Leveling House Cost

For a basic house leveling project, where the crawl space has easy access and minor work is needed, expect the cost to be around $4,000 to $5,000. The most common pier and beam repair project will cost between $7,000 to $9,000 with more widespread/complex work needed and a more restricted crawl space.

The Pros of Leveling a House

Leveling a house involves the process of restoring a building's foundation to ensure it is stable and even. This procedure addresses issues such as sloping floors, cracks in walls, and doors or windows that don't close properly. While leveling a house may seem like a significant undertaking, it offers numerous advantages, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and long-term structural integrity.

Structural Stability and Safety:

One of the primary benefits of leveling a house is the restoration of structural stability. Over time, a building's foundation can experience settlement, causing it to sink or shift unevenly. This can lead to a host of problems, including cracked walls, uneven floors, and misaligned doors or windows. By leveling the house, these issues can be addressed, ensuring that the structure is safe and stable for both the occupants and the property itself.

Prevention of Further Damage:

If left unattended, foundation problems can worsen over time and result in more severe structural damage. By leveling a house at the earliest signs of trouble, homeowners can prevent further deterioration. Fixing the foundation ensures that the load is evenly distributed, reducing stress on other areas of the structure. Consequently, this prevents the need for costly repairs down the line, such as repairing extensive cracks or replacing damaged walls.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Leveling a house is often more cost-effective than other alternative solutions, such as extensive foundation repairs or total reconstruction. The process involves identifying the underlying cause of the foundation issue, addressing it directly, and then re-leveling the structure. Compared to rebuilding or making significant structural changes, leveling allows homeowners to resolve foundation problems in a targeted manner, minimizing both material and labor costs.

Preserving Property Value:

A structurally sound house commands a higher market value. By leveling a house, homeowners can preserve or even increase their property's value. Buyers are more likely to be attracted to a property that has a solid foundation and is free from visible signs of structural damage. Thus, investing in house leveling can prove to be a wise decision, both financially and for maintaining property value.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency:

Foundation issues can lead to gaps and cracks in the walls, floors, and windows, resulting in air leaks. These air leaks compromise the energy efficiency of the house, as conditioned air escapes and outside air enters the building. By leveling the house and addressing any associated structural damage, homeowners can eliminate these gaps, improving energy efficiency and reducing heating and cooling costs.

Improved Aesthetic Appeal:

Leveling a house often involves repairing visible signs of foundation problems, such as cracks in walls or uneven floors. This restoration work can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the property. By eliminating unsightly cracks and creating a level surface, leveling improves the appearance of the house, making it more visually appealing to both homeowners and potential buyers.

Also Read: Soaker Hose for Foundation

What Are the Disadvantages of House Lifting?

The risk for damage when you try to jack up your house is extremely high. The timing and method of house lifting has to be approached with extreme precision and care. If even the slightest mistake is made, you run the risk of causing not only cosmetic but structural damage to your home.

What Are the Risks of Lifting House?

For the average house, the most damage that occurs tends to be minor drywall cracking. While the frame of a house can handle movement well, drywall is typically unyielding and tends to crack. Once the house has been settled on its newly-built foundation, these cracks can be repaired with ease.

Also Read: Fix Creaky Stairs

Can You Live in a House While It's Being Lifted?

Technically, it is possible to live in a house while it's being lifted, but there are several important factors to consider.

• Safety: Lifting a house is a complex and potentially risky operation. It requires specialized equipment, professional expertise, and careful planning to ensure the structural integrity of the house during the lifting process. Safety should always be the top priority, and it's essential to consult with experienced professionals to assess the feasibility and safety of lifting your specific house.
• Disruption: Lifting a house involves significant construction work, including excavating the foundation, installing temporary supports, and using hydraulic jacks or other lifting mechanisms. This process can cause considerable disruption and inconvenience. It may involve disconnecting utilities, removing portions of the foundation, and creating noise, dust, and vibrations. Living in the house during this time could be challenging due to the ongoing construction activities.
• Accessibility: During the lifting process, the house is typically raised several feet off the ground. This can result in limited or no access to the ground floor or other areas of the house. It may be necessary to set up alternative living arrangements, such as temporary housing, during the lifting process.
• Duration: Lifting a house is not a quick procedure. Depending on the complexity of the project, it could take weeks or even months to complete. Living in a house during this extended period of construction can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and potentially unsafe.

Also Read: How to Enclose Pier and Beam Foundation