Has anyone had to fix a sinking foundation?

We rent this house but we are seriously considering purchasing it when we are ready. My late stepfather was a contractor so I can already figure out the issues that will need to be addressed when we purchase it. I can tell that the house is sinking in the middle. I think the chimney is pulling the house down. Our neighbors in our last house had the same issue. The neighbors next to us have the exact same house as us and they had the issue fixed in the 70's. The house was built around 1900 and from what I read online it is a common issue with the older houses as the foundation is built on dirt and not cement so as the ground settles so does the house.

Growing up we had a 1950's home that started to show settling cracks and my stepdad just purchased a hydrolic jack and each week turned it a half crank until the issue was fixed then he put in support beam. Since he did this himself, I have no clue what something like this would cost if hired someone. Hoping someone here could let me know if you had something similar done.

Re: Has anyone had to fix a sinking foundation?

We did it -- the foundation wasn't sinking but it was balloon construction and the previous owners (before the owners we bought from) had added a full second story without the proper inspections/footings in place so we had cracks and compromises all over the basement.

Ended up raising the house almost 3', demolishing the existing foundation, putting in a new basement with 8' ceilings, new outside entrance, and then we finished the basement as a family room/bar/workspace/storage room, etc.

We used Graziano construction in Bohemia - they did a house around the corner from us and everyone was very pleased.

FM me for more info -- we got quotes ranging from $8k to $150k just for the lift/repair of foundation. Unbelievable range of quotes -- and this was before the rush of homes being lifted after Sandy.

Re: Has anyone had to fix a sinking foundation?

Afternoon! Please call our office to set up a free estimate to have your foundation looked at. We would be happy to see if we can help. 888-251-3676