A Guide On How To Raise Your Home

Do you intend to raise your house? It could be that you intend to build a basement, renovate or install a new foundation. Here are some considerations to make when raising your home. 

Inspect The House 

Inspect the house to determine the viability of your project. For instance, check whether you need to disconnect utilities such as water, gas and power before raising your house. Check whether your house needs repairs before you raise the structure. For example, you may need to repair a damaged floor, cracked pillars or an unstable roof. It helps prevent severe damage as you raise the house. Raising your house allows you to conduct improvements such as installing damp proof courses or conducting pest treatment.

Work With An Experienced Contractor

Examine the contractor's portfolio to ensure that they can handle the work. Preferably, interview some of the contractor's clients to ascertain their expertise. The contractor should conduct a site inspection to determine the scope of works. For instance, they should determine the height at which you will raise the structure and how to lift the house. In this case, the contractor could use piers or plant equipment. During the inspection, the contractor will advise whether you need a new foundation or if the current foundation requires extensive repairs.

Examine the terms and conditions of the contractor. For instance, what guarantees does the contractor give? Ideally, they should be willing to offer repairs if your house gets damaged when getting raised or lowered. The contractor must have a general liability insurance cover to offer compensation in case of accidents at the site. 

Site Preparation Works

Below are some site preparation works to consider as you raise your house: 

  • You may need to vacate the premises. The contractor should advise how long it will take before you move back.
  • Clean your basement or slab to remove appliances or furniture that might complicate the house raising and foundation repair works.
  • Remove any shrubs or flowers around the house. You may also need to cut low-lying branches around the house. Mark the location of underground utilities to prevent damage as you raise the house.
  • If the builder will use plant equipment at the site, mark out an access route. You may need to remove pavers along the equipment's route.
  • House raising requires the contractor to excavate the soil around the house. Therefore, you need to decide on a suitable location to dump the soil. 

You must observe safety as you raise the house. For example, plant equipment must be operated by skilled operators. Barricade the site to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing the site. Additionally, workers must have protective clothing. For more information, contact a house raising company. 


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