ᐅ Widening and Repositioning a Doorway – Is a Steel Beam or a New Lintel Recommended?

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to modify a door opening and wanted to ask for experiences or opinions.

Current situation:

• existing opening approximately 80 cm (31.5 inches) wide
• to be widened by about 20 cm (8 inches)
• also shifted about 20 cm (8 inches) to the right
• wall thickness: 11.5 cm (4.5 inches)
• opening height should remain unchanged
• there is already a steel beam running parallel above

A contractor mentioned that a steel beam could be installed about 20 cm (8 inches) below the ceiling.

Now I am wondering:
Would it possibly be more sensible or easier to remove the existing lintel above the opening (probably there) and replace it with a larger/longer lintel instead?

From a structural and practical point of view, what would make the most sense here?

Thanks in advance for your advice!