Fixing front porch and roof overhang

I will check out Sunset Magazing. I appreciate all your help in this matter ossobuco.

MEC, I apologize for being a little short in my answers.. when you have been unfailingly courteous.

I also apologize for not asking where you are... not that you have to tell us exactly, but a kind of clue re the area and the land.

Geez, I sound like a super snot!

There are ways around fat posts, such as bolted plant-ons (4 xs with 1 xs.)

Read and read before building.

As Osso said, you don't need an I-beam. I only mentioned it because a contractor might use it. Wood will work just fine for temporary support.

4x4 columns are probably fine since they were used the first time. The problem isn't the 4x4 post. It is the way the post was supported underneath. The building inspector can help you out some. He isn't going to want to do all your calculations for you but he does it enough he can give you an idea of the right way to do it.

Eh. I'd never let a 4x in space like toothpicks. But, I 'm not from here in new mexico, so lame, so lame.

I suppose I should be quiet. A cultural shock. Big cultural shock.

Agree with parados re base..