Is it possible to replace a foundation without lifting your house? That’s the question we’re going to answer in this article. You’ll also learn the average cost to lift a home, the cost to replace your foundation, and how experts can repair your foundation using a method called underpinning.
Is It Possible To Replace A Foundation Without Lifting Your House?
Yes, it is possible to replace a foundation without lifting your house. But, we recommend calling a professional foundation mover to do the work. The process can be dangerous because it involves replacing your foundation sections at a time. Trained professionals will ensure that while the work is being done, the structural integrity of your home stays intact.
Replacing your foundation without lifting your home also involves more tedious inspections to make sure everything is being done correctly. But, it can be beneficial because you may not have to disconnect all of your utilities. If you were to lift your home, you would need to disconnect all your electrical, plumbing, and sewer lines.
Reasons For Lifting A House Or Replacing Your Foundation
There are various reasons you may want to replace your foundation.
- Your foundation is beyond repair – Call a professional foundation repair company and find out if you need to replace your foundation. Otherwise, experts might be able to save your foundation using methods such as underpinning or wall anchors.
- You’re moving your home to a new location or having work done – If you’re adding or expanding a basement under your home, you’ll need to lift your house to do the work.
- You’re lifting your house to correct foundation settlement – This sort of lifting doesn’t actually “lift” your home. This method is called underpinning, and it helps correct sections of your home that are sinking into the soil beneath it.
How Much Does It Cost To Lift A House?
The average cost to lift a home is around $10,000 to $40,000. If you want to raise a house above the flood zone and place it on pilings or piers, you could be looking to spend around $20,000 to $80,000.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Foundation?
The average cost to lift your house and replace your foundation can be anywhere between $20,000 to $150,000. The highest price usually involves installing a basement under your home.
How Do Experts Lift Homes Using Cribbing
The average cost to lift your house and replace your foundation can be anywhere between $20,000 to $150,000. The highest price usually involves installing a basement under your home.
- Synchronized hydraulic jacks raise your home.
- Once the building has been raised, cribbing is added. These wooden support structures are slowly piled underneath your home as it’s raised to the height that’s needed.
There’s no need to move any furniture or other belongings in your house because the lifting is very slow and controlled. If any minor issues result from the lifting, they can be fixed by a foundation repair company.
Note: The Real Seal does not offer this type of house lifting. So, you’ll need to call a foundation moving company.
How Do Experts Lift Homes Using Underpinning
If your home needs lifting because of settlement issues, The Real Seal can help. As we mentioned above, this type of house “lifting” is not the same as lifting a house to move or work under it. This method is called underpinning, and it involves installing steel push piers or helical piers under your home until they reach the load-bearing strata (strong soil).
- Steel push piers – These piers are pushed deep below your foundation until they reach stable soil such as bedrock. Once they reach strong enough soil to support your home, hydraulic jacks lift your foundation back to what’s called the maximum practical level. This is the maximum amount of lift needed before any further lifting damages your home.
- Helical piers – Helical piers accomplish the same thing as push piers. The only thing different is how they are inserted into the soil. Helical piers work like corkscrews because they are twisted underneath your foundation until they reach the load-bearing strata.
Why Do Homes Need Underpinning?
The main reason your home might need underpinning is due to differential settlement. Slight uniform settlement is normal for newly built buildings. Differential settlement is when a building’s foundation settles into the soil below at uneven rates. This type of settlement can be caused by expansive clay soil, improperly compacted soil, poor drainage, and various other things.
Who Can Repair A Foundation Near You?
If you live in the Greater Chicago area and have foundation problems or foundation settling, you should call The Real Seal! We’ll come out and determine if your foundation needs repair or replacement. Call today for your free inspection and estimate. We also provide basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, concrete leveling, and more.
2 Responses
I will like to speak with someone in this regards.
Sounds good, Karen! Let us know if you have any questions!