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Potential Problems for Foundations of Historic Homes | PIERMAN Foundation Repair

SYNOPSIS: A home is a significant investment, and purchasing an older property can come with some unique difficulties. The home's foundation is one such issue that is most often associated with older homes.

Potential Problems Foundations of Historic Homes

BY: Your Name, Your Business

Potential Problems for Foundations of Historic HomesA home is a significant investment, and purchasing an older property can come with some unique difficulties. The home’s foundation is one such issue that is most often associated with older homes. However, older homes have been constructed with outdated engineering practices, and some materials may not have withstood the test of time for various reasons. 

That being said, even newer homes can have foundation issues! This information should not deter potential purchasers that are looking for an older house; it should serve as a warning and call to prepare if the house of your dreams requires foundation repair. 

How can you tell whether the foundation of an old house needs repair or not? Both the symptoms and the causes of foundation issues can be extensive. Some are environmental, while others are just a result of wear and tear. All of them are crucial to be aware of, especially if you are investing in an older or antique home. Since each symptom has its telltale signs and degrees of urgency, we will first discuss just what an old home is really considered.

What is “Old” Exactly?

A home is considered an older home in the real estate industry if it is older than 50 years, and it is considered a historic home if it is older than the 1920s. Homes from this era contain older materials like asbestos, which are now considered harmful, and innovations from earlier times, such as plastics. Many old houses have settled, and there are even houses whose floors are smooth rocks. These features could limit your options in trying to retain the home’s historic integrity, should the foundation of the home require repair.

Typical Symptoms of Foundation Issues

Older houses will feature indicators of significant wear on the foundation. These, however, do not necessarily mean there is a foundation issue. If you notice them and are unsure, have a professional evaluate them because they can be symptoms of other problems.

  • Concrete cracks: These cracks could simply indicate the concrete is deteriorating or could potentially point to a much larger problem. For instance, hairline cracks are not indicative of a foundation issue but fissures bigger than 14 inches may be serious. 
  • Doors and windows: Doors and windows are the most likely places to notice foundation problems. Stress around the frames, particularly at the top, may indicate a problem with the foundation. The foundation may also need attention if the doors and windows don’t open or close properly.
  • Floors and Supports: When floors, support beams, and load-bearing walls exhibit wear, foundation issues become very visible. Uneven floors or supports that are decaying and cracking are frequently big warning signs for foundation issues.

 

Typical Tree Root Causes of Foundation Issues

Not all foundation issues are related to the strength of the foundation. While the deteriorating foundation may be the root of the problem, other influences are frequently blamed for the trouble.

  • Roots: Trees can grow significantly in 50 to 100 years, and their root systems can seriously jeopardize a house’s foundation. Because some trees have extensive root systems, a tree that was once a sapling on the lot across the street when the house was first constructed might now pose a threat, having reached maturity. There are ways to fix this, but they can be expensive, particularly if the problem is coming from an old, well-established tree.

The ground expands as a result of rain and other meteorological factors. Depending on how moist it is, porous soil may expand and compress with the amount of moisture it holds. The foundation lowers into the earth as the soil gets more porous, which is another way the ground swells.

Steps to Take

It’s time to consult specialists if you think a home you want to buy has foundation issues. You can consult a few specialists to assist you with this but always seek multiple viewpoints.

Request a foundation repair expert to examine a house and decide whether foundation repair is necessary. If the situation permits, they can also create a strategy to do this successfully. Professionals in structural repair are trained to inspect the surroundings and building materials, as well as any other relevant variables.

The extent of the repairs will determine the potential price. While patching the flaws could cost anywhere around $3,500, a complete replacement could cost you $50,000. Although you might be able to include this expense in your discussions about the home’s sale price, sellers often won’t carry out the work themselves.

Should I Purchase an Old House?

A foundation problem can deter a potential buyer, especially in light of this information. There are, however, benefits to this fact. Fewer purchasers means a lot of flexibility for you to be able to make successful negotiations on the house. For example, you can save money by hiring a local and professional team to complete the work. Older homes with foundation issues can also be viewed as an investment opportunity by savvy investors. Rehabilitating the foundation in an older property can restore a home’s potential. 

Essentially, it is important to keep in mind that older houses go beyond being charming curiosities. Some may be built solidly, have lovely architecture, and have numerous past and future memories! It is still possible that an older home may still be purchased despite having foundation issues. Even an older property with a foundation issue could become your dream home or your best investment if you exercise caution and heed the advice mentioned above.

Why should you choose PIERMAN Foundation Repair?

Homeowners may find a task like this perplexing or daunting, particularly when they are unsure where to begin. Our goal is to thoroughly explain our Foundation Repair services so you may decide on your home renovation solution with confidence. Any work is not complete until we have informed you of the damage’s origin, pertinent repair options, and the step-by-step procedure for enhancing your home. 

We take the evaluation of foundation restoration seriously. Our team will perform a comprehensive examination of the current condition of your foundation, revealing any potential issues. All relevant readings or measurements will be taken to identify the root cause of the issue. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as we can on how to make a significant investment in the structural integrity of your family’s house.

Give us a call today at (580) 453-0330 for more information and to schedule your first step towards a new (yet beautifully old!) family home.

 

“Best Crawl Space Repair Company in Ada, OK”

Top Rated Local Crawl Space / Foundation Repair Services Professionals

Pontotoc County: Ada, , , , , OK

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“Best Crawl Space Repair Company in Ada, OK”

Top Rated Local Crawl Space / Foundation Repair Services Professionals

Pontotoc County: Ada, , , , , OK

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Potential Problems for Foundations of Historic Homes | PIERMAN Foundation Repair