Have you ever considered moving or lifting your house? Many people raise and move houses for various reasons. Floods and other natural calamities are some of the reasons. Another reason is to save some important historic buildings.
The lifting process involves raising homes above their current foundation. When planning to lift a house, there are many considerations to put in place crucial to this lifting. You need to consider the following factors when preparing to lift a house.
Get a general contractor.
It’s good to go for a contractor who will handle all other issues arising from lifting a house.
The contractor should do the following:
- Surveying
- Engineering
- Obtaining permits
- Reconnecting and disconnecting utilities
- Laying the new foundation
- Excavation
- Landscaping
- Carpentry, among others.
A general contractor should be able to get all the needed paperwork and permits.
A general contractor will be better positioned to handle additional drawings if there are additional drawings to do.
New foundation plan confirmation
Lifting a house involves three foundation plans that need confirmation.
- The lifting height
It’s the difference between the old floor and the proposed first-floor elevation.
- New foundations
New foundation designs may need rigging out the steel in diverse ways.
Seeing a new foundation plan will help to limit some extra costs.
- New footers
Will you lift the house using the same old foundation?
Will you get rid of the existing foundation and footers to build new ones?
Read and understand a moving contract
Understand the language used in writing the contract. Read to understand each paragraph well to get the right information.
You should be aware of the lifting process and charges as specified in the contract.
In case of any hard clause, seek clarification before signing it.
Make sure you sign the contract before work begins.
Some companies might present a new contract and stir problems.
The contract should specify all expense details and the final cost of the entire project.
Site preparation
You need to address many tasks before you start lifting to enjoy house raising benefits, recommends Bishop Construction.
Address issues inside, outside, and under the house.
Under house preparations
The house crawlspace or basement needs proper cleaning.
Get rid of all the obstacles and things stored under the house to create a transparent working environment.
Remove all the plumping systems and the wiring under the house.
Inside the house
Inside a house doesn’t need many changes.
Keep well the delicate property but don’t move anything outside the house.
The lifting company will lift your house despite the weight and the things inside it.
Outside the house
Remove all the steps from decks, porches, and even on doors.
Remove all the porches or docks that will not get lifted with the house.
If they need demolition, do it before the lifting process.
Remove all the outside accessories like lean-tos, shoers, and utility platforms.
Remove all the shrubbery, bushes, and plants around the house.
You will create a suitable environment for lifting the house.
You may need to remove the previous landscaping, like sidewalks and flower beds.
Before removing them, check the new house design and consult the engineer if they need to be removed.
Remove the fence around the house to give way for the lifting process.
If you don’t have enough space in your house to keep everything inside, you can seek freedom from neighbors.
Check for underground public utilities in your compound, like sewage lines.
Conclusion
Due to technological advancements, it’s easy to lift or move a house.
Agree with the contractor on terms of service and specific duties for you and the contractor.