House Raising Experts Burnaby Homeowners Trust Explain The Reasons And Risks Of Lifting A Structure

By Patricia Hughes


When you purchase a home, you probably assume it is permanently affixed to the land and will never be moved. In most cases this is true. There are times however, when it may become necessary to lift the home from its foundation. This is not an easy or inexpensive proposition, and before you make any decisions, you should consult professionals like the house raising experts Burnaby homeowners have trusted through the years.

Before you purchase a home, you should know whether or not it is in a flood plain, consider that it lacks the basement you find essential, or is situated in such a way that is not aesthetically pleasing to you. You may avoid having to have your home raised if you take these things into consideration. Homes with basements below the flood level and that are located in certain flood hazard zones, may be required by the federal government to either have them elevated to a satisfactory level or move them.

Cracks in the foundation or excessive settling may require a homeowner to have a residence lifted and repaired. If these corrections are not made, the house will become uninhabitable over time and be impossible to sell to anyone else. If a home is in violation of county building codes, officials may require the homeowner to correct the problem or face fines and penalties.

Elevating a home can be tricky and only seasoned professionals should be employed to handle the job. They will come out to your home, discuss the project, and then evaluate what it will take to get the job done. Older homes are usually harder to lift because they are heavier. Some lifting projects can be done quickly, but sometimes a house can only be raised a fraction of an inch at a time.

The cost of elevating even a modestly sized home can end up costing thousands of dollars. Crews have to excavate tons of dirt and pour concrete walls before the lifting process begins. They bring in hydraulic jacks and steel beams to accomplish the actual raising. Box cribs are put in place to hold the home up while the repairs or changes are underway.

The companies that raise houses want their clients to understand what is involved in such a major job. It certain instances, the property cannot be elevated until a compromised foundation is repaired. An inspector may have to sign off on the structural integrity of the building prior to work beginning. Expensive building permits are required. All utilities must be disconnected.

Not only will furniture and appliances have to be moved out, but electrical systems like heat and air conditioning units and furnaces will have to be dismantled and moved. Your neighbors should be forewarned about the disruption this will cause. There will be extra noise and multiple vehicles parked on the street.

You may never experience having your home elevated in order to repair it. If you find yourself in this situation however, calling experienced and recommended professionals should be your first step. They have the expertise to guide you successfully through the process.




About the Author:



Popular Posts