Saturday, July 29, 2017

House Raising Experts Burnaby Homeowners Hire Discuss Why And When Elevating A Home Makes Sense

By Patricia Hughes


When you purchase a home, you probably assume it is permanently affixed to the land and will never be moved. In most cases this is true. There are times however, when it may become necessary to lift the home from its foundation. This is not an easy or inexpensive proposition, and before you make any decisions, you should consult professionals like the house raising experts Burnaby homeowners have trusted through the years.

There are a variety of reasons why homeowners contemplate having their residences lifted. If it is located in a flood hazard zone, FEMA may require that it be raised above the flood elevation level or moved to another location. You will save money on flood insurance when you do this. You will also improve the living conditions in your house. A wet basement is a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can be injurious to your family's health if the spores are inhaled. Adding a basement to an existing house can increase the value.

Structural problems are reasons some homeowners decide to hire professionals to lift their homes. Settling can cause all kinds of issues that get worse over time and may significantly decrease the value of a property when the homeowner attempts to offer it for sale. Building code violations can end in penalties and fines unless they are remedied.

Elevating a home can be tricky and only seasoned professionals should be employed to handle the job. They will come out to your home, discuss the project, and then evaluate what it will take to get the job done. Older homes are usually harder to lift because they are heavier. Some lifting projects can be done quickly, but sometimes a house can only be raised a fraction of an inch at a time.

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.

The companies that raise houses want their clients to understand what is involved in such a major job. It certain instances, the property cannot be elevated until a compromised foundation is repaired. An inspector may have to sign off on the structural integrity of the building prior to work beginning. Expensive building permits are required. All utilities must be disconnected.

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.




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