Today, we’re diving into the complex yet rewarding process of lifting a house. Whether you’re considering a full-scale home renovation or just need to raise a house foundation (like we did), this guide will take you through the essentials. Follow along as we walk through each stage, from setting up steel beams to ensuring your foundation is stable.
Why Lift a House?
Lifting a house can solve a variety of issues, such as:
• Fixing foundation problems
• Adding height to your basement or crawl space
• Preventing future water damage by raising the structure above flood levels
• General home renovation to improve structural stability
The Setup: Steel Beams and Cribbing
The first step in the house lifting process is to set up steel beams and cribbing to support the structure. We started by removing a rotted bay window, which needed to be done regardless, to make room for the beams to pass through.
Once the area was prepped, we began the setup. Using 6×6 oak blocks for cribbing, we created a sturdy foundation to support the steel beams. These beams are critical for holding the house in place as we prepare to jack up the house. We also used four hydraulic jacks, placed at each corner of the house, to ensure an even lift.
Pro Tip: The Role of Cribbing
Cribbing acts as a temporary support system while the house is being lifted. It’s essential to use high-quality materials like oak to prevent shifting or instability during the process.
The Lifting Process Explained
The actual house lift involved lifting the structure approximately 4 feet into the air. To do this, we used hydraulic jacks. However, it’s not as simple as lifting all corners at once. Hydraulic fluid flows to the lightest part of the house, meaning you have to lift in stages to avoid twisting the structure.
The key is to lift the house like a three-legged stool, jacking up two corners at once while keeping the other two stable. This ensures an even lift and prevents any racking or structural damage to the home.
Common Mistake to Avoid
• Lifting all four corners simultaneously can lead to uneven pressure distribution, causing damage to your house. Always take this into consideration!
Foundation Work: Adding Height to the Basement
With the house suspended in the air, we moved on to the foundation. The goal here was to raise the foundation by three courses of cinder blocks, increasing the overall ceiling height in the home.
One of the major steps involved grouting (filling the cinder block cells) every 32 inches to strengthen the cinder block walls. The old foundation had no grout, which made it weaker, so this step was vital to ensure the new structure was sturdy. We also inserted rebar to add strength and tie the new foundation to the old one, adding even more stability.
Pro Tip: Don’t Skip the Grouting
Grouting the cells of a cinder block wall is essential when raising a foundation. It strengthens the blocks and helps tie the old and new foundation together.
Installing Sill Plates and Sealing the Gaps
Next, we tackled the sill plate installation. A common issue with older homes is the lack of secure attachment between the sill plate and the foundation. In this case, we used Simpson Strong-Tie anchors to secure the new treated 2×8 sill plate to the foundation. Additionally, a sill sealer was applied to prevent air leaks and block insects from entering through the foundation.
One challenge we faced was applying the sealant from the inside because the exterior sheathing and siding overlapped the joint. Typically, you would seal from the outside, but we adapted by using DAP’s polyurethane adhesive on the interior to ensure a tight seal.
Pro Tip: Sill Plate Sealing
A sill sealer prevents air and bugs from entering the home through gaps between the foundation and sill plate. But its not perfect, if you want to make sure it’s sealed up tight do so with polyurethane adhesive in the sill to concrete joint.
Final Steps: Lowering the House and Wrap-Up
With the sill plate in place, we carefully lowered the house back onto the new foundation. The openings where the steel beams had been were filled in, and the basement is now two feet taller. Fortunately, we had mild weather during this stage, which made the work go smoothly.
The next phase involves installing new windows and large patio doors. We’ll cover that in the next post, so stay tuned for more updates on this lake house renovation project!
FAQs About Lifting a House
Q: How much does it cost to lift a house?
A: Costs can vary depending on the size of the house, the foundation work required, and the region. Generally, expect to pay between $10,000 to $30,000 for an average house lift.
Q: How long does it take to lift a house?
A: The lifting process itself can take a few hours, but the entire project, including foundation work, may take several weeks depending on the complexity.
Q: Can you lift any type of house?
A: Most homes can be lifted, but the specific method and feasibility depend on the home’s structure, foundation, and location.
Additional Tips for Homeowners Considering House Lifting
• Check local building codes: Make sure you meet all local requirements before starting a house lifting project.
• Hire a professional: Lifting a house is not a DIY job. Always work with experienced contractors who specialize in house raising and foundation work.
• Plan for weather: If you’re lifting during the colder months, ensure your home is properly protected from the elements to avoid delays.
