I'm wondering about the possibility and cost of raising my house. It's a small wood-frame home with vinyl siding and a cinder block foundation. The main issue is that my basement is about 6 inches too short to be considered livable space, which limits my home's value significantly. I've thought about digging down to improve the height, but that doesn't seem cost-effective considering the utilities and slope. However, if I could raise the house and add a row or two of cinder blocks, it would be perfect for creating more livable space. Has anyone done this before? What would the costs be like, and what type of contractor should I look for? My house dimensions are approximately 25ft x 45ft and the local CPI is around 100.
4 Answers
Yes, this is indeed a thing! People do it often in Florida to combat flooding issues. They use hydraulic jacks to lift the house, creating space to add to the foundation. It’s not cheap, especially depending on utilities and plumbing that need to be adjusted, but it might be worth it if you're looking to significantly increase your home's value. Be sure to shop around for quotes, though, as pricing can vary widely based on your location and specific needs.
Roughly, I’d estimate between $2k to $5k for every 100 square feet of your home. Keep in mind, if you live in a region prone to seismic activity or unstable soil, prices could skyrocket.
What you're looking for is often called house lifting or house jacking, and it's definitely something contractors do. You'll want to hire a structural mover for the job. Just a heads up, expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars for this type of work. It’s wise to consult with an engineer to inspect your foundation first to ensure everything is in good shape.
Yeah, I was thinking around 10k+ too, but I'm curious what a more specific estimate might be since I could see a possible increase of $150k in property value.
Honestly, anything is possible if you have the budget for it. But let’s be real, it's probably not a cost-effective route unless you're set on the increase in value. Maybe it's worth considering what you really want to achieve with the renovation before diving in.
Haha, I have a friend who's starting to do well as a contractor. He always says, 'Is it possible? Sure! But are you willing to pay for it? Nah!' Definitely adds up!
Considering my house is almost 100 years old, does that likely mean the soil has proven to be stable if it’s still standing?