How much does it cost to raise a house?
How much does it cost to raise a house?
$10,000 – $40,000 cost to raise house only
$20,000 – $100,000 cost to lift house & replace foundation
House Lifting Cost
House lifting costs $10,000 to $40,000 just to elevate the structure. The average cost to raise a house above the flood zone is $20,000 to $80,000 for piers or pilings. The average cost to lift a house and replace the foundation is $20,000 to $100,000, or up to $150,000 to put in a basement.
| Project | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Raise a House | $10 – $30 | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Lift a House & Replace Foundation | $20 – $80 | $20,000 – $100,000 |
| Lift a House & Build a Basement | $40 – $100+ | $40,000 – $150,000 |
| Reinforce Foundation For Second Story | $5 – $30 | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Level a House | $5 – $10 | $3,500 – $20,000 |
| Moving a House To New Foundation | $12 – $16 | $15,000 – $60,000 |
Building a new foundation at the destination site adds $5,000 to $20,000 on average, or up to $50,000 for a basement.
Permits to transport a house cost $400 to $5,000.
Additional expenses apply to move a house over difficult terrain, cross railroads, or raise utility lines to allow the house to pass.
Moving a house takes 2 to 3 months for the preparations, lifting, transport, and post-move renovations.
Pros & Cons Of Raising A House
Pros
Increases home resale value by 15% to 25%
Reduces or eliminates flood risk
Saves $15,000 to $100,000 throughout a 30-year mortgage due to reduced flood insurance rates
Increases living space by adding a basement or second level without sacrificing yard space
Creates a more accessible area to service appliances such as HVAC systems and water heaters
Improves the condition of the home by leveling or strengthening the existing foundation or adding a new foundation
Prevents future damage from foundation settling
Cons
Expensive
May significantly alter the appearance of the structure
Requires the construction of new stairs to reach newly elevated entrances
In some cases, the contents of the house must be removed before elevating.
House lifting equipment can damage the surrounding landscape.
Homeowners must relocate to alternative housing during the house lifting process.
How To Jack Up A House
The steps to jack up a house include:
Contractors excavate tunnels beneath the home.
The contractors insert beams in the tunnels to support the house and position hydraulic jacks below each beam.
The jacks are raised slowly and evenly throughout the day to prevent any structural damage.
After lifting the house, contractors repair or replace the foundation.
The house is lowered back onto the foundation.
Contractors complete any additional renovations.
How To Prepare For House Lifting
Hire a general contractor and house lifting company to plan the engineering and architectural drawings, permits, lift height, foundation repair or replacement, and any other renovations.
Empty the crawlspace or basement. Everything inside the house can be left in place.
Disconnect all utilities, including plumbing, electric, gas, heating, cooling, telephone, and internet.
Have a plumber remove any pipes, plumbing, or ductwork below the floor joists.
Have an electrician organize (tack up) or remove any wiring beneath the house.
Mark any private utilities and lines, such as wells, septic tanks, and sprinkler systems. Contact local utility companies to mark buried gas and electric lines.
Remove steps, porches, and decks that aren’t being lifted with the house.
Remove or move any pavers, shrubbery, fences, and other landscaping that blocks equipment access. Professionals can usually work around trees but may request removal if necessary.
Secure any fragile belongings or tall pieces of furniture inside the house.
If necessary, get permission from neighbors and local authorities to allow equipment to access the street and neighboring properties.
House Lifting FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Raise A House?
The full process of raising a house takes 4 to 8 weeks on average. The time it takes to lift a home depends on the preparations, permits, foundation type, amount of elevation, repairs, weather, and inspections. After preparation, the actual house lifting takes 2 to 7 days.
| Process | Days |
|---|---|
| Initial Site Preparations & Permits | 7 – 14 |
| Lift House | 2 – 7 |
| Foundation Replacement, Repairs, Inspections | 14 – 30 |
| Lower House | 1 – 2 |
House lifting companies schedule work a minimum of 2 to 6 weeks in advance. Rushing the process adds significant costs for extra labor and materials.
Will House Lifting Damage My House?
Houses are lifted in a slow, smooth process without causing any major damage. Some techniques use repairable holes in the walls to attach bracing. In rare cases, cracks in drywall and tiles occur depending on the prior level of foundation settling and structural issues.
Can I Live In The House While It’s Being Lifted?
Living in or being inside the home during the lifting process is not recommended. However, everything inside the house can be left in place.
Hiring House Lifting Companies
House lifting is not a DIY project. Professionals use complex, expensive equipment to safely raise a house or level a foundation without causing structural damage.
Who Lifts Houses?
House raising contractors specialize in lifting houses, but usually don't make repairs. Hire a general contractor to oversee and manage the project, including surveying, engineering, pulling permits, disconnecting utilities, excavation, replacing the foundation, and landscaping.
Before hiring a contractor, be sure to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Ask for an itemized contract and warranty in writing.
Avoid making large payments up front. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.
Questions To Ask House Lifting Companies
How many houses have you lifted or transported?
Can I see a portfolio and references for your past home raising jobs?
Do you have insurance for raising and moving structures?
Do you have a comprehensive safety plan?
What equipment will you use to lift the house? (Look for companies using a unified hydraulic jacking system and crib jacks.)
What other costs might be associated with the lift?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
What does your warranty policy include?
What’s your payment schedule?