Raising a house can be a significant and necessary investment for homeowners looking to move their home to a new foundation, build a basement, or protect it from flood zones. Here is a comprehensive guide on the costs involved.
Key Takeaways
| Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Costs | $10,000 – $40,000 for house only; $20,000 – $100,000 to replace foundation |
| Factors Influencing Cost | Home size, foundation type, height lifted, labor, permits, and additional repairs |
| Project Duration | Typically 1–2 months |
| Pros and Cons | Increased safety, additional space vs. high cost, and potential for damage |
| Expert Involvement | Structural engineers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, and architects |
| Table Usefulness | Detailed costs are broken down based on project type, size, and factors |
House Lifting Cost
Raising a house typically involves various expenses depending on the complexity of the project. Here’s a breakdown of some common house lifting costs:
| 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 |
Average Cost To Lift A House
On average, lifting a house can cost between $10,000 and $40,000 for house raising alone, whereas lifting and replacing the foundation can range much higher.
| Aspect | Cost |
|---|---|
| National Average Cost | $22,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $5,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $100,000 |
| Average Range | $10,000 to $40,000 |
Cost To Raise A House
The complexity and type of the project contribute significantly to the costs of raising a house.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Project: Small, Wood-Framed Single-Story Home | $10 – $20 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Complex Project: Large, Multi-Story Stone Home | $15 – $30 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Cost To Elevate A House By Size
Larger homes typically incur higher costs for raising due to more extensive labor and equipment usage.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| 1,500 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
| 2,000 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| 2,500 | $25,000 – $50,000 |
Cost Factors To Jack Up A House
Several major factors can influence the overall cost of jacking up a house.
| Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Labor | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Structural Engineer | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Architect | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Plumber | $45 – $140 per hour |
| Electrician | $40 – $100 per hour |
| Excavation and Grading | $800 – $6,000 |
| Foundation Repairs | $250 – $20,000 |
| New Exterior Staircase | $800 – $2,500 |
| Permits | $500 – $6,000 |
| Lifting Over 8 Feet | + 20% – 40% of total |
Cost To Lift A House And Replace Foundation
Replacing a foundation can significantly impact the total cost. Here’s a look at how these costs breakdown:
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small Home or Simple Project | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Large Home or Complex Project | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Cost To Raise A House On A Slab
Homes built on slab foundations may incur higher lifting costs due to the difficulty involved in maneuvering the solid structure.
Cost To Reinforce Foundation For Second Story
Reinforcing a foundation to add a second story involves additional expenses. These efforts ensure the existing foundation can support the added weight.
Cost Of Lifting A House To Build A Basement
Building a basement can add considerable value to a home, but also comes with a high cost.
| Foundation Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Base Cost To Raise House | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Add Unfinished Basement | + $25,000 – $70,000 |
| Build Finished Basement | + $40,000 – $150,000 |
| Average Total Cost | $40,000 – $150,000 |
Cost To Level A House
Levels a house if the foundation settles can also be quite expensive.
| Level Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Installing Shims | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Piering and Underpinning A Single Corner | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Underpinning Extensive Damage (8 – 10 Piers) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Mudjacking / Concrete Leveling Foam | $3,000 – $15,000 |
Piering and Underpinning
This involves adding support to the existing foundation. Costs depend on the extent of underpinning required.
Foundation Foam Jacking
Mudjacking or foam leveling involves injecting materials under the slab to level the surface, providing a less invasive alternative to full foundation repair.
Cost To Raise A House Above Flood Zone
In flood-prone areas, raising a house above the flood zone can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance premiums.
| Foundation Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Base Cost To Raise House | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Pier & Beam | + $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Columns/Posts | + $13,000 – $24,000 |
| Pilings | + $12,000 – $40,000 |
| Average Total Cost | $20,000 – $80,000 |
Pier & Beam
Raising houses using pier-and-beam structures offers a flexible approach to achieving desired heights.
Replacing House Columns / Posts
House post replacement costs vary based on the elevation required.
| Elevation Above Grade | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Foundation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0′ to 5′ | $10 – $15 | $13,000 – $18,000 |
| 5′ to 10′ | $14 – $18 | $17,000 – $22,000 |
| 10′ to 15′ | $15 – $20 | $18,000 – $24,000 |
Cost To Raise A House on Pilings
For significant raising needs, pilings can offer robust support but come with a high price tag.
| Elevation Above Grade | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Foundation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0′ to 5′ | $10 – $25 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 5′ to 10′ | $15 – $30 | $17,000 – $36,000 |
| 10′ to 15′ | $18 – $40 | $22,000 – $40,000 |
Government Funding Help
Homeowners may find financial support from government programs aimed at improving home safety in flood-prone areas.
Reduced Flood Insurance Premiums
Raising a house above flood zones can significantly reduce flood insurance premiums, providing long-term savings.
Cost To Elevate & Move House To New Foundation
Moving a house to a new foundation involves multiple expenses but may be necessary for various reasons.
| Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Transport Permits | $400 – $5,000 |
| Structural Engineer Inspection | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Transport House | $18,000 – $40,000+ |
| New Foundation at Destination Site | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Pros & Cons Of Raising A House
Pros
- Increased protection from flooding
- Added living spaces like basements
- Potential increase in home value
Cons
- High initial investment
- Potential risk of structural damage
- Disruption to daily life during the project
How To Jack Up A House
Raising a house involves several steps and preparatory actions. Here’s a general outline:
How To Prepare For House Lifting
- Consult with structural engineers and contractors.
- Secure necessary permits.
- Ensure all utilities are safely disconnected.
- Clear areas around the home for lifting equipment.
House Lifting FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Raise A House?
The duration of raising a house can vary but generally falls within the following timeframes:
| Process | Days |
|---|---|
| Initial Site Preparations & Permits | 7 – 14 |
| Lift House | 2 – 7 |
| Foundation Replacement, Repairs, Inspections | 14 – 30 |
| Lower House | 1 – 2 |
Will House Lifting Damage My House?
While lifting a house involves risks, experienced professionals can minimize damage. It’s crucial to hire qualified contractors.
Can I Live In The House While It’s Being Lifted?
Generally, living in the house during lifting is unsafe and impractical. Alternative temporary accommodation is recommended.
Hiring House Lifting Companies
Who Lifts Houses?
House lifting companies with experience and specialized equipment handle these projects. Always verify credentials and previous work.
Questions To Ask House Lifting Companies
- Can you provide references from previous projects?
- What insurance and licenses do you hold?
- What is the estimated timeline for completion?
- Are there any additional costs that might arise?
With proper planning, raising a house can provide numerous benefits, from increased safety to added living space. Ensure you are well-informed about the costs and processes to make the best decision for your home.
