the first place.

That is a structural column. Do Not hack unless you transfer the load somewhere else. It will not break immediately. It will slowly sag then crack.

Again, my advise is always to hire a proper consultant to do your design works. You have spent a lot of money buying the house and going to spend a lot more renovating it. Just pay someone 5-10% to do the design for you and save you all the headache.

This post has been edited by Bishop: Aug 26 2011, 04:42 PM