Why Consider House Lifting?
House lifting is a specialized service that physically raises your home from its foundation. It’s a major structural project requiring expert engineering and equipment, which is why homeowners seek out experienced house lifting companies near me. When you need expert foundation services, understanding this process is key. Homeowners typically consider lifting for several reasons:
- Flood Protection: Elevating a home above FEMA flood plains can drastically reduce insurance premiums and prevent water damage.
- Foundation Access: It creates the necessary space to repair or completely replace a failing foundation.
- Added Living Space: Lifting allows for a new basement or first floor to be built underneath the existing structure.
- Historic Preservation: This method can save older homes from demolition while addressing critical structural issues.
The entire process generally takes 4-8 weeks, though the lift itself is completed in 2-7 days. Companies use unified jacking systems to raise structures from inches to over 12 feet. This process is also eco-friendly, saving approximately 42 tons of landfill waste per house compared to demolition. Key factors include cost, local permits, utility disconnections, and a mandatory engineering assessment.
I’m Daniel Sowell, owner of Total Foundation & Roofing Repair in Kerrville, Texas. With over 18 years of experience in the Texas Hill Country, I’ve worked alongside house lifting specialists. While we focus on foundation repair, I understand what homeowners need to look for when vetting these contractors.
The House Lifting Process: From Planning to Completion
House lifting is a well-established construction practice that saves homes from flood risks, foundation failure, and demolition. Understanding the process helps homeowners make informed decisions when searching for house lifting companies near me.
Why Lift Your Home? Key Motivations and Benefits
The primary motivations for lifting a home are both protective and opportunistic. Flood protection is a major driver, as elevating a structure above the base flood elevation can slash insurance premiums and prevent catastrophic water damage. For homes with severe issues like widespread foundation cracks or a crumbling base, lifting provides the only viable foundation access for a complete replacement. On the opportunistic side, lifting can add living space by creating a new basement or first floor, a valuable alternative to horizontal expansion. It’s also a key tool for historic preservation, saving architectural treasures. Environmentally, lifting saves about 42 tons of material from landfills per home compared to demolition.
The Step-by-Step House Lifting Procedure
The process follows a precise sequence refined by professionals over decades.
- Consultation & Assessment: A structural engineer must first inspect your home to confirm it can be lifted safely. This report is the blueprint for the entire project.
- Permits & Planning: The contractor obtains necessary permits from your local municipality, such as in Kerrville, ensuring all plans comply with local codes. This phase can take several weeks.
- Site Preparation: You’ll need to secure loose items and potentially relocate. Professionals will then disconnect all utilities (water, gas, electricity, sewer) before any lifting begins.
- The Physical Lift: Using a unified jacking system, the house is raised evenly. Steel beams are placed under the home’s support points, and as hydraulic jacks lift the structure, wooden cribbing is stacked underneath for support. The actual lift takes 2-7 days. Reputable companies follow strict safety protocols, often adhering to standards from the International Association of Structural Movers.
- Foundation Work: With the house liftd, contractors can now repair or build the new foundation. This is the longest phase, as concrete needs weeks to cure properly before it can bear the home’s weight.
- Lowering & Reconnection: The house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation. Utilities are reconnected, and any final landscaping or finishing work is completed.
The typical project timeline is 4-8 weeks from start to finish.
Special Considerations: Project Costs and Historic Homes
Understanding the costs and potential challenges is crucial before committing.
Cost factors are influenced by several variables:
- House Size & Weight: Larger, heavier homes require more equipment and labor.
- Lift Height: A 12-foot lift for a new story costs more than a 2-foot lift for flood protection.
- Foundation Type: A simple crawlspace is less complex to work with than a full basement.
- Site Accessibility: Tight lots or obstacles can increase labor costs.
- Professional Fees: Budget for mandatory engineering and permit fees.
- Foundation Work: The cost of the new or repaired foundation is a major component. For detailed quotes on foundation repair services, always consult a professional.
Historic homes require specialized expertise. Their unique construction and fragile materials, like original timber, antique brick, or plaster, demand gentle handling. A contractor experienced with historic properties knows how to reinforce the structure and protect its character during the lift. Insurance requirements are also typically higher for these valuable properties. While challenging, lifting is often the only way to save a historic home from demolition, preserving the heritage of areas like the Texas Hill Country.
At Total Foundation & Roofing, we specialize in foundation repair and can assess whether lifting is necessary for your home. We often work with specialized lifting contractors to provide a complete solution. Call us at (830) 227-4007 to discuss your foundation concerns.
Finding the Best House Lifting Companies Near Me
Choosing the right contractor is the most critical step in your house lifting project. You are entrusting them with your home’s structural integrity, so thorough vetting is non-negotiable.
How to Vet Local House Lifting Companies Near Me
When you search for house lifting companies near me, use a methodical approach to gather evidence of their professionalism and expertise.
- Verify Decades of Experience: In this field, a long track record is paramount. Look for companies with decades of successful projects, especially with homes similar to yours.
- Confirm Licensing and Insurance: The company must have comprehensive general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for current certificates to protect yourself from liability.
- Inquire About Safety Protocols: A professional company will readily explain their safety certifications, staff training, and the engineered methods they use to protect your home during the lift.
- Check Reviews and References: Use platforms like Angi to read customer feedback. Always ask for and call local references to get accounts of their work.
- Prioritize Local Expertise: A contractor familiar with the Texas Hill Country understands our unique soil, climate, and building codes. Confirm they serve your specific area, whether it’s Kerrville, Fredericksburg, or surrounding communities.
- Demand Transparent Communication: A reputable contractor provides prompt responses and detailed, itemized quotes. Vagueness about costs or timelines is a major red flag.
Questions to Ask Potential House Lifting Companies Near Me
Before signing a contract with any house lifting companies near me, ask these essential questions to gauge their expertise and professionalism:
- Can you provide a detailed, itemized quote breaking down all costs?
- What is the projected timeline for my specific project?
- Who is responsible for obtaining permits and coordinating inspections?
- What is your experience with homes of this age and construction type?
- What specific safety measures will you use to protect my home?
- What warranties or guarantees do you offer on your work?
- How do you handle unexpected issues or potential damage?
- Can you provide recent, local references I can speak with?
Your Next Steps for a Successful House Lifting Project
House lifting is a major investment, but with proper research, you can choose a qualified partner with a proven track record. While this work requires a specialized contractor, many foundation problems can be solved without lifting the entire home. Total Foundation & Roofing specializes in comprehensive foundation solutions custom to the Texas Hill Country’s unique conditions.
If you have uneven floors, settlement, or other structural concerns, our expert house leveling services may be the right solution. We provide thorough assessments to determine the most effective and economical approach to stabilize your home.
Contact us today to discuss your foundation needs or call us directly at (830) 227-4007. We’re here to help protect your most valuable investment.
