Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Pier and Beam help!!!

Okay I have a 1957 home on a pier and beam foundation with a concrete out lay. I recently had an inspection done on the foundation and found out that the house at one is is 3.45 inches lower than the opposite corner. I had the professional do the whole house and the estimate was around 9grand for just to stabilize the foundation with perimeter holding and to level out two to three piers under the house. (side note I live in Fort Worth Texas) the clay state.

Is this a good price?

Can I level the house myself. I have read that metal shims and two levels with a couple of jacks can do the trick. BUT, I am on of those people that has to do it right because I know we are going to sell the house in 5 years. Would it be better to get it done now or wait till next spring?

Please help.

Also, I have had two to three brick ties snap and I need them repaired is it easy to do it yourself.

Thanks everyone.

Definitely not a DIY project. - You need the equipment, experience and insurance.

A pier and beam construction with a number of piers is far different then a conventional home the is supportrd around the exterior and by one or two interior posts.

Your home was built to have consistant support from all the piers at the same time. If you raise it at several piers, the house will distort and you will have difficult time getting everything else level without a good plan, measuring equipment and hoisting equipment.

It is also very dangerous. The you rais one point you are picking up a huge load, represented the a good portion of the house, not just the load the pier normally takes.

Call several contractor for prices and proposals. Not all of them will look at the job the same way.

Dick

Thanks for the response. I have taken the advise and looked into other contractors as well.

I was told that a pier and beam cannot be level all the time because of the inconsistance mositure in the soil in Texas.
Can this be true?

The word that keeps popping up is "contain" the slipping or moving of the pier and beam. All the contractors said that they can stop the house from moving with 14' conrete/steel piers that support the whole house.

One company was Brown pier and beam in Dallas. They were the best at explaining everything but they were kinda expensive.
The other weren't so expensive but they suggested lifting the house alittle and then leveling it out after poring the piers.

What should I do? Go with the most expensive guys that sound like they know what they are talking about or just go with the middle guy.

Get references and contact previous clients. This is serious, and the contractor must get it right the first time.