Minimum, Average and Maximum Costs of House Lifting
The costs of raising the foundation of a home may vary depending on the complexity of the project. The minimum costs of house lifting can range between $300 and $850, while the average costs range between $3,465 and $5,808. Extensive projects for raising a home could reach a maximum of $14,000. However, the above price ranges do not include other costs such as the labor and materials involved in removing the existing foundation and replacing it with a new one. The overall budget of lifting a house inclusive of all other costs ranges between $25,000 and $100,000. It comes with no surprise that very complex projects could cost more than $100,000 with the involvement of seasoned pros throughout the process.
Factors That Determine the Overall Cost of House Lifting
- Type of Foundation
The type of existing foundation and the one your house will have after the lifting affects the total cost of the project. Some of the costs involved here include equipment fees, excavation, grading, permits, and labor costs of a structural engineer. If you are experiencing failure with your current foundation then there are higher chances of the similar problems occurring in the future if you rebuild it with the same type as before. Stem wall is the least priced foundation that can range between $3 and $5 per square foot. A foundation with a full basement is highly priced at a range of $10 to $100 per square foot.
- Size of Your Home
The cost and complexity of the process are primarily determined by the size of your existing home. A house with more stories is more difficult to keep stable when lifted than smaller cottages or cabins. The more complex your home is the more equipment, jacks, and contractors you will require onsite to prevent your existing home from being damaged during the lifting process. The cost of raising a single-story building without moving or rebuilding the foundation may start at $10,000 for a 1500-square-foot house.
- Labor
It is important to factor in the labor costs to get an accurate estimate of your house lifting. House raising companies do not have a set labor cost since houses are structured differently. The best way to find the right person for the job is to gather several quotes from different companies. Some projects may require special attention from structural engineers or architects. The cost of hiring an architect averages $4,598 and may be higher or lower based on how high you want your house to be.
- Access
All outdoor structures including stairs are removed during the lifting process. After the house has been lifted to its new position, you will require new access to your entryways since the old stairs are rendered useless. Constructing permanent access may mean installing new ramps or stairs. Expect to invest around $21,440 if your home has a front porch or a deck. You may also have to install new stairs to the lower part of your home if you are adding a new first floor or basement.
- Additional Considerations and Costs
An older home can add to the cost of the project because they require extreme care and reinforcement as they were often built with heavier materials than what we use today. You will also have to cater for enhancement and improvement costs regarding foundation repairs, landscaping, and adding a new structure or story. It is also important to consider the costs of acquiring permits and other miscellaneous expenses that may occur during house lifting.
House lifting is a significant project that should be handled carefully to avoid structural damage. Some of the common reasons why people raise their houses are to keep it above the flood zone, to add a new structure, and prevent it from setting in poor soil conditions. Whatever the reason you have for raising your home, it is important to hire a professional home raising company as they have the right equipment and experience to handle the job to their level best.
