Behind the Build: Raising the Standard by Fixing What’s Beneath the Surface
Some renovations are about beauty. Others start by confronting what’s been hiding beneath rather than papering over.
On one of our very first walkthroughs of this 1970s home, we could tell something was off. The floors felt uneven, the doors didn’t close quite right, subtle signs that hinted at a deeper issue. We didn’t yet know how extensive it was, but we were honest with our clients from the beginning: expect structural work.
That’s where Juxta’s approach differs from a “lipstick renovation.” Rather than covering up problems, we dig in…literally. When we opened things up, we discovered that the middle of the house had sagged by nearly two inches. There was no proper footing or post-and-beam support in the crawlspace, which meant the structure had been slowly settling for decades.
Our solution was both simple and significant: we dug out the crawlspace, poured a proper footing, installed a new post-and-beam system, and jacked the center of the home back up by two inches. The result wasn’t just cosmetic, it restored structural integrity, leveled the floors, and eliminated twists that had affected the entire frame.
It’s a reminder that true renovation isn’t just about making things look right, it’s about making them right.
After all, timeless design deserves a solid foundation.
Tune in to hear GC Kellen discuss structural issues:
💬 FAQ: Why Structural Work Matters in a Renovation
Q: How can you tell if a house has structural issues?
A: Signs can be subtle… uneven floors, cracked drywall, doors that don’t close properly. These symptoms often point to settling or missing supports beneath the surface.
Q: Do structural repairs add a lot to the project scope?
A: They can, but addressing them early is critical. In this project, reinforcing the foundation and correcting a two-inch sag added cost upfront, but it prevented future cracking, misalignment, and ongoing damage — all of which would’ve been far more expensive later.
Q: Why does Juxta prioritize structural corrections before aesthetic upgrades?
A: Because the integrity of everything that follows — cabinetry, finishes, flooring — depends on it. A beautiful renovation built on weak bones won’t last. Our approach ensures your investment is as sound as it is stunning.
Want to read more about this project (and see all the incredible before and afters?) Click here.
More questions? Head to our FAQ page linked here.
Want more like this post? Click on one of the posts below:
→ Why a Design + Build Firm Makes All the Difference — why integrated planning protects your investment
→ Project Reveal with 4 Tips on Timeless Design for your Next Reno! — timeless choices start with sound bones
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