Wood post should never be in direct contact with dirt.
Whether the dirt is piled up around the post or the wood post is
actually sitting on top of the dirt, this isn't good. The dirt if moist,
over time can cause wood rot in the post and attract subterranean
termites.
Someone had actually piled up the dirt around this structural post and
to perform the necessary home repair, the dirt simply needed to be
removed from the crawlspace area.
Your local building codes will usually require an
18 inch minimum access
area in the crawlspace. You should have at least 18 inches in between
the bottom of your floor joist and the top of the soil.
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This isn't something I would recommend either, this is a
brand-new home and could be in an unincorporated area which would not
require a building department plan review. The concrete could have
easily been raised 6 inches, providing the post with a structural base
support, if planned properly.
The
raised concrete pad would have also prevented any dirt from touching
the wood post. Looking at this picture, it's only a matter of time
before the wood post will be surrounded by dirt.
Some people have the illusion that treated lumber will prevent wood rot
and deter wood eating termites, this isn't so. To prevent wood rot and
termites from destroying the wood framing, make sure the home is built
correctly.
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