In old-house remodeling projects, owners are usually too preoccupied with the new living space to be concerned with the structural integrity of the building. Foundation problems and rotted sills, however, are common in older buildings and should be repaired before renovations begin upstairs. It's the contractor's responsibility to protect the homeowner's investment and his own reputation by examining the foundation and sills and making any necessary repairs. Inspecting the Sills To inspect the sills, start by walking through the interior of the house, taking note of any humps or sags in the floor that are within 3 feet of the exterior wall. Also look for cracks where interior partitions join exterior walls. These cracks can indicate settlement of the exterior wall, which is often caused by advanced sill rot. Next, jump on the
