The most important - in terms of not only cost, but hassle:Foundation - Meaning slab or raised foundationStructure - Referring to framing issues....beams, headers, joists, cut trusses, etcPlumbing - in particular Cast Iron used for sewer.

Originally posted by @Ryan Beam:@November Morris Since you mentioned these are your first properties - how familiar are you with East Cleveland?

I am visiting the property on Saturday with my general contractor to evaluate pier and beam foundation repairs + renovations needed. 

Morning All, Can anyone refer me, someone, to handle the potential structural issue in Elgin of some sagging beams? 

if not you can always cut one in to relieve pressure, we have done that in the past, and as you said gutters and downspouts, as well as grading. step cracking is from settling, and it may or may not be an issue, horizontal cracks may be due to bowing, (common in clay soil areas) and can be stabilized with I-beams if not too severe. 

Both buildings were pier and beam.

I ask him, "what size beam did the architect have you put in?" 

Here are some of the vitals:The house was built in an established subdivision in Madisonville, LouisianaThe lot price was $53,000The total construction cost was $295,741The selling price was $347,000Builder profit was $51,259Living area was 2,424 SqFtUnder beam square footage was 3,291Configuration was 5 bedrooms, 3 baths

This should include the main beams, posts, sub-flooring, and floor joists.It is recommended to modify/replace stacked block support under home with one properly-sized wood post secured to concrete pier pad AND gussetted to beam supportThere are one or more wood support posts, as seen in crawl area, that are situated on pier pads that are below the soilThere is no insulation installed under structure

Hi Ann ...building a house on pier and beam should not require any specialized builder.... its  a very simple process where work is really during design (civil/architect) and design work should not have  any additional cost as well ...