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display__name__ t1_j27lfhd wrote

You should hire an engineer to help you with the beam/post design and with the plans for permits. In general, a 4x10 beam would be more efficient than a 6x6 beam, but the actual size will depend on the roofing material, roof slope, and whether it needs to be designed for snow load. Using a higher grade/species lumber would also be an option to reduce the beam size.

With a 4x beam, 4x4 posts should be adequate, unless they're pretty tall. If you go with a 6x beam, 4x6 or 6x6 posts would be used, to match the beam width.

The existing foundation might be undersized to support increased post loads, and this would be another thing that your engineer would help you verify

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baseballfan1192 OP t1_j27r20t wrote

Posts are ~7ft tall. The roof is just 2x4s about 2ins apart laid across 2x6 rafters spaced about 3ft apart . I’m in Southern California so no snow

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display__name__ t1_j27ro9t wrote

I'm an LA-based structural engineer. Since you're in SoCal, the patio cover also needs to meet the building code seismic safety requirements. You don't want it coming down during an earthquake. This is something that the building department will need review, approve, and inspect. You should hire an engineer for this type of work

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baseballfan1192 OP t1_j27tqct wrote

What should I expect to pay for something like that?

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display__name__ t1_j27tyr8 wrote

Most local engineers will start their fees around $750 to $1,000. You might also need an architectural designer (drafter) to make field measurements prepare a site plan for permitting. Some designer will have their own engineers that they work with

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