Sagging floors – New basement footings
Hi, we own a 1927 Seattle wooden frame home with sagging floors. The house has a footprint of approximately 860 square feet. There is a 6 ft basement (unfinished with exposed joists & beams on a concrete slab). In addition to the first floor, there is an unfinished attic that we eventually plan to convert to living space. We also want to lower the basement floor by 1 -1.5 feet to make it into a more functional space.
My question: Is it possible and/or safe to pour new footings 1 – 1.5 feet below the existing concrete floor grade in order to make it possible in the near future to remove the old concrete floor and lower the basement by 1 – 1.5 feet? The footings would support new steel posts which in turn would support new beam(s).
I do intend to get consult a structural engineer before starting this work, but wanted to know if this approach was even feasible.
Thanks
Replies
yes... but you have to pour a new stepped footing around the perimeter to keep the exterior walls supported...
or... if you have a poured foundation.. you could dig below the exterior foundation in sections and pour those sections.... say, maybe 4' sections .. leapfrogging
the interior footings for support posts are no problem
You could also have the house jacked up and add a couple rows of blocks. It might be simpler, in the end, not having to get rid of all that earth.
I'm not qualified - at all - in this area, so I can't comment further.
Bill,
You couldn't be more correct. Just another way to skin the cat.
I read a lot of your posts.
Stop being so doubtful about yourself and what you know. Carry on with confidence.
Not that it isn't a good thing to ask a lot of questions. You know a lot more than you give yourself credit for.
Eric[email protected]
Have you been following Madscientist's threads about foundation replacement - I think he is even in your neck of the woods....
Thanks for replies, the legacy postings have increased my appreciation of the task.