I bought my house back in 2008, and it turns out that the floor joists are in terrible shape, except for half the living room. I'm trying to manage living here, but certain areas are unsafe, and I'm not physically able to handle repairs myself due to health issues—I've even had two strokes. My son is willing to pay off the mortgage and fix up the house, but I know there are structural problems too. What steps should I take to address this situation?
2 Answers
First things first, you should definitely get a structural engineer to come out and assess what needs to be done and the costs involved. They can give you a clear idea of the repairs required. After that, you can find a qualified contractor to handle the work. Just keep in mind that if you talk to a basement repair company, they'll likely focus solely on basement issues, while a drainage company might blame water damage. An engineer is essential for your situation.
I hear you—it sounds really stressful! Your son seems to have a solid plan, and hiring a structural engineer to evaluate the joists is key. They can also tell you what needs fixing. You might be able to jack up the house while the joists are being replaced, which could make the process smoother. It’s much more cost-effective than moving into a completely new place.
Exactly! As long as the joists are accessible, replacing them shouldn't be too invasive.