Many home-owners get misconceptions when they hear the word house lifting, one might think that this particular process would involve the use of heavy machinery, loud sounds would accompany you while your life would take a significant halt as you undergo these hefty and costly procedures, however the truth is far from that. Lifting a house is a changing process that can solve multiple structural problems in your foundation, it helps in preventing flood damage, and can even create additional living space. If your home is going through severe foundational problems or has base issues that need solving, house lifting might be the solution you need to increase the health and longevity of your home.

In this blog we will guide you through the process of house lifting and how it can help increase the health of your house and provide your home with a long lasting and structurally sound foundation.

1. What is House Lifting?

House lifting, which is also known as house raising, is a foundational construction process that creates an elevation above the current foundation beams using hydraulic devices and support towers or beams, this process can significantly increase the quality of your foundation base. This process is typically undertaken to:

  • Repair or replace a failing foundation.
  • Protect homes from flood damage in areas prone to water inundation.
  • Add additional living space by creating a taller foundation or basement.

The process ensures the structure remains intact while providing the necessary adjustments or repairs to the underlying foundation.

2. Why Consider House Lifting?

House lifting is a significant undertaking, but its benefits often outweigh the challenges. Here’s why many homeowners opt for this solution:

Foundation Repair

When a foundation begins to fail due to shifting soils, water damage, or age, lifting the house can allow repair teams to fix the underlying issues without disrupting the entire structure.

Flood Protection

Homes in flood-prone areas are at high risk of water damage. Lifting your house above flood levels can protect your investment, lower insurance costs, and bring your home into compliance with floodplain regulations.

Additional Living Space

Raising a home creates the opportunity to build a basement or expand the foundation. This added space can increase property value and functionality.

Structural Preservation

Historic homes or buildings with sentimental value can be preserved by lifting the structure for repairs rather than rebuilding entirely.

3. How Does the House Lifting Process Work?

Lifting a house involves careful planning, specialized equipment, and skilled professionals. Below is an outline of the process:

Step 1: Initial Assessment

A structural engineer evaluates the home to determine its condition, the extent of foundation issues, and whether lifting is feasible.

Step 2: Preparing the Site

The property is cleared of any obstructions, such as porches, decks, or landscaping. Plumbing, electrical lines, and other utilities are disconnected to avoid damage during the lift.

Step 3: Installing Lifting Equipment

Hydraulic jacks are strategically placed under the home, supported by steel beams to evenly distribute weight. The jacks are connected to a unified system to ensure a consistent and gradual lift.

Step 4: Raising the Home

The home is lifted slowly and carefully, often no more than 6 inches at a time, to prevent structural damage.

Step 5: Foundation Work

Once the house is elevated, the old foundation can be repaired, replaced, or heightened. Additional support systems, such as pilings or flood vents, may also be installed.

Step 6: Lowering and Reconnecting

The home is carefully lowered onto the new foundation, and utilities are reconnected. Finishing touches, like sealing gaps and restoring landscaping, complete the project.

4. Costs of House Lifting

The cost and expenditure of procedures such as house lifting depends mostly on the type of construction requiring the procedure, and the type of environment and the extent of area needed to be lifted. However this is a long term investment that will pay off deeply when seasonal rainfall hits. 

  • Size and Weight of the Home: Bigger areas and homes would require a considerable amount of heavy machinery, similarly homes with bricks also can increase the cost of house lifting significantly.
  • Foundation Type: If you have a damaged foundation, the reparation of the beams and piers can also sometimes drive an increase in the costs. 
  • Flood Zone Compliance: In areas with yearly flood, one most also have to add flood safety measures such as vents and additional drainage areas which can add to the costs of house lifting procedures. 
  • Permits and Inspections: Depending on the state you’re in, house lifting procedures may require permits and legal documents allowing you to increase the height of your home, which can add up to the costs

Average Cost Range: $30,000 to $100,000, although projects and home lifting procedures with custom requests and work may also drive up those costs, contact our foundation repair service team to get a better idea of what expenditures you may or may not have. 

5. What to Expect During the Process

Timeframe

Lifting a house is not a quick process. Depending on the scope of work, the project can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months.

Temporary Relocation

Homeowners typically need to vacate the property during the lifting process. Make arrangements for alternative living accommodations during this time.

Noise and Disruption

Construction noise and equipment can be disruptive to the neighborhood. Work with your contractor to minimize disturbances where possible.

Unforeseen Challenges

Hidden damage, poor soil conditions, or adverse weather can delay the project. A contingency plan is essential.

  1. Benefits of Lifting House Repair Foundation

House lifting is a worthwhile investment for many homeowners. Here’s how it pays off:

  • Longevity: Addressing foundation issues ensures the structural integrity of your home for decades.
  • Peace of Mind: Flood-proofing your home eliminates the worry of water damage during storms.
  • Property Value: Improved foundations and additional living space significantly increase resale value.
  • Energy Efficiency: Modern foundations often include better insulation, reducing energy costs.

7. Common Concerns About House Lifting

Is My Home Too Old or Fragile for Lifting?

Even older homes can be lifted safely, provided the structure is evaluated and reinforced as needed.

Will the Lifting Process Damage My Home?

When handled by experienced professionals, the process is safe and minimizes the risk of damage.

What Happens to Utilities?

Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are temporarily disconnected and reinstalled once the home is in place.

Will My Landscaping Be Affected?

Surrounding trees, shrubs, or patios may need to be removed or adjusted to accommodate the lifting equipment.

8. Choosing the Right Foundation Repair Service Provider

Selecting a reputable contractor is crucial for a successful house-lifting project. Here’s what to look for:

  • Experience: You should choose a company and foundational expert that has years of experience in this industry, do not take a risk in the safety of your home by hiring stragglers. Try our Wonderful Foundation experts here!
  • Licensing and Insurance: You can verify the services by looking at the foundation repair providers licensing and documentations, At Jack-It-Up, we are verified and provide only the best of services to our clients.
  • References and Reviews: Ask for references and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction.
  • Transparent Pricing: Ensure the contractor provides a detailed estimate and explains all costs upfront.

9. Conclusion

House lifting has a transformative effect on your abode, it changes the overall look of your building while increasing its safety and beauty. House lifting can protect your home against flooding and significantly increase the value of your home. By working and taking advise from experienced professionals, you can surely expect a positive outcome for you and your home. Whether youre undertaking house lifting to increase the security of your home from natural calamity’s or just looking for a way to make your home more beautiful and secure, lifting house repair foundation provides long lasting solutions and addresses all the structural problems of your foundation in just one simple efficient technique. Talk to our Expert foundation service providers and get all the information you need to undergo this procedure. Give your home the security and structural integrity it deserves.

10. FAQs

1. How long does it take to lift a house?

The timeline depends on the size of the home and the extent of the work but typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks.

2. Is house lifting safe?

Yes, Jack-It-Up Foundation provides the best expertise regarding house lifting services and ensures the safety of its workers and your investments.

3. Can I stay in my home during the project?

Although Jack-It-Up foundation provides easy work that causes minimal hassle for home-owners, our experts and workers advise that you vacate the premises for a few days 

4. Will house lifting prevent future flooding?

Increasing the level of your house significantly increases the chances of durability and decreases the chances of water and flooding damage, this process is useful for homes in areas that experience a surge in rainfall every year.

5. What permits are required for house lifting?

Permits and legal documentations for approval of house lifting vary from areas, for more information regarding the type of documentation and permits required for a house lifting process contact our expert team on our website.