Hey everyone! I have a dining room addition that was done before I moved in, and I recently hired a company to install helical piers to level it out since it has settled about 4 inches lower at one end. However, things got complicated when the crew discovered that the room has no footing, leading to additional costs for angle irons to support the structure, which added $5,600 to the bill. To make matters worse, they ended up leaving without performing the lift I hired them for, which I'm told is risky given the lack of a footing. I'm now faced with the question: how likely is it that they can successfully lift this room despite the missing footing? I'm ready to handle any damage that might come from cracking plaster or windows, but I really want to understand the risks involved. Any advice on whether lifting is still a feasible option or how to proceed? Thanks!
4 Answers
I’d recommend holding off until an engineer examines everything thoroughly. You really don’t want just any construction crew handling this without a plan. It sounds like your current company knows there are issues but might be trying to move ahead without a proper assessment.
Lifting the room is still an option, but there's no guarantee it will be even across the whole space. If the angle iron can’t adequately support the load between the piers, you might see some sagging. Be prepared for potential cracking in your drywall and issues with windows and siding. Plus, it could interfere with anything behind those walls or under the floor. Just keep that in mind!
Honestly, it’s great they stopped before doing more damage. It sounds like they know something isn’t right, and they might be trying to protect themselves legally by being cautious. I highly recommend talking to a structural engineer who specializes in these situations before you let them do anything else. You want to ensure you're making the best choice possible here!
If they do come back, there’s a decent chance you’ll get a lift, but they have warned you about potential damage since there’s no footing. They may lift it to satisfy you, but I’d make sure you’re aware of the risks beforehand. Also, ask why they used angle irons if they weren’t appropriate for lifting or what the helical piers are secured to without proper footings. Those are important questions to clarify!
That’s a good point! I thought the engineering was already included in the contract, but it might be worth it to bring in someone neutral for an extra set of eyes.