Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 8/8/2007

Question
We purchased a 150 cape cod with a .35 acre lot and were looking to build an addition recently it has come to our attention that there was substantial water damage to southern foundation wall as well as drainage isues.We have been noticing the floor in the kitchen along that side of the house buckling. We have not been able to find anyone to help us in anyway figure out if the addition (2nd floor) would be possible in light of what we have found. They have all offered services for substantial cost and then to can ultimately tell us we cant build and have to sell the house as is. We are really lost and would appreciate any advice you can give us

Answer
It sounds like you are approaching this reasonably, asking multiple experts for opinions and bids.  If contractors and/or engineers unanimously tell you that it is not possible to know without serious effort or study whether your existing foundation is sounds and adequate, this is probably the case.  Perhaps finish materials make it impossible to determine the size or condition of your foundation and footings.  If you have some settling or buckling of your foundation wall occurring, as evidenced by your kitchen, this should be fixed before adding any loads.  (And of course the poor drainage or other root cause should be corrected ASAP in either case.)  You may have to spend some money to determine the feasibility of your project.  That said, depending on your situation I wouldn't think the costs would be very great to dig a test hole, perhaps remove some basement drywall, etc. to assess your house.  Before going ahead you could get opinions on the worst case costs of the overall addition if a portion of your foundation, in fact, needs to be replaced.  After all, anything is possible, it's just a matter of the price tag.  Good luck with your project.