Remodeling Raised Homes in South Louisiana: What to Expect

(How to Avoid Expensive Surprises and Build Something That Lasts)

Raised homes are a huge part of South Louisiana.

They’re common in:

• older neighborhoods

• flood-prone areas

• historic communities

• homes built with pier & beam or crawl space foundations

And they can be some of the most charming houses you’ll ever step in…but remodeling them requires a different mindset than remodeling a slab home.

If you’re planning a remodel on a raised home, here’s what you should expect — in plain language — so you can avoid costly mistakes.

First: What Makes Raised Homes Different?

A raised home is different because:

✅ the house has open air underneath✅ moisture and humidity affect it more✅ flooring and framing can shift more seasonally✅ plumbing, electrical, and ducts may be exposed underneath✅ the structure can be easier to access (good)…but also easier to neglect (bad)

In South Louisiana, everything below the house matters as much as what you see inside.

The Most Common “Surprises” in Raised Home Remodels

These aren’t meant to scare you — they’re meant to prepare you.

1. Crawl Space Moisture Issues

Many raised homes have:

• damp soil under the home

• standing water after heavy rains

• no vapor barrier

• musty smells

That moisture can cause:

• mold

• wood rot

• insect issues

• higher humidity inside the home

✅ What to expect:If the home feels damp or smells musty, crawl space work may be part of the remodel.

2. Soft or Bouncy Floors

Raised homes can develop soft spots because:

• subfloor is older

• joists have weakened

• plumbing leaks occurred

• moisture exposure over time

✅ What to expect:If flooring is being replaced, the subfloor may need repair too.

The real quality of the remodel often comes down to the structure under the flooring.

3. Older Plumbing and Drain Lines

Raised homes often have:

• older supply lines

• patched drain systems

• questionable plumbing venting

• previous “quick fixes”

✅ What to expect:If you’re remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, plumbing upgrades may become necessary.

4. Older Electrical Systems

A raised home remodel might uncover:

• outdated wiring

• undersized circuits

• old panels

• improper splices

✅ What to expect:Once walls open up, it often becomes the perfect time to modernize electrical safely.

5. HVAC Ductwork Issues

Raised homes often run ducts underneath.

Common problems:

• duct leaks

• sagging duct runs

• moisture exposure

• poor airflow in certain rooms

✅ What to expect:Comfort issues are often tied to ductwork, not just the AC unit.

6. Termite or Insect Damage

South Louisiana has heavy termite pressure, and crawl spaces make it easier for damage to go unnoticed.

✅ What to expect:Even well-maintained homes can have areas that need reinforcement or repair.

7. Uneven Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Older raised homes often have:

• uneven floors

• out-of-square rooms

• wavy walls

This isn’t always a “bad build.”It’s often the result of time + movement + humidity.

✅ What to expect:Perfect modern-level floors might require additional work and planning.

Why Raised Homes Remodel Differently in Louisiana

A raised home is more affected by:

• moisture from below

• outside humidity moving up into the home

• seasonal shifts (wet/dry cycles)

• airflow under the home

Which leads to common homeowner problems like:

• doors sticking in summer

• trim gaps opening

• floors cupping

• musty smells

• recurring mold

A smart remodel accounts for this instead of just “looking nice.”

The Best Remodel Approach for Raised Homes (Simple Strategy)

✅ Step 1: Start with moisture awareness

Before spending money on finishes, identify:

• where moisture is coming from

• whether the crawl space is staying damp

• whether the house has indoor humidity issues

You don’t want to build a beautiful remodel over a moisture problem.

✅ Step 2: Secure the structure

Floors should feel solid before you install:

• tile

• cabinets

• trim

• high-end flooring

If the floor isn’t stable, everything above it will show issues over time.

✅ Step 3: Upgrade systems while access is easy

Remodeling a raised home can be the best time to address:

• plumbing runs

• drain issues

• electrical upgrades

• ductwork problems

Because access under the home can be much easier than slab homes.

✅ Step 4: Choose materials that tolerate humidity

Raised homes need materials that don’t fall apart in Louisiana conditions.

That includes:

• moisture-resistant bathroom assemblies

• durable flooring choices

• quality caulks and coatings

• correct primers and paints

✅ Step 5: Plan for movement, don’t fight it

A high-quality remodel doesn’t pretend movement doesn’t exist.

It uses:

• good carpentry fitment

• correct fastening methods

• proper joint planning

• moisture control strategies

So the home performs better long term.

Common Remodeling Projects That Work Great in Raised Homes

Some of the best upgrades for raised homes include:

✅ kitchen and bath remodels✅ flooring replacement + subfloor reinforcement✅ improved ventilation and humidity control✅ improved insulation strategy✅ window and trim repairs done properly✅ exterior siding and trim upgrades

The key is doing them with the home’s “behavior” in mind.

Why Middle-Class Homeowners Love Raised Home Remodels (When Done Right)

Raised homes can be:

• easier to repair structurally

• easier to upgrade plumbing and electrical

• less risky to modify than slab homes (in some cases)

• extremely comfortable when sealed correctly

When the crawl space and moisture strategy are right, a raised home remodel can feel like a brand-new house without losing the charm.

Planning a Raised Home Remodel in South Louisiana?

At Cajun Conservation, we work on raised homes across South Louisiana and we focus on:

• long-term durability

• moisture-aware remodeling

• craftsmanship and clean finishes

• older home realities (not cookie-cutter assumptions)

Question for you:Is your home raised with a full crawl space, or is it more of a low-to-the-ground “house on blocks” setup?