DIY Pier and Beam Repair?

Question

Hi All,

Looking at a duplex that a foundation company has quoted ~$500/pier to tear out and replace. Looking online, this doesn't appear to be the most complicated thing - particularly because the crawl space is big enough to get under. I would think ~4-5 bottle jacks, some pre-poured 3000 PSI concrete piers/bases, shims, blocks, and a level to get this thing supported correctly.

Am I grossly underestimating the complexity of this? I know you risk damaging plumbing and more by jacking the house up, but if you take it slow and make sure you're distribution is even, seems to be the same risk as letting a contractor perform the work.

Another point - does the fact that this is DYI invalidate the work in the event of an inspection pre-sale? Assuming piers were placed correctly originally.

Eager to hear your thoughts!

Account Closed · Answer

I've replaced the odd pier here and there. Buy or rent a couple of house jacks and support both sides of the pier you are replacing and remove and insert. Don't assume they are all the same length. The ground is not perfectly flat under a house. They are cut to length on site. Since they are exposed to the elements you may want to treat them. Keep your fingers out of places they shouldn't be and use whatever brackets are code to tie it all together. Put a long level on the section of the floor above where you are working so you can check for level from time to time. Have someone help, it's at least a two person job.

Don Gouge · Answer

$500 per pier seems really high especially when you consider you have 34! Nothing about working on a house is rocket science. Just make sure things are well braced before you get under there!

Matthew Paul · Answer

You are pretty close on what to do .Without looking at it its hard to say for sure , but the process is basically how you described .@DeAnna Henson

DeAnna Henson · Answer

@Mike S.

Great advice, thank you!

$500/pier is definitely expensive. I’m sure that could be brought down with some competitive bids. Just trying to get a handle on areas I could save $ via DIY.

DeAnna Henson · Answer

Foundation inspection shows all piers aside from the 4 corners need to be replaced (34 in total). I'd need a little more research on process, but makes sense to me to jack up one beam at a time, maybe 1/4", and then pull out bad piers one at a time, replace with new ones.

Don Gouge · Answer

I would undertake this but I am fearless crazy when it comes to home repair. It's not work that many people want to do, hence the high prices. Exactly what is the problem?

DIY Pier and Beam Repair?

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