House Raising Experts Burnaby Homeowners Hire Discuss Why And When Elevating A Home Makes Sense

By Patricia Hughes


When you purchase a home, you probably assume it is permanently affixed to the land and will never be moved. In most cases this is true. There are times however, when it may become necessary to lift the home from its foundation. This is not an easy or inexpensive proposition, and before you make any decisions, you should consult professionals like the house raising experts Burnaby homeowners have trusted through the years.

There are many reasons why a homeowner will consider lifting a home. In some cases, government officials require that a property be raised above flood levels or moved altogether. Elevating a home above flood elevation can save the homeowner money on flood insurance. Lifting a residence above the water table will also help reduce the growth of mold and mildew. Adding a basement to increase the value of an existing home or turning it for aesthetic reasons are other circumstances that lead homeowners to go to the expense of lifting their residence.

By lifting a home, foundation problems can sometimes be alleviated. Settling can become a serious problem over time. If it is not fixed walls can crack and floors buckle. Homeowners trying to sell their residences will find it difficult to get a good price with existing structural damage. Homes that were not built to code may have to be lifted in order to correct an issue and become compliant with county ordinances.

Elevating a home can be tricky and only seasoned professionals should be employed to handle the job. They will come out to your home, discuss the project, and then evaluate what it will take to get the job done. Older homes are usually harder to lift because they are heavier. Some lifting projects can be done quickly, but sometimes a house can only be raised a fraction of an inch at a time.

The cost of elevating even a modestly sized home can end up costing thousands of dollars. Crews have to excavate tons of dirt and pour concrete walls before the lifting process begins. They bring in hydraulic jacks and steel beams to accomplish the actual raising. Box cribs are put in place to hold the home up while the repairs or changes are underway.

The companies that raise houses want their clients to understand what is involved in such a major job. It certain instances, the property cannot be elevated until a compromised foundation is repaired. An inspector may have to sign off on the structural integrity of the building prior to work beginning. Expensive building permits are required. All utilities must be disconnected.

Not only will furniture and appliances have to be moved out, but electrical systems like heat and air conditioning units and furnaces will have to be dismantled and moved. Your neighbors should be forewarned about the disruption this will cause. There will be extra noise and multiple vehicles parked on the street.

Elevating a property is not a simple process. It takes careful planning by seasoned professionals. Homeowners should think carefully before they obligate themselves to such an extensive project.




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