Tuesday, August 1, 2017

House Raising Experts Burnaby Homeowners Use Explain When Lifting A Home May Be Necessary

By Patricia Hughes


Most people assume the home they buy is permanently attached to its foundation and cannot be moved or lifted. The majority of houses are never elevated, but most of them can be if necessary. Lifting a home off its foundation is not a small job and it is not inexpensive. If you are considering elevating your home, you should get in touch with one of the house raising experts Burnaby homeowners have previously employed.

There are many reasons why a homeowner will consider lifting a home. In some cases, government officials require that a property be raised above flood levels or moved altogether. Elevating a home above flood elevation can save the homeowner money on flood insurance. Lifting a residence above the water table will also help reduce the growth of mold and mildew. Adding a basement to increase the value of an existing home or turning it for aesthetic reasons are other circumstances that lead homeowners to go to the expense of lifting their residence.

By lifting a home, foundation problems can sometimes be alleviated. Settling can become a serious problem over time. If it is not fixed walls can crack and floors buckle. Homeowners trying to sell their residences will find it difficult to get a good price with existing structural damage. Homes that were not built to code may have to be lifted in order to correct an issue and become compliant with county ordinances.

Only experienced professionals should be considered for the job of elevating your home. Representatives of the company will inspect your property and give you an assessment of what the project will entail. Older houses can be more difficult to elevate because they are usually built of sturdier wood, making them heavier.

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.

Before a homeowner decides this is necessary, there are several things to take into consideration. If the foundation is cracked, it may have to be repaired before the home can be lifted, and an inspector may be needed to ensure the structural integrity of the property is not compromised. Building permits will be needed before work can begin. Utilities must be completely disconnected before the home can be lifted.

Appliances and furniture will have to be stored during the process. The electrical systems, such as hot water heaters, furnaces, and heat and air conditioning units have to be disconnected and moved. Neighbors should be contacted so they are not surprised by construction vehicles that may periodically block the street.

Elevating a property is not a simple process. It takes careful planning by seasoned professionals. Homeowners should think carefully before they obligate themselves to such an extensive project.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment