How Much Does It Cost to Raise a House?
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Most homeowners spend anywhere between $3,700-$6,000 to raise their house. Very involved projects can run more than $100,000. Seasoned pros can complete the process in a few days.
What Are House Lifting Cost Factors?
The square footage and number of floors affect the price to raise a house. A bigger home means more money. Project cost factors include:
Condition:
- Damaged foundations need to be secured with helical or concrete piers
- Lifting the costs of a damaged house
Labor rates:
- Digging runs between $85-$125 per hour
- Building pros charge different hourly rates for labor
Specialist rates:
Some or all these may be needed to prep, assess or finish the job. Your hired contractor will tell you who to hire when inspecting your foundation.
- Structural Engineers: $150-$200 per hour
- Architects: $80-$150 per hour
- Plumbers: $45-$150 per hour
- Electricians: $50-$100 per hour
Timing:
- Scheduling far in advance costs much less than a rush job
Landscaping:
Removal of trees or shrubs from around foundation
Utilities:
Paying to detach plumbing, phone service, power
How Much Are Permits and Local Project Fees?
While most permits cost $500 at most, some that pertain to raising a home can run between $2,500-$5,000. Permits and local project fees vary based on where you live.
How Much Does It Cost to Jack Up a House and Why Do It?
The reason you’re jacking up your house will directly impact how much it will cost.
- To support or level a foundation: Involves digging around the house, lifting it with hydraulic jacks and putting in concrete piers that run to $1,000-$3,000 each. Most projects need 8-10 piers, but it varies with home size.
- To replace the foundation: On top of the initial price of lifting, replacing costs anywhere from $20,000-$100,000. Budget will vary depending on the type of foundation being installed.
- To transport the house somewhere else: Homeowners spend $12-$16 per square foot to have their house moved. Cost will depend on distance, special permits and hiring a structural engineer to confirm it’s sound enough to move.
- To add another floor or structure under the home: It runs at least $5,000 just to life the structure. The cost of a basement install after lifting is $18 per square foot on average. It can run between $10,000- $175,000 based on project size and whether it's finished or unfinished.
- Lifting a home out of the floodplain: Use pilings, posts, columns or piers to keep your home out of a flood zone. Piers are generally the least expensive option.
Why Raise a Home's Foundation?
Foundations need to be raised, leveled or replaced for lots of reasons:
- Nonporous backfill makes it harder for water to drain.
- Bad concrete curing can lead to cracks and a crooked foundation.
- Crushed stone not properly compacted also affects drainage.
Do Raised Homes Have Benefits?
Raised homes have several pluses that relate to their look, comfort and structure. They can:
- Improve a home's curb appeal
- Extend the living space
- Make appliances easier to service (water heaters, HVAC systems)
- Act as a natural insulator
- Reduce flood risk thanks to improved drainage
- Allow for flexible landscaping options
What Is the Process to Lift a House?
Builders lift a house on hydraulic jacks and support it with cribbing. They repeat this in stages until it reaches the right height. Pros can lift most sound homes in less than a day.
How Do You Choose A Pro to Raise Your Home?
First, gather quotes from many builders and compare their rates. You can search for a trusted foundation pro online. Make sure you know what their rates include and what their labor costs are.
Ask each pro these questions:
- How many houses have you lifted in the past?
- What equipment do you use?
- Are you insured, and to what extent?
- Are there other costs I should be aware of?
Raising a house is always a big project, but it’s worth it in the end if you find the right pro.
What are the next steps? Home Builder Near You is a great place to start the search.