Sistering to the main support beam in our 3 story brick house

Advice sought on replacing center beam:
Is it ok to put a 6×6 steel beam NEXT to the existing wood beam?
The beam is in great condition except for the back end which supports the back wall of our house.
Our contractor plans to put a new beam next to the old, running 3/4 of the way, 3 support columns cemented 6 ” into the ground.
Does this sound right?
I would love any advice I could get since I plan on doing this next week along with other work we are doing in the basement.
Thanks!

By | 04/19/2007 12:07 PM