Expert: Dan Griffin - 9/14/2011

Question
We have a 1910 farmhouse that was moved to our land over ten years ago. It had a block and beam "foundation." When it was relocated, the mover did the same; so it now stands on cinder blocks as before.  However, the terrain in the new location is not flat and level.  Along the front of edge, the house is about 3 1/2 or 4 ft. in some places and only 1 foot along the back edge. The blocks have never been ideal. Is it possible to pour piers that will provide more support even though the house is already in place? If not all inside the area under the house, could piers be poured at the borders for more convenient access?  Should a good foundation company be hired to "retro-fit" the piers?  Just trying to assess what to do, so we can estimate the costs.  Since the house is occupied (albeit on a part-time basis, weekends and vacations) I realize we will need to check codes in the rural county the house is located in.  Thanks for any suggestions/recommendations.

Answer
Nancy, I'm not sure  I understand all your question and issues.  I assume that the house is situated  where you want it on the property.  I assume it is turned the direction that you want it to be turned.  I assume that the house is set down level.  It sounds as if you wish the gap between the ground and the bottom of the house were closer to same all around than it is.  It sounds as if you have an open to daylight condition around the house.  It sounds as if you have loose stacked cement blocks with no footings holding up the house now.

You want to be sure that, no matter what, you don't trap water under the house.  This is usually handled by digging out a level subgrade, establishing a full perimeter foundation wall, and proper drainage grade to move water away from the house.

Yes, you could dig and pour concrete footings and piers and then remove the cement blocks.  It might be easier to dig and pour pad footings below frost line and then lay solid block or similar to bear the house.

It would be possible to dig and pour a continuous stem wall around the house.  It would probably need to be done in sections, though a good builder could probably do really large sections.

The land should have been graded or leveled before moving the house onto it.  It can be done by hand digging at this point, but it will be a daunting task.

A good builder or foundation contractor should be able to give you some on site advice about choices.  I hope this gives you a few good ideas.