Best (contr)actor in a supporting role...

Well, the first support beam has been reinforced and it seems to have been a success.  If the building comes crashing down on our heads then I guess we'll know it didn't work, but I don't think that's going to happen.  We trust our contractor.  Plus, we owe him money, so that's a little added insurance of our safety.

Here's the process:

Place extra supports around the existing support beam, then cut the beam off at the bottom.

 

Next, put a form around the bottom and fill it with concrete.

When it hardens take the form off, and viola, you have a new, stronger support for the beam!

We'll paint the concrete the same color as the beam so it all blends together. 

One down, six to go!