Foundations
First of all, raising a building does not apply to all foundation types. Buildings with basement foundations or concrete slab foundations cannot be raised. Buildings built on crawl space foundations can be raised. In our experience here at Wells Capital Foundations we often find older homes built on a crawl space just inches off the ground surface. These crawl spaces are often not man accessible. Repairs on structures or utilities located in the crawl space are not possible. When the foundation supports fail in such a building we can offer two options, we can dig out the crawl space or we can temporarily separate the building from it’s foundation raising it in elevation providing space to make repairs. Then we will build a new foundation to meet the new elevation. We will be able to advise you of your economical options when we perform our free site foundation inspection.
Thoughts and Considerations
Dig outs can expose underground utilities that may need supporting or rerouting before the project is finished.
Utilities and Structures
When lifting a building some or all utilities will have to be temporarily disconnected in order to raise a house. Utilities such as electrical, plumbing supply and drains, HVAC and Gas. Some structures may need to be separated from the main building such as decks, porches or steps.
Safety
Professionals know exactly how raising a house should be performed. They have experience, manpower and equipment necessary to do the job correctly and safely.
Structural Damage
The timing and method of house lifting has to be approached with precision, patience and the right equipment. If you hire a professional foundation expert, Wells Capital llc., the damage to your home will be slight or none at all.
Equipment
We have all the equipment that we need to do the job including heavy duty house jacks, steel support I beams and cribbing needed for temporary support.
Slow Pace
I already mentioned patience, as we lift the building we will allow time for the building to settle between lifts. We know the procedure well.
Some Thoughts From Wikipedia
House raising (house lifting, house jacking, barn jacking, building jacking) is the process of separating a building from its foundation and temporarily raising it with hydraulic screw jacks. House raising may also be a part of a renovation to build a foundation under an existing house. Often employed in areas that are prone to flooding and storm damage, this process can be achieved through the use of either timber piles or helical piles.[3] Once a house is raised and supported on cribbing, a new foundation can be constructed beneath it.[4] After Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy large numbers of houses in parts of Louisiana, New York and New Jersey were raised to avoid future flooding.
Little published information is available about building jacking methods. The skills are usually acquired through experience working for a building jacking or moving company.
Does raising a house damage it?
In most cases, the damage will be between “little” and “none.” It might be surprising to hear, but lifting a house is a very gentle process. Technically we are damaging the house when we destroy the foundation underneath, but the rest of the structure is treated very gingerly.
Is it worth lifting a house?
Make the most of it while you can – home lifts add value to your space. They increase your property value, make your home more accessible and mean that you and your loved ones can enjoy your house well into retirement.