Succumbing to Pier Pressure...

Succumbing to Pier Pressure...

     Living in an area where pier and beam construction is prevalent, issues with sagging floors, cracks in the walls and myriads of other issues is not uncommon. Some of these can be attributed to older construction methodologies. Years ago, live and dead loads were not what they are today, and builders often used "rules of thumb" to calculate loads and spans. Construction was not the science it is today.
     Rehabbers and other contractors, wanting to make amends for the "sins of their fathers", often make matters worse by making cardinal sins of their own. Often, slip-shod, hastily constructed, impromptu piers are fashioned to correct ailing structures.    
     Out of sight, doesn't make it right. Home owners don't know a proper construction from Adam. Home inspectors should, although many don't.
     The pictures are all of properties that "passed inspection" by my peers. Properties that undergo pre-inspections should be scrutinized more so. Anything less will cast doubt on the inspector's abilities and integrity. Fingers point, peeing matches start and lawsuits are threatened.
     In scenarios such as this, it is best to do what is right and not succumb to pier pressure. Reputable inspectors will look out for all parties involved in the transaction, not just the folks who hired them. IMHO, some inspectors need to go out of business or, at a bare minimum, go back to school...

 

 

 

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