Restoring Raised Foundations in Cajun Homes

If you live in South Louisiana, chances are your home — or one nearby — sits on a raised foundation. From Acadian cottages to Creole farmhouses, raised homes were built to handle flooding, allow airflow, and keep families safe and comfortable in our climate.

At Cajun Conservation, we’ve restored countless raised foundations across Acadiana, protecting homes while preserving Cajun-French authenticity. Here’s why raised foundations matter, what restoration involves, and how to approach it.

Why Raised Foundations Are Essential in Cajun Homes

• Flood Protection: Keeps homes above heavy rains and rising water.

• Ventilation: Allows airflow to reduce moisture, rot, and mold.

• Cultural Identity: Raised cottages and galleries are a hallmark of Cajun-French architecture.

Pro Tip: Never fully enclose a raised foundation with solid walls — airflow is critical to the home’s longevity.

Signs Your Raised Foundation Needs Restoration

• Uneven Floors: Sagging or sloping rooms indicate structural settlement.

• Cracked Walls or Doors That Stick: Pressure shifts from unstable piers.

• Moisture or Mold Under the Home: Poor drainage or ventilation.

• Rotting Wood Beams: Common in humid Louisiana climates.

Average Costs of Raised Foundation Restoration

• Minor Repairs: $8,000 – $15,000Replacing or shimming individual piers or beams

• Moderate Restoration: $18,000 – $35,000Replacing multiple beams, adding drainage, leveling floors

• Full Structural Restoration: $40,000 – $70,000+Complete beam replacement, pier rebuilding, advanced leveling, lattice skirting restoration

Pro Tip: Costs vary depending on whether the home is historic — original materials often require custom carpentry and skilled labor.

How Cajun Conservation Restores Raised Foundations

1. Inspection & Assessment – Identify wood rot, termite damage, or structural settlement.

2. Leveling & Stabilization – Adjust or replace piers to bring the home back to level.

3. Beam Replacement – Replace damaged beams with treated lumber or reclaimed wood for authenticity.

4. Moisture Protection – Improve drainage, install vapor barriers, and ensure airflow.

5. Aesthetic Restoration – Rebuild lattice or skirting to preserve Cajun character.

Pro Tip: A vapor barrier and proper drainage system under your home can extend the life of a raised foundation by decades.

FAQs About Raised Foundations in Louisiana

Q: Do all raised foundations eventually need repair?A: Yes. Louisiana’s soil, flooding, and humidity cause natural settlement and wood deterioration over time.

Q: Can a raised foundation be replaced entirely?A: Yes, but in most cases, restoration and reinforcement are more cost-effective than full replacement.

Q: Does restoring a raised foundation increase home value?A: Absolutely. A stable, well-restored foundation improves resale and ensures long-term structural integrity.

Why Choose Cajun Conservation

At Cajun Conservation, we know raised foundations are more than structure — they’re part of Acadiana’s architectural story. Our team provides:

Historic restoration expertise Custom carpentry for authentic finishes Climate-ready solutions for Louisiana’s humidity & flooding

Ready to Restore Your Foundation?

If your raised Acadian or Creole home shows signs of foundation issues, don’t wait — restoring early saves money and protects authenticity.

Schedule your free consultation today with Cajun Conservation and let’s restore your home from the ground up.