An old foundation needs some help

[giddonah]

I've got a small leak in one wall that will need to be sealed from the outside in the spring (it's probably 4'-5' below ground). It's a toal pain, but my attempts to seal from the inside have only slowed it down (regardless of what that can says about stopping running leaks). The floor in many places is also deteriorating (and the water probably isn't helping). The basement is also a little short (maybe 6' ceiling). It's an investment property and has been relatively problem free for a while now.

I would like to have taller ceilings. The entrance is two steps down to the door, and another two inside the door. What are my options? It's not a very big basement, but I'm horrible at guessing sq ft. I don't suppose I can dig down another foot and pour a new floor, can I? I'm thinking it would require having the whole house jacked up. I read somewhere that that's a $20k project though, and I'm not about to spend that. If I can't do that, can I tear up the old floor and just pour a new one to replace the old?

It's full of crap and right now I'm working on another house, so this won't happen until at least next summer/fall. Any ideas?

[giddonah]

bump diddy bump bump.

[giddonah]

Nothing? You guys have nothing for me on this? :(

[Rich]

Your options can be determined by where your footing is. If your footing is at least 1' down then you can dig the 1' deeper and pour a slab - you don't want your floor below your footing.
To jack your house up and pour an extension on your existing foundation - you're probably looking at quite a bit more than just $20k.

[giddonah]

Is there an easy way to determine where my footings are? (I'm just asking that as a request for a miracle) I guess I'll be digging down the outside to find the footing then? I'm thinking this is not a project I want to undertake. Maybe I'll just clear the place out and dig up the floor and just have someone pour a new one in its place. It's not structural I guess (the floor) so maybe I'll think about doing this myself in room by room sections. I bet a single pour would be better though for sealing, no? I'll get some pictures of it next week and take some measurements of the place. [/ramble]

[giddonah]

Oh, and thanks Rich, I was starting to think someone unplugged my mic.

[Rich]

Incorrect - your slab is structural actually. It holds the bottom of the footings from kicking in from the pressure of the soil outside it. Not saying it can't be done - just that something to be aware of.