Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Leveling foundation

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 16 Oct 2000
Time: 09:03 PM

Comments

First, a few questions:

1) What part of the country are you in? 2) What is the general value of comparable homes in your area? 3) How long do you plan to live in your home? 4) What kind of soil do you have (clay, sandy, rock, etc.)? 5) How many square feet is the house? 6) Is it 1 or 2 floors? 7) Do you notice other structural issues, such as cracked walls and/or ceilings?

Depending on the answers to these questions, the path you take may vary. For example, you might be able to "relevel" the house by jacking up the sagging portions and shimming the supports. Depending on access, this may be a less expensive choice. However, if you plan to live in your home indefinitely and you like the area, then you might consider a more permanent remedy, such as you describe (eg., putting in a new foundation).

Depending on the extent, shoring up an old home can be quite costly. If the releveling process causes other things to crack (such as walls, tile, etc.), you could end up with expensive internal repairs as well.

If you live in an area subject to earthquakes, you'll have other expenses, such as seismic anchoring and engineering.

Personally, I tell our clients that the foundation is the most important part of their home and that's one area where cutting corners doesn't pay. So, if you like your house and can afford the cost to make it safe and sound...and this doesn't price you way outside the market value for your property, then go ahead and do it right.

However, if you reply with answers to our questions, we can provide some better guidance.

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