How To Elevate Your House: Increasing Foundation Height

Elevating a house is a common retrofitting method used to raise a house to a desired flood protection elevation (FPE). There are several techniques available for increasing the foundation height, including lifting the house and building a new foundation below it or adding a new upper story.

The elevation process involves separating the house from its existing foundation, raising it on hydraulic jacks, and constructing a new or extended foundation. This technique is suitable for houses with basement, crawlspace, and open foundations. It can also be used for masonry houses on slab-on-grade foundations, with alternative elevation techniques.

The amount of elevation required depends on the chosen FPE, and it is important to consider incorporating at least 1 foot of freeboard into the FPE. Elevating a house up to 3 or 4 feet above the existing ground level usually has minimal impact on the appearance of the house. However, if more elevation is required, it may be beneficial to elevate the house a full story to utilize the space below for parking, storage, or building access.

Key Takeaways

• Increasing foundation height is a common method used to elevate a house to a desired flood protection elevation (FPE).
• Techniques for increasing foundation height include lifting the house and building a new foundation, or adding a new upper story.
• The elevation process involves separating the house from its existing foundation, raising it on hydraulic jacks, and constructing a new or extended foundation.
• Elevating a house up to 3 or 4 feet above the existing ground level usually has minimal impact on the appearance of the house.
• If more elevation is required, it may be beneficial to elevate the house a full story to utilize the space below for parking, storage, or building access.

House Lifting: Methods and Benefits

House lifting, also known as house raising, house jacking, or building jacking, is a process of raising a house above its existing foundation. It involves running steel beams under the house and using hydraulic jacks to lift it while adding support underneath.

House lifting is commonly used to create additional space, such as a finished basement, without encroaching on the yard or porch space. It can also be a solution for addressing structural issues, such as foundation damage or the need for seismic retrofitting.

House lifting methods include:

1. Hydraulic jacks: Used to lift the house to the desired height.
2. Steel beams: Placed under the house to provide stability and support during the lifting process.
3. Cribs: Temporary supports used to maintain the lifted position while new foundations or extensions are built.

The benefits of house lifting:

• Add extra space: By lifting a house, homeowners can create a finished basement or add extra rooms below the original footprint of the house.
• Seismic retrofitting: House lifting can help retrofit the house to meet seismic standards and address structural repairs.
• Preserve original footprint: Lifting the house allows homeowners to maintain the original size and layout of the house while making necessary modifications.
• Avoid flood damage: Elevating the house above flood levels can protect it from potential water damage.

“House lifting projects require permits and can take several weeks to complete, depending on the size of the house and the specific requirements.”

Hiring experienced and qualified structural lifting contractors or a reputable home elevation company is crucial for a successful and safe house lifting process.

Strengthening Foundations: Importance and Methods

The foundation of a home is crucial for its stability and integrity. Strengthening the foundation is important to prevent catastrophic failures and maintain the value of the property. Signs of foundation damage include visible cracks, warped ceilings and walls, water damage, and structural issues like sloping stairs and misaligned doors.

There are various methods to strengthen foundations, including underpinning, which involves increasing the depth of the foundation or repairing significant damage. Underpinning methods include mass pour, screw piles and brackets, pile and beam, and piled raft. Jacketing of foundations is another method used to strengthen columns and accommodate additional load. Mudjacking is a method used for smaller footprint spaces to raise and align concrete slabs. House lifting and leveling can be necessary to avoid flood damage, relocate the structure, or improve the foundation.

Foundation strengthening projects require customized plans based on the specific needs and conditions of the property. Strengthening the foundation not only improves the safety of the home but also makes it more valuable and easier to sell. It is recommended to consult with a structural engineer or contractor to determine the best solutions for foundation repairs and strengthening.

Source Links

• https://www.crddesignbuild.com/blog/house-lifting-methods
• https://legaleaglecontractors.com/strengthen-foundations-existing-home/
• https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_elevating-your-house-chapter-5.pdf