JOIN DIYCHATROOM TODAY!

watchtower7 · 06-03-2008, 07:34 PM

I am buying a house, 1948 model, lots of updates from professional contractors, city approved.
On the disclosure, seller noted termite damage/sill replacement at time of her purchase (1988).
Our termite guy found the other side of the house had old termite (not active) or moisture damage requiring replacement @$2500.
Seller brought in another guy, recomended doing a cosmetic (attaching support to foundation and joists) but not sill replacement stating this was a more "minimally invasive" repair.
Homeowner feels risk of jacking up and replacing sill not worth the risk (cracked walls, etc.), the house has settled to a "comfortable" point, I am worried the next buyer might not be so understanding.
Any feelings?
And is there an insurance rider homeowner can add to cover potential damage if sill replacement is done?
Thanks, I don't know what to do.

buletbob · 06-03-2008, 09:08 PM

if it was my house it would be changed, I have done plenty of them in my time, i There is a lot that has to be taken into account.
1.What type of siding is on the house
2.what type of head room is in the Crawl or basement
3. I don't think so being built in the forties, but is it balloon framed
4. How many feet are we talking about.
5. is there any obstacles in the way (oil tank, Burner, Heater,)
If you could post some pictures of the outside and inside in question I would be glade to give you my opinion.

watchtower7 · 06-03-2008, 09:17 PM

siding looks like wood shingle
2-3 ft head room
i think 21 feet
clear shot all the way except maybe vent
i dont have any crawl space pictures on my computer sorry
exterior shot attached

buletbob · 06-03-2008, 10:05 PM

21 feet and what your trimite guy quoted you sounds right!. I would have him do the repair, even though its been 20 years. since it first was discovered. the head room height is what makes it A pain in the A$$.

watchtower7 · 06-07-2008, 11:54 AM

buletbob · 06-07-2008, 04:50 PM

Picture A. I would change the sill From what I can see. it appears the sill is so compressed that the floor joist is almost bearing on the cap stone on the foundation.

Picture B. it appears that the sill is so rotted that they sprayed some foam insulation where the box beam meets the sill to keep out the drafts.
I would also change this.

If it's broken fix it. if it's not broken leave it alone
as far as the insurance rider I can't help you there. I would speak to my insurance broker. BOB

JOIN DIYCHATROOM TODAY!

sill replacement or?

sill replacement or?

sill replacement or?

sill replacement or?

sill replacement or?

sill replacement or?