I see the sag expressed in the baseboard. Houses that old are never-ending, and always a hassle to fix (correctly)! One course of un-mortared concrete blocks or the framing propped up on rocks just sitting on dirt ain't gonna do it, and not worth spending the capital ($$, time, and sweat) on fixing anything in the house (updating a bath or kitchen, putting new flooring on a new floor structure in this room) if you can't start with a good foundation. You certainly need a spread footing and solid foundation wall/posts to carry the loads the structure is presenting.

Lacking professional help, I guess watch lots of Ytube videos on how to build a foundation, CMU walls, mix grout and concrete, make concrete pour forms, etc etc etc.? How many kids/extended family can help, and how willing to learn construction and buy tools?

Really there are only a few of us capable of trying to help and our family is very small, so not a lot of hands to call on unfortunately. We're willing to try our best!

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.

That should be condemned. It isn’t legally habitable.

Whare do u

I mean whare do you live

Thank you for all the helpful advice! We're going to take what you said and try our best. Obviously the ideal situation would be to find a better home, but life circumstances make that impossible. I understand this is not a good situation at all and the home should very likely be condemned, but that would mean my parents would be homeless and unable to afford any other livable housing. An attempt at repair is their only option, sadly. I appreciate all of you taking time to explain how we might help them make the home livable again, thank you!

Samantha, where I live, there are people that tear down old barns that have some very seasoned good lumber. Most of the time it can be bought for half of the new materials.

The fix must be done professionally. Do you have siblings? Now is the time to help your parents. Get a contractor who knows old homes. Get a quote. Have it fixed with everyone chipping in and footing the bill.

Besides contributing to your parents welfare, you will be doing it it with permit/code so, should they have to sell, all will be legal.