Footing drains by themselves are never enough. They must be installed in conjunction with various waterproofing/drainage membranes and systems. Most common are Delta-type products. See video. Delta MS membrane installation Alternatives include spray applied and stick-on products used in conjunction with membrane and drainboard systems. As the biggest cost (and aggro) is exposing the foundation, why the so-called waterproofers you have contacted don't want to bother with anything else boggles the mind. BTW, the building code in my jurisdiction requires footing drains on all new homes; as a matter of practice, foundation waterproofing has been standard for decades as all builders are held to a strict water penetration warranty and the barrier is cheap insurance. For one of the most detailed new systems I've seen, see Matt Risenger video.

It's been awhile since I made an update, but this is where I'm at now: Crown moulding is installed and painted. Double-curtain rods and sheer curtains are up, but talked to my aunt who mentioned that I should consider reinstalling them above the window to give the windows a longer sleeker look. Took down the art deco chandelier to have it cleaned and fixed, but I accidentally tipped it over while it was on the floor and it shattered into a thousand pieces. Turns out it was made of cheap pewter. So I found and installed a Turkish style chandelier I received from a seller in Turkey on Etsy. I also installed similar styled Turkish sconces (I'll be replacing the globes with more colorful ones soon). I pulled up the carpet from both rooms. I painted the fireplace insert black. I painted the ugly gold lamp stands black, and added new shades. Things still left to do: I'm still looking for a chandelier for the living room. Repair and refinish the floors (the floor needs a number of boards refilled). Figure out what to do about the gap between the floor and the quarter-round/baseboard that was revealed after I pulled the carpet up. Replace current projector screen with a floor-rising one so that I'm no longer covering 80% of the front window at all times. Install a picture rail about an inch and a half under the crown moulding. Update/add electrical outlets (which will include an upgrade to my breaker). replace carpet in the living room with a Persian style carpet that's approx. 9' x 12'. Replace couch and coffee table. Retile the front of the fire-place. Have a number of the cracks in the plaster repaired. Acquire and hang paintings and framed posters on the walls. And that's just the Living Room and Dining Room. Sigh...

Sorry with typos. The old library is going from a house to a retail business. Any thoughts are so very appreciated as we try and keep the historic character but need to display retail. ❤️🤠❤️

Houses that age were built a bit different. I love remodeling very old homes. Oh the history. However, we quite often end up tearing out more than we plan and end up standing on the dirt. Good news: It can be fixed. First, I agree that checking with Habitat, maybe the historical society, watch videos are all good steps. Old houses rarely got enough center support to support sagging and rot(from moisture). You will need to create extra support in the middle. Start with a small hand poured footing or two for these block /steel piers. Jack up the sagging areas. Secure a band on parameters being reworked. Those can be secured with lag screws or bolts. Add floor joists, sub floor. We are renovating a home estimated Circa: 1875-1885. We are standing on dirt looking at the original American Chestnut beams. House is small and was originally two rooms. We are taking those same steps to level out house. Front had dipped 3" due to caving support at ground level. Almost level and time to place joists. I will be posting pics as we progress. It is tough work, but it can be dune.