Is your growing family running out of room but you love your neighbourhood and don’t want to move? Are you having difficulties with the wet climate in Victoria and need to prevent flooding? Do you have a damaged foundation and need to repair it? A long rainy season can easily damage a foundation. Maybe you’re struggling with recurring leaks and floods. Have you tried to sell your home and it fails the inspection? There are low lying areas in Victoria that experience floods year after year, and this wears away at the foundation which may need protection. You may not need to relocate, however, because house lifts are a viable option.
If you’ve been wanting to add more square footage to your home by way of an addition but can’t build laterally due to a lack of lot space, it might be possible to raise your house and build beneath it. Many of the lot sizes in Victoria are too small for additions, so a lot of homeowners feel stuck in their small space and are unable to afford a larger property. In a city like Victoria it’s becoming increasingly popular to expand upwards due to the inability of expanding living space outwards. Another reason for house lifts is people love their yards and don’t want to sacrifice their outdoor play space used for family activities.
This process, which starts with lifting, raising, or jacking up your house, is happening more often in larger cities, including Victoria BC, where metropolitan lots are usually smaller and houses are already butting up against their neighbours.
If you’re limited to a small lot and can’t do an addition or carriage house it’s important to weigh the benefits of a house lift.
Maybe you’d like to invest in the real estate market but can’t afford to buy another property. In that case it makes sense to invest in your own property and increase its value. Adding a basement or second level may be a very economical solution for you.
When land is selling at a premium and growing families are wanting more space or an income property, but don’t have the desire or the financing to move to a different property, the alternative in these cases is to add more square footage to existing properties by way of raising their home and building underneath it. And that is exactly what LIDA Construction is helping more homeowners do in the region.
Wondering if this option is right for you?Here’s a quick overview of house raising and what you can expect.
House raising refers to completely removing your house from its existing foundation in order to repair or replace the foundation. It’s often done in combination with excavating the ground below to gain extra square footage by way of an additional dugout crawlspace or basement.
Reasons you might want to lift your house
There are several reasons why you might be looking at lifting your house, including:
Pros of lifting a house to build underneath it
Cons of lifting a house to build underneath it:
It’s tough to put a price tag on the cost of raising a home, as it all depends on what your goals are, and the size and condition of your existing home. Raising or lifting or jacking up a house costs anywhere from $20,000 for a partial foundation repair, to $80,000 for a crawl space addition, to $200,000+ for a fully finished basement suite with 8-foot ceilings.
The price is separated out for each stage of the process. For example, there is the cost for just lifting the house, then the price for repairing or adding a foundation, then the price for adding the suite, etc. The cost of the building permit to raise a house is also a lot steeper than an average building permit.
The process to lift a house begins with hiring a general contractor or custom home builder who can go through your overall vision with you. They are also the ones who can speak with your local municipality on your behalf to confirm that the vision for your lifted home won’t exceed local building height limits once it is lifted. Having a general contractor in place to execute the house lifting process will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
From there, you’ll require zoning approvals and building permits, which both insist the project will be done in accordance with the BC Building Code. A house lifting company as hired by your general contractor can help get the ball rolling on this. They can also advise you on what is possible, based on your home’s age, condition, and size, so it’s best to consult professional house lifting contractors right from the start.
A house lifting contractor will go over information with you regarding things like your required lift height and plans for new footings, including if you’ll be laying over top of the existing foundation or removing footings and installing new ones.
An engineer can verify what kind of foundation you have. Be prepared to budget for a new one if your foundation isn’t up to today’s building standards, even if your motivation for raising your house is not related to your foundation. For example, if your home was built prior to 1990, your foundation is likely a simple vertical wall of concrete resting on a compressed layer of either clay, gravel or rock. Today’s building standards often require a 2-foot wide concrete footing with at least an eight-inch vertical foundation wall rising off it.
The next step in the process is getting everything on the exterior disconnected, and everything inside of the home as secured as possible (the grandfather clock and floor to ceiling antique cabinet full of fine china might need to be temporarily re-located!)
A house lifting company will need to make sure the following is taken care of:
A portion of your fencing might also need to be removed to accommodate large machinery like excavators
Home lifting contractors will lift your house using hydraulic jacks and supports called cribbing, or cribbing piles. The lifting is done in stages until your house reaches the desired height. The actual lifting process can be done in about a day if your home is in good condition.
Next comes the excavation in most cases. Lifting a house typically involves digging down in order to create that crawlspace or get the most ceiling height you can out of your basement addition. This requires excavators and often dump trucks to remove the dug-up dirt.
Depending on the age of your home, a drainage expert or qualified contractor might also need to be called in to look at your perimeter drains (weeping tile). This step cannot be overlooked if you’re planning on having occupants in your basement. In Victoria, most old homes don’t have weeping tile, or what they do have is clogged or compromised. This leads to lots of moisture seeping into the basement during the rainy season.
Once the house has been lifted and subsequently lowered is when sub-trades come in and:
Note that in many situations, this likely won’t be a simple like-for-like re-connection. For example, with more occupants in the home, an upgrade from a 60-amp or 100-amp electrical box to a 200-amp box will likely be required to accommodate new additional appliances and electric baseboard heaters. Likewise for plumbing. The very likely addition of a bathroom on the ground level means replacing 3-inch sewer pipes with 4-inch pipes. It also means replacing the half-inch intake line you might have now with something bigger.
Time to Renovate
At this point, all the fun of a regular home renovation begins, including getting your living space done up just the way you want it!
A general contractor should be on-site coordinating with all the sub-trades to make sure that as the house is lowered, everything goes into its proper place.
At LIDA Construction we are experts at house lifts and know the ins and outs of all building codes, zoning and permits needed to take on your house lift.
LIDA Construction specializes in transparency and great communication and also provides a project manager for your house lift project. Labour and materials are charged to you at cost, keeping rates reasonable and fair. And you have access to our design team who can maximize the functionality of your added basement or make recommendations to improve your lifted space.
Contact us to discuss your options when it comes to house lifts in Victoria BC.
©2025 All rights reserved. LIDA Construction.
©2025 All rights reserved. LIDA Construction.
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Can a house on a slab be lifted?
A house on a slab can be lifted. However, the process may be more complex and may require specialized techniques to ensure structural integrity and proper elevation, depending on the condition of the foundation and local building codes.
Can a house be lifted to add a slab foundation?
A house can indeed be lifted to add a slab foundation. This process involves raising the home to create space for the slab, which can enhance structural support and improve living conditions.
Can a house be lifted to replace a foundation?
A house can indeed be lifted to replace its foundation. This process allows for the installation of a new, stable foundation while ensuring the structural integrity of the home is maintained.
Can a house that is on a slab of concrete be lifted?
A house on a slab of concrete can indeed be lifted. This process, however, requires specialized techniques and equipment, ensuring that the foundation and structural integrity are maintained throughout the lifting operation.
Can a helicopter lift a house?
A helicopter can lift a house under specific conditions, but it is highly impractical and dangerous. Traditional house lifting methods, like those employed by LIDA Construction, are far more effective and reliable for elevating homes safely.
Can a house be elevated for renovations?
A house can indeed be elevated for renovations. This process allows homeowners to expand living space or improve structural integrity, making it a practical solution for numerous renovation projects.
What methods are used for house lifting?
The methods used for house lifting include hydraulic jacking, where hydraulic systems raise the structure, and structural lifting, which involves reinforcing supports before elevating the home. These techniques ensure stability and safety during the lifting process.
Is lift height adjustable for houses?
The lift height for houses is adjustable. LIDA Construction can customize the elevation based on your specific needs, allowing for optimal living space expansion or foundation repairs.
How long does house lifting take?
The duration of house lifting typically varies based on the project's complexity, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the process efficiently.
What permits are needed for house lifting?
Permits needed for house lifting typically include a building permit and possibly a zoning permit, which ensure that the project complies with local regulations and safety standards. It's essential to consult your municipality for specific requirements.
Can old foundations support lifted houses?
Old foundations can support lifted houses, but their condition must be thoroughly assessed. With proper reinforcement and repairs, many older foundations can safely handle the added weight and structural changes from lifting.
What risks are involved in house lifting?
The risks involved in house lifting include potential structural damage, improper elevation causing instability, and violations of local building codes. It’s crucial to engage experienced professionals to mitigate these risks and ensure a safe lifting process.
How do you prepare a house for lifting?
Preparing a house for lifting involves several essential steps. First, clear the area around the house of obstacles, ensure utilities are disconnected, and consult with a structural engineer to assess foundation needs. Finally, securing necessary permits is crucial before beginning the lifting process.
What are costs associated with house lifting?
The costs associated with house lifting include the extent of elevation desired, the size and condition of the home, and any necessary foundation repairs. It's essential to consult with LIDA Construction for a tailored estimate based on your specific project needs.
Can all houses be safely lifted?
Not all houses can be safely lifted. Factors such as the home’s design, foundation type, and structural integrity play crucial roles in determining liftability, which is why a professional assessment is essential.
Will lifting a house affect insurance?
Lifting a house can affect insurance coverage. It's essential to inform your insurance provider about the change, as it may require adjustments to your policy to ensure adequate coverage for the new structure and potential risks.
How is structural integrity ensured during lifting?
Structural integrity is ensured during lifting by utilizing specialized equipment, following strict engineering guidelines, and performing thorough assessments prior to the project. Our experienced team monitors and adjusts support systems to maintain stability throughout the lifting process.
What equipment is required for house lifting?
The equipment required for house lifting includes hydraulic jacks, support beams, lifting frames, and sometimes modular scaffolding. These tools ensure safe and effective elevation of the home during the lifting process.
Are there alternative solutions to lifting?
Alternative solutions to lifting include basement finishing, expanding into a garage, or adding a modular addition. However, these options may not achieve the same increase in living space or foundation repair benefits that house lifting offers.
How do soil conditions affect the lifting process?
Soil conditions significantly impact the lifting process. Poor soil stability or composition can complicate the procedure, necessitating additional measures to ensure safety and structural integrity during house elevation.
Can landscaping be impacted by lifting?
Lifting a house can indeed impact landscaping. Adjustments to the elevation may disrupt existing features such as gardens, pathways, and grading, necessitating potential re-landscaping to restore aesthetics and functionality.
What is the optimal time for house lifting?
The optimal time for house lifting is generally during the warmer months, specifically spring and summer. This is when weather conditions are most favorable, ensuring safer and more efficient operations.
Can furniture be left in the house when lifted?
Furniture should not be left in the house when lifted. It is recommended to remove all items to prevent damage and ensure a safer lifting process.
How is lifting different for multi-storey homes?
Lifting multi-storey homes differs from single-storey homes primarily due to the need for enhanced structural support and stabilization. The process requires careful planning to ensure that all levels are raised uniformly and safely, accommodating the increased weight and complexity.
What guarantees exist after a house lifting?
The guarantees that exist after a house lifting include warranties on the structural integrity of the lift, adherence to local building codes, and assurance for any necessary repair work. LIDA Construction stands by the quality and safety of our services.
Can lifting help with flood prevention?
Lifting a house can significantly aid in flood prevention by elevating it above potential flood levels. This proactive approach reduces the risk of water damage and ensures better protection for your home and its foundation.
How does climate affect house lifting decisions?
Climate significantly influences house lifting decisions by determining the best time for the project and impacting structural considerations. Factors such as rainfall, temperature variations, and local weather patterns can affect both the lifting process and long-term home stability.
Are there financing options for house lifting?
Financing options for house lifting are available to help homeowners manage the costs. Many contractors, including LIDA Construction, can guide you through various financing plans and lend assistance in finding financial solutions that fit your budget.
Is professional consultation necessary before lifting?
Professional consultation is essential before lifting a house. An expert can assess structural integrity, determine compliance with local regulations, and provide guidance on suitable lifting techniques, ensuring a safe and effective process.
How do neighbours typically react to house lifting?
Neighbours typically react to house lifting with a mix of curiosity and concern. While many may be supportive or interested in the project's benefits, some might worry about potential noise or disruption during the process. Clear communication and updates can help ease any concerns.
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