How do I safely raise and level my pier and beam foundation?
by
Jacob Schult
+4
I recently purchased a 1940s home pier and beam foundation, that I knew had some sagging just due to the age of the home and the fact that it's located in the pacific northwest. I had a foundation specialist come out to get some insight/bid on what needed to be done to level the floors and found that they suggested adding their "Push Piers" all around the exterior cement block as well as their smart jacks under the beams of the floor to lift everything at once. The total bid was over $20k so I was a little taken aback.
My question is if I decide to use a good amount of screw jacks (probably about 10) under the floor beams to raise the floor can I get away with not also raising the exterior concrete foundation? Most of the sagging was about 3" but there is one point in the home that is near 5".
I attached the layout of the suggested placement of everything from the foundation specialist. The PP stands for push piers (around the exterior) and SJ is the smart jacks. Any insight would be very appreciated! Thanks!
This is a typical problem in the PNW, due to our wet climate and soil movement. I would get two more quotes, and go with a pro, IMHO its not a DIY job for a homeowner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84qplcTbIBU
I don't think this is a really hard job but you will need some help. To do it right you need to dig real foundations for the new pillars and not just sit them on the ground or you will have to do it again. Use concrete pads or bricks not concrete blocks. I would prefer pouring concrete pillars.
I have helped with one of these projects and things worked out really well with not a lot of serious issues.
It can be dangerous so be careful.
HomeAdvisor.com or Angieslist.com can put you in touch with a structural engineer and or a contractor to do the job correctly.... also.... once you start to change anything having to do with your foundation..... you WILL have to comply with current building codes.... contact your state and local building departments to find out those requirements.
My best advice to you is that unless you have some experience doing this kind of work, don't attempt it yourself. Get more quotes -- that $20K sounds like a lot more work than what you need. If you had a home inspection prior to purchasing the home, what did your home inspector recommend you do? Using jacks to shore up a foundation does not sound like a permanent solution to me, it sounds like something a fly-by-night janky contractor would try to pawn off on you. I think it is good advice to hire a certified structural engineer to give you an unbiased opinion as to what works best, and go from there.