u_page=2798&u_sid=10164244They were just starting to do soil replacement when I left in 2000.

To me it would seem easier and look better to tear it off and mud the drywall underneath.

The soil is very expansive out here, especially in comparison to California.

We have a clay soil here that expands and contracts frequently and can cause issues.

Hardwood floors underneath?

Turns out the yard has a lot of broken glass (big and small pieces) and other dangerous small bits of garbage in the soil.

Turns out the home has foundation issues because the gutters have been dumping water underneath the property for years, the roof is rippled, the floors are sinking, and the home hasn't had any repairs probably since it was built in 1901. 

If so need to slope soil away from foundation.

In order to set the house on a good foundation, we remove the top layer of soil to reach hard pan, the solid, non-loamy layer.

IF so, there are some fixes...Fixes:  I knowledgeable roofer can seal the shingle joints (UNDER the shingles, not on top) and thus no water will be able to get underneath anything.