Stabilizing Historic Home Foundation in Starkville, MS

Ty T., a renowned chef and owner of Restaurant Tyler and Bin 612 in Starkville, MS, contacted us with concerns about his 140-year-old home. Although some subfloor work had been completed before his purchase six years ago, new signs of structural stress began to emerge. Most noticeably, the chimney was pulling away from the house, and interior cracks were forming above doorways. Initially attributing these issues to the home’s age, Ty soon realized that deeper foundation problems were at play. Our inspection revealed widespread perimeter settlement, a result of an aging brick column crawlspace with added block and brick skirts over time. Despite the age of the structure, much of the lumber underneath remained in decent shape. However, the downward trend of the foundation around the perimeter was affecting the entire home—creating misleading issues like sloped floors and expanding wall cracks. To begin stabilizing the structure, we proposed a phased foundation repair plan. The first priority was addressing the chimney and replacing a section of rotten rim band beneath the back door. This band, located above a crawlspace entry, required only a 4-foot replacement and was supported by joists running parallel to the area. Access for the chimney stabilization was made through the concrete patio. Though the chimney could not be fully realigned due to long-term movement, it was effectively stabilized to prevent further shifting. Ty plans to restore the appearance by replacing the surrounding wood trim. With a plan in place to eventually reinforce all sides of the home, this project marked a critical first step in preserving a piece of Starkville’s history. If you're experiencing foundation issues—especially in older homes—contact us today for a professional assessment and long-lasting repair solutions in the Starkville, MS area.