We have an old cabin which we need to repair. Under existing bylaws we would not be able to replace this cabin in its existing waterfront location so repair is the only option.
Originally the cabin sat 1 foot above ground on cement pads. Over the years the cabin sunk into the ground which has caused the floor structure to rot. We dug a hole on the outside of he cabin with the intention of getting a jack under it to jack it out of the ground and build a new floor support structure however the wood floor joists were rotted at least around the perimeter (not sure about in the middle). There is no finished wall covering on the inside of the cabin so you can see the wall studs and the roof structure and all are in good shape. Needless to say though the walls are on a lean because the foundation has sunk into the ground.
Any suggestions on how we get the building out of the ground to then be able to replace it's floor/foundation getting it back up on cement pads, high & dry again?

MOWERMAN2468

sounds like you may be out of luck here. if the entire perimeter is rotted, chances are the other joist are rotted as well. also, if the walls are leaning, it is going to be very dangerous at best to attempt repairs.

whil9052

Thanks for replying.....I am still hoping there is some solution out but I appreciate your thoughts. We realize the safety concerns.
whil9052

ballengerb1

I think your only hope may be a professional house mover. They can lift a house just enough to get under and replace the rotten supports but it does sound like the whole house could be in jeopardy of coming down. A pro can build you a foundation with a new floor then just set the old cabin back down on top. This is going to be in the $20k ballpark depending on the soil and size of your cabin.

Flying Blue Eagle

IF he decides to keep the cabin , He needs to pour a spread footing with rebar running both was tied with tie wire. get a good contractor, and talk to him. also check on his state & local building codes. codes also on the footings, width ,depth and frost line. yes it can be repaired. good luck F.B.E

labman

My friends jacked up an entire 2 story house 3' themselves to meet flood plain restrictions. they then laid block on top of the old stone foundation. I saw nothing of the job. Use lots of jacks under the lowest solid members. Go down below the frost line and pour concrete. Finish with pressure treated wood next to the concrete.

KBC

Yes, you can lift a cabin with great care and the proper equipment,I have lifted barns up to 70 feet long and 40 feet wide using mechanical jacks and cribbing( cribbing being 4X6 in stacks 2 one way then 2 the other building a square box to allow for larger lifting surface)

You have to listen to the building while lifting,upon 3 small snaps(wood moving to a new location) give it a rest, then try again,remembering,the building is going where it doesn't really want to go.

A cabin is lighter than a house,smiler to a barn and should not be all that bad to re- maneuver.

after the weight is off the posts/concrete bases, a new footer below frost line(and by the river you'll still have some water table situations to deal with) and building up of the posts,even if its only cinder block, will support a lightweight structure.

I would contact at least a concrete contractor and get their opinion on the footer and excavation, beyond that its just a matter of replacing the wood sub-structure,even a section at a time isn't out of line,just make sure its treated lumber this time around.

Lifting from the outside might prove disastrous because of the rot, you might need a extension on a jack to be able to reach in without putting yourself in danger of collapse.

Hope this helps,

Ken

whil9052

Thanks for your input. We really were hoping to tackle this project ourselves if at all possible. Would spend some money for a good solution but $20K just isn't going to happen! whil9052

whil9052

Ken - do you dig under the punky foundation and put the cribbing under it? whil9052

ballengerb1

Cribbing goes between the foundation and the building. Do not dig under the foundation, you don't want to lift that with the cabin. Due to the rot you will need beams long enough to reach the length of the house and about 5' extra feet beyound at both ends. House movers use large steel I beams, don't know what Ken used so he'll be back later to say. Good luck.