Published on Apr 14, 2026
Welcome to another Q&A session where I answer questions from y'all on the internet.
Today's question is:
When we’re dealing with older homes, especially something like a 100-year-old house in an area with softer soil, settling is pretty common. In this particular case, the home didn’t even have a traditional foundation — it was built on a post and shear pad system. That means the entire structure is supported by beams and posts that sit on concrete pads.
Over time, those posts can shift or sink, which causes the house to sag and become uneven. To fix that, we bring in a laser level system. We set it at the highest point of the house and establish a consistent reference line all the way around the structure.
From there, we go around and take measurements at different points of the house. Once we know where everything sits compared to that high point, we use properly rated jacks to carefully lift or adjust sections of the home. The goal is to bring everything back to level in a controlled and safe way.
This process creates a stable, level surface for us to work from, which is critical before starting any remodeling or finishing work.
Kolten explains the process of leveling older homes that have settled due to age and soil conditions. In this case, the home lacked a traditional foundation and relied on a post-and-beam system, making it more susceptible to shifting over time. The team uses a laser leveling system to establish a reference point and measure variations throughout the structure. Using heavy-duty jacks, they carefully adjust the home to bring it back to level. This step is essential before beginning any remodeling work, as it ensures structural stability and proper alignment for future construction. The process highlights the importance of addressing foundational issues before cosmetic improvements.