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House lifting is a common way to elevate a home after it is built. Most of the time, it consists of elevating a home and either building a new foundation or extending the existing one, with the intent of minimizing building damage in case of flooding or coastal erosion. It is a large undertaking, but it could save a house in the event of a disaster.

How Is House Lifting Accomplished?

house liftingFirst, contractors separate the home from its foundation, which is usually accomplished with hydraulic jacks. Once raised, the house is then held up by temporary supports, while its foundation is either replaced or extended. In some cases, such as if the homeowner decides to elevate their house more than four feet, an entirely new floor is added, which becomes the living space. The newly created area accommodates storage or parking. The higher a home’s elevation, the safer it is from flood damage.

Who Usually Needs House Lifting?

Many coastal residents, especially along the eastern ocean line, raise their houses about three to four feet above the base flood elevation (BFE) line for their particular region. In some communities, keeping houses elevated above the BFE allows homeowners to pay less for flood insurance, or it may be required by insurers. In general, house lifting is a prudent way for coastal residents to protect their investments, and it can preserve historic buildings.

 

If you’re concerned about how your home will put up with a future storm or flood, you may be interested in house lifting. Drawing upon their 35 years of experience, Zdon Builders in Deep River, CT, can help you make an informed decision about how to best protect your coastal home or beach house. For questions, feel free to give them a call at (860) 227-4127. More information about the building contractors is available on their website.

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