Old House Construction Mystery

We have a 3 story plus basement townhouse – no cellar. We’re having to repair some plumbing in the basement and so have dug down in the dirt floor a bit. There are pockets for joists at the level of the dirt. Does anyone know whether this is a thing that was done and, if so, why? Alternatively does anyone have thoughts about what they might have been used for if not joists? If it’s helpful the house doesn’t seem to have a foundation in the front. We haven’t gone down far enough to know on the sides or in back.

Thanks

arewedoneyet

in General Discussion 1 year and 8 months ago

5

Please log in, in order to post replies!

5 replies

Newest Oldest

creativehomeimprovementllc | 3 days ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4926 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4972 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "227149"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(26) "creativehomeimprovementllc"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BH6kKceYONxbxg4oUsc2OsKxSzoY/41"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(26) "creativehomeimprovementllc"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(26) "creativehome0987@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2025-04-02 06:17:55"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(29) "Creative home Improvement LLC"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(227149)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi there!

Old houses are full of surprises — unusual layouts, hidden structural quirks, and sometimes construction methods that seem mysterious by today’s standards. Issues like uneven floors, settling walls, or unusual framing can be common, especially if the home hasn’t been updated in decades.

Here are a few tips to approach these “construction mysteries”:

Inspect the Structure Carefully: Look for signs of sagging, water damage, or cracks. These are often clues about how the house was built and whether any areas need reinforcement.

Check the Exterior Systems: Old gutters, vinyl siding, windows, and roofing can all reveal how the house has been maintained. For example, outdated gutters or damaged siding may contribute to hidden water damage.

Document Everything: Take photos and notes. Understanding the original construction helps if you plan to renovate or repair.

Consult Professionals: For tricky areas like unusual stairwells, older roofing systems, or hidden plumbing and electrical work, getting advice from experienced contractors is a smart move.

At Creative Home Improvement LLC, we specialize in working with older homes across Connecticut (CT). From roofing and gutter installation to vinyl siding updates, window replacement, and exterior remodeling, we help homeowners preserve the charm of old houses while ensuring modern safety and durability.

If you’re dealing with an old home and want guidance on renovation, repair, or structural improvement, our team can provide expert advice to solve even the most puzzling construction mysteries.

Learn more here: Creative Home Improvement LLC – Home Renovation & Gutter Services

charlesbrent | 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4928 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4925 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "228379"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "charlesbrent"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$qO47SwdoHPb/0rIpan0uz.LGl2CQQCjASRlU1YrhswN3fMns.JonC"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "charlesbrent"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(25) "charlesbrent735@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2025-08-21 05:37:30"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1755754655:$P$BMaO7wOIS1H6v5cvPP7EDSUBTXnR9a1"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "Charles Brent"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(228379)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s not uncommon in older townhouses to find pockets or cavities in basement walls at dirt level. They weren’t always for joists sometimes they were left from temporary shoring during construction, or used as bearing points for short timbers that supported flooring above before modern foundations were added. In some cases, they may simply be voids from irregular masonry or stonework.
Since you mentioned the front lacks a foundation, it’s worth having a structural contractor or engineer take a look, especially if you’re planning plumbing work or further excavation. Getting a professional opinion along with a building estimate can help you understand potential repair costs and prevent bigger issues later.

arewedoneyet | 1 year and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4924 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4923 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177175"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(12) "arewedoneyet"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzxUvyhFLz/qbb5JFUq2QySyTCjAP3/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(12) "arewedoneyet"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "davidlipkin@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(27) "/forums/users/arewedoneyet/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-06-24 17:29:32"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(45) "1722964430:$P$B1DF7ldaFnBQQxdhQWMGEcHD5OyhLI."
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(12) "arewedoneyet"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177175)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

It’s entirely possible there was a long gone wood floor that fed the termites. The joists aren’t there and when we got the place there was a little cement, plywood, linoleum on the floor. There is no sign of the joists, just the pockets. I don’t know if they’d completely disappear in 140 years if they’re in the ground.

I don’t see a masonary foundation. The front brick wall ends on top of compacted dirt where I can see it. We haven’t excavated a lot so there may be a break in the foundation for the sewer lines.

hkapstein | 1 year and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4927 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4922 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "197623"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "hkapstein"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Bi/rarQU.AidQ5DWnWIzXSi7UikLcx/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(31) "boerumamaemailnotprovided-local"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(19) "hkapstein@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2018-06-15 18:43:24"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(14) "Helen Kapstein"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(197623)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(3) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Occasionally you may find a clue if you pull the physical folder at DOB. If you decide to, pull the file for any matcher houses nearby as well. A possible guess is that they were used to support a scaffold during wall construction. As cate points out, if the floor is cement, perhaps there was once a wooden floor at that level.

cate | 1 year and 8 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4923 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4928 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "176696"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(4) "cate"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$4JNbGAK5cKoEp6kzsYVSBO7oMZphxvnQPCDInpVARCm3B1Dj6U75i"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(4) "cate"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "cate@brownstoner.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:59"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "Cate Corcoran"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(176696)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["administrator"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["editor"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(13) "administrator"
    [1]=>
    string(6) "editor"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(191) {
    ["switch_themes"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_themes"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["activate_plugins"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_plugins"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_files"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_options"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["moderate_comments"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_categories"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_links"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["upload_files"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["import"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["unfiltered_html"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_10"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_9"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_8"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_7"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_6"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_5"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_4"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_3"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_2"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_1"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_pages"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["create_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["unfiltered_upload"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_dashboard"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["update_plugins"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_plugins"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["install_plugins"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["update_themes"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["install_themes"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["update_core"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["list_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["remove_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["promote_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_theme_options"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_themes"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["export"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Gallery overview"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Use TinyMCE"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Upload images"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Manage gallery"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Manage tags"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Manage others gallery"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Edit album"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Change style"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Change options"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["email_users_notify"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["email_single_user"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["email_multiple_users"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["email_user_groups"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["NextGEN Attach Interface"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["copy_posts"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["ure_edit_roles"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_create_roles"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_delete_roles"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_create_capabilities"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_delete_capabilities"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_manage_options"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["ure_reset_roles"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["edit_ads_txt"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_feed_settings"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_source"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_feed_source"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_source"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_feed_sources"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_feed_source_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_source_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_source_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["assign_feed_source_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_item"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_feed_item"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_item"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_feed_items"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_feed_item_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_item_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_item_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["assign_feed_item_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_blacklist"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_feed_blacklist"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_blacklist"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_feed_blacklists"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_feed_blacklist_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_blacklist_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_blacklist_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["assign_feed_blacklist_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_template"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_feed_template"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_template"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_private_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_private_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_private_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_feed_templates"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["manage_feed_template_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_feed_template_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_feed_template_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["assign_feed_template_terms"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_shortcoder"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["read_shortcoder"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_shortcoder"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_others_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["publish_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_published_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["delete_others_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["edit_published_shortcoders"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_manage_seo"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_page_analysis"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_page_general_settings"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_page_advanced_settings"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_page_schema_settings"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["aioseo_page_social_settings"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_edit_htaccess"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_titles"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_general"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_sitemap"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_404_monitor"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_link_builder"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_redirections"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_role_manager"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_search_console"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_site_analysis"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_onpage_analysis"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_onpage_general"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_onpage_advanced"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_onpage_snippet"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_onpage_social"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_admin_bar"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_analytics"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["rank_math_content_ai"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["srm_manage_redirects"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["SPF Manage Analytics"]=>
    bool(false)
    ["administrator"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["editor"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You have a masonry foundation? Could the pockets in the foundation be there for the purpose of joists to hold up floorboards for the flooring for the garden floor?