Sounds like he's (your contractor) talking about lintels. In order to pick up the load of the brick or concrete above the opening steel lintels are installed.

Here's an example of a lintel installed at the time of the wall being erected

Allied Steel

A beam can be use instead of a lintel.

Sounds like he's (your contractor) talking about lintels. In order to pick up the load of the brick or concrete above the opening steel lintels are installed.

Here's an example of a lintel installed at the time of the wall being erected

Allied Steel

A beam can be use instead of a lintel.

Edit, possibly lateral bracing with beams placed as posts?

Acculift Foundation Repair

If a contractor was suggesting that this should be done, it must be for a good reason. I could see how it can be precived as overkill, but as long as the price is reasonable I'd be good with it in my house.