The most recent post on this topic that I can find is 2013, so I started a new one. The pics show my 1955 crawlspace and some jacks that have been there since I bought the house, now we are selling and of course the agent wants me to pay for a structural engineer to investigate the supports. I've read that they can be considered permanent, please advise if you folks think I should have a structural out or if there is a code reference that would allow these in a vented crawl in Georgia. There are only two metal jacks and the one 4x4 jack. Thanks!
bluefish7
Temporary or permanent floor jacks?
The most recent post on this topic that I can find is 2013, so I started a new one. The pics show my 1955 crawlspace and some jacks that have been there since I bought the house, now we are selling and of course the agent wants me to pay for a structural engineer to investigate the supports. I've read that they can be considered permanent, please advise if you folks think I should have a structural out or if there is a code reference that would allow these in a vented crawl in Georgia. There are only two metal jacks and the one 4x4 jack. Thanks!
Attachments
The metal ones are meant to be permanent lally columns if they are installed correctly. I can't tell if they have proper footings under them or are properly spaced for the load.
The wooden ones do not look to be installed correctly to be considered permanent.
The wooden ones do not look to be installed correctly to be considered permanent.
You could find an engineer that says it is all wrong and other engineers will say it has been there for so many years so it will be fine. The problem is the engineer has to guarantee it for 30 years.
You have 2 or 3 deficiencies. Where I live you sell a house as is where is. If they have a subject to inspection, they have it inspected and they try to adjust the price for the found defects. That is always cheaper than chasing everything to bring a 70 year old house up to todays code.
You have 2 or 3 deficiencies. Where I live you sell a house as is where is. If they have a subject to inspection, they have it inspected and they try to adjust the price for the found defects. That is always cheaper than chasing everything to bring a 70 year old house up to todays code.
Hi Bluefish,
Just some additional points.
From my experience those adjustable columns are intended to be temporary, although we see them frequently left in place. The real question boils down to their installation and their purpose.
Properly installed they would have been inspected with approved footing below and similar approved support above. Thus at some point the house could be supported, the temp columns removed, and a permanent concrete filled metal pipe installed, or other approved support. I don't think this is the case.
As for their purpose, are they holding up the house or just stabilizing some beams to reduce sagging? If they are just stabilizing old sagging beams (not broken failed ones) then they are not structural and if removed or they failed the house would not fall down, just go back to sagging as was probably the reason for them in the first place.
So, if the question arises from a potential buyer, suggest they are not structural and just keeping the floors level. If desired at any time the new owners can have them replaced but they in no way compromise the support of the house. That assumes no broken beams are being supported.
Bud
Just some additional points.
From my experience those adjustable columns are intended to be temporary, although we see them frequently left in place. The real question boils down to their installation and their purpose.
Properly installed they would have been inspected with approved footing below and similar approved support above. Thus at some point the house could be supported, the temp columns removed, and a permanent concrete filled metal pipe installed, or other approved support. I don't think this is the case.
As for their purpose, are they holding up the house or just stabilizing some beams to reduce sagging? If they are just stabilizing old sagging beams (not broken failed ones) then they are not structural and if removed or they failed the house would not fall down, just go back to sagging as was probably the reason for them in the first place.
So, if the question arises from a potential buyer, suggest they are not structural and just keeping the floors level. If desired at any time the new owners can have them replaced but they in no way compromise the support of the house. That assumes no broken beams are being supported.
Bud
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