Expert: Dan Griffin - 7/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a 12'x 24' shed in my yard that was built on site on a bed of stone.  It is way off level, front to back and one side.  It has 6' opening double steel doors that will very soon not meet in the middle.  The ground is soft as it never gets a real chance to dry out and harden after rain and the entire neighborhood seems to have very wet ground.  How can I get this structure leveled out, there's not a lot of room from the ground to the underneath, it sits on 4x4's.

ANSWER: The building must be empty or very close to it before you manipulate it.  They are relatively light weight when empty and fairly easy to raise and lower.  The "skids" will be about 6' apart making them about 3' in from each edge.  Have an assortment of patio blocks ready to go.  These are 8x16 flat solid cement block products that come in 1", 1 1/2, 2. and 4" thicknesses.  Use a 4z4 about ten or twelve feet long with one end under the edge of the building and a log or short timber as a fulcrum under the lever close to the edge of the building.  Push down on the far end of the 4x4 and it should raise the building with ease.  Insert the appropriate block(s) and move down.  This may need to repeat each year if the building coninues  to settle.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dan,
    I understand your response, however, this was a very well made shed which has (5)4x4's the 28'  (22)2x4's to support the flooring.  How will I be able to get the size and weight blocks under the remaining (3) 4x4's in the center.
    Are there any other solutions, do you know of any companies that can somehow manage to put a cement pad under the shed at this time.

Answer
Peggy,  you could consider cutting access points in the floor to work each stringer.  Perhaps you would be best off contacting a local house mover, they are quite prepared to lift, shim, and adjust structures.  Most would also be able to provide the concrete pad if that seems the best way to go.

I am just curious, why wasn't the first installation level?  Just settled?