Reply #59: umm, actually, i've seen here in my town, where structural compromise has taken place...

[bridgit]

and, in particular, where 'grandfathered rights & easements' are at stake; the structure is removed of habitation even at what may seem the comfy, upper suites. After permits are sought & secured, the structure is tagged as being in a state of historical renewal, with compromised load bearing walls & cross systems identified and shored-up as per code; the siding sometimes removed down to an allowable, i think it is: 75%, to maintain structural 'grandfathered', or historical status. And much of this occurring before the structure is only then lifted gently into the air so that the foundation can be accessed in greater detail, addressed; perhaps even replaced anew, again as per code...

I appreciate greatly your acknowledgment of the work to be performed at the foundation = the grass roots, for which there is no substitute being so vital a component of a system that reaches up to the architectural accents, filigreed names & American Folk Art Weather Vane that maybe still indicates wind direction...at least hopefully so,

Out near me as well, at UCD, they came up with a farm/orchard implement some years back that pretty basically 'walks' up to a tree with an 'eccentric claw', grabs hold and just sort of rumbles the produce not firmly stemmed down & out of the tree...even the bad stuff, leaving the trunk intact to carry on and do it's thing.

I say, regarding repairs to a system as broke as the one we see before us; that repairs may do well to ensue at the first perceived-as-available point of access or entry. If that is the roof that is fine. If that is the foundation that is fine. If that is in-through the un-hinged French Doors of a crumbling, 2nd floor veranda that is fine. There is little further doubt this system is in need of repair.