Advice Needed: How to Handle an Old House's Unevenness?
Asked by H0meB0und_27!
Hey folks! I recently bought an old house from 1890, and it's definitely showing its age. I've got some serious unevenness going on, with cracked baseboards and walls that shift when seasons change. The previous inspection showed no damage, but I reached out to different contractors for solutions. One suggested adding steel beams, while another said not to mess with it at all since the foundation is fine. The slope and cracks really bother me, and I'm not sure how to proceed without making things worse. Has anyone had similar experiences? What did you do about it?
Answers
If you're aiming for a more level house, you might consider jacking up the lower areas gradually. But be warned that it could create more issues, like cracks elsewhere. My advice? If your foundation is solid and you're not planning to host events, you might want to embrace the character of your old house instead of chasing perfection.
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Honestly, your best bet is to get a structural engineer to take a look. Contractors can often give you conflicting advice, and sometimes they might not have the right expertise for your situation. An engineer will provide a solid assessment of your foundation and what can be done without causing more headaches down the road.
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Definitely start with a structural engineer for some professional insight before committing to any major changes. Contractors can be hit or miss with their recommendations, especially on older homes. It's crucial to understand the implications of any work you decide on!
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