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Anyone ever blow sand under a house?

swampwiz

I will be buying a house very soon, and there is standing water under the house (which of course is on piers.) My home inspector said that the remediation for this problem is to simply blow sand under it. He said that for my house (about 800 ft^2), needing 4" should cost about $1K. My real estate agent referred me to a contractor who said it would cost $3.5K! I called my home inspector again, and he said that job estimate was bovine defecation. So I am scrambling around to find someone. Any ideas on how to find someone, and how much it should cost in a generally low labor cost area? (Oh, and I have asked my inspector to consult his Rolodex for referrals.)

ptemplet

We live in Southeast Louisiana and are dealing with a similar situation. High water table in the ground versus lots of rain, home raised 3 ft on piers that sit on a chain wall. Over time the ground below the house has settled due to rain water run off erosion etc creating low spots that hold water. In our area houses were not built with shutters but rather an extended eave that lets run off fall into the landscaping. We have to mitigate the low spots before we spray closed cell spray foam under our house for insulation purposes. The only solutions that were offered were to pump sand under our home and it would take 40 yards of sand. The contractors want upwards of 4500.00 for the job. We are exploring other options. I know this post is from 2010 but I would love to know if you solved your problem.

inkognito

Don't buy that house. Shall I make it, more Hollywood "Run" more technical "Run away".

isabella__MA

The purpose of the sand is to fill in the low spot, so as to change the ground surface elevation to enhance drainage away beneath the house or to provide a drainage layer? I've lived in a house on piers in the tropics, but I don't recall anyone having to do this.

laag

Have the seller fix the house and then check it out.

nandina

Break in the water line? Quite common problem in the south. Other houses in the area built on piers with the underneaths finished for parking and storage and this one does not? Beware. Mosquito breeding spot? In 'gator territory? Does it appear that they have been excavating and resting under the house? Underneath of house have mildew? If a northern property this situation would not be common. Think twice about buying this property.

agupton

Did it recently rain or is the water table this high? I'm guessing your property is in the south, probably a sandy soil with high water table and no risk of freezing. If this is the case, then you do have to worry about mold. Did the inspector not notice mold or is there signs of mold issues being addressed from the previous owner. Ask the owner if there has been any issues with the water. I agree with above, tell the owner to fix it. The purpose of the sand is to fill the grade up above the water table. The water table may fluctuate with the rain, so the water table may not be constant. Check with the surrounding home owners to see if they have this issue and maybe they can recommend someone.

Yardvaark

ptemplet, start a new post with your question. I'm not sure what all other forums exist on Houzz, but there are probably some you could include that are better suited for this subject than Landscape Design. Post anew here too, though, as someone may be able to offer input. Also, include square footage of house and estimated average depth that sand must be in order to mitigate low spots. And explain to anyone not familiar with the term what a "chain" foundation is.