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Architecture/leveling or not leveling the house

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Expert: - 10/6/2006


Question
Hi Richard,
my house is currently not level. The foundation in place
was build around 6 years ago, and it was done properly,
however the owner at the time did not think about leveling
the house before doing the new foundation. The house is
not sinking, it is stable, but not level. My husband and I
wanted to do a series of remodeling jobs in the house and
my husband believes that the house needs to be level
before we start any kind of job. What do you suggest?  

Answer
Hi Elena - thanks for your question!

Out of level (or out of "plumb") can be a serious issue, even if the house isn't currently settling.  The structure of a house is designed to resist mostly vertical loads, not "eccentric" loads that can result from the condition you describe.

I would certainly do anything within reason to correct the problem before you do any more work.  Depending upon the size of the house and the degree and location of the out of level parts, it can be a feasible job.

I would recommend that you find a local structural engineer to evaluate the house for you, and certainly before you make any atttempt at levelling the structure.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com

Architecture

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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