Many older homes throughout the country, especially where I live in Eureka CA still sit on a pier and post foundation.  As a Realtor working with many buyers interested in purchasing a charming old home in the Humboldt Real Estate Market, most buyers are concerned about this older foundation surviving the next major earthquake.

Well my first response is always, “Well it’s still standing after how many major earthquakes?” I usually get a calmer chuckle or two.  With that being said, it’s still a good idea to get someone who specializes in older foundations to do an inspection on the home you are interested in buying.  Only an experienced foundation guy can tell you exactly what your soon-to-be home is sitting on.  There are times your home might be on a perimeter foundation, but have existing pier and posts left behind.  Sometimes what appears to be a perimeter foundation actually is just a skirt to cover the gap between the ground and the first floor of your house and what you're looking at is still a pier and post foundation.  So it's a good idea to know what you have.  Most home inspectors have a general knowledge on foundations.  However, if you want to make sure your pier and post foundation is in good shape and whether your home is actually bolted to the perimeter foundation it's a good idea to ask the experts.

I remember when I bought my first Victorian in Eureka CA, I too was concerned about the pier and post foundation, especially since there was a noticeable hump in the middle of the dining room floor.  I have to admit, my husband and I were just as nervous about that foundation as any other buyer would be.  So we called George Kurwitz, the foundation expert in Humboldt County.  He’s the one who repaired almost all the old Victorians in Ferndale CA that jumped off of their foundation during the last major earthquake in the 90’s.  Within minutes of crawling under our house, he determined the foundation was in great shape and the hump in the floor was just due to settling over the years.

Many worry that pier and post foundations are a liability, but in reality many of these foundations are still in good shape.  Although most folks would prefer seeing their old Victorian or Craftsman sitting on a perimeter foundation, many foundation experts see no issue with pier and post as long as the pier and posts are not rotting and preferably bolted down.  Most experts agree that during an earthquake pier and post foundation enable the home to move with the quake.  Essentially there is more flexibility.  Not so much with a home sitting on a perimeter foundation.

So if you are buying an old home that still sits on a pier and post foundation, call your local foundation expert, one who specializes or works regularly with pier and post.  This extra step will ease your mind and address your concerns about whether or not your soon-to-be-home’s foundation is good enough to withstand the next major earthquake.

I work with both buyers and sellers who's first love is an older home.  It's good to work with an agent who specializes in these homes.  I have built connections in the restoration and old home maintenance industry to be able to refer my buyers and sellers to the old house experts.  If you are considering an older home give me a call and we can chat about what's available in our area.  If you are ready to sell your Humboldt Historic Home I have the tools and know how to attract the old house buyer.  Just call 707-496-5770 for details.

Copyright 2009 Jessica Bigger. All Rights Reserved. *Humboldt Real Estate: Old House Foundations – Should I Be Worried About Pier and Post Foundation?*