How Much Does It Cost To Raise A House?

House Lifting Cost

House lifting costs $10,000 to $40,000 just to elevate. The average cost to raise a house above the flood zone is $20,000 to $80,000 for piers or pilings. The average cost to lift a house and replace the foundation is $20,000 to $100,000, or up to $150,000 to put in a basement.

Get free estimates from foundation repair companies near you, or learn more below.

• Lifting a house increases home resale value by 15% to 25% and reduces insurance premiums by 30% to 60%.
• Lifting strengthens or replaces the foundation or adds more living space through a basement or second story.
• For homes that have incurred flood-related damage, FEMA may fund up to $30,000.
• The full process of raising a house takes 4 to 8 weeks on average.

Average Cost To Lift A House

*House lifting only.

Cost To Raise A House

The average cost of raising a house to build underneath is $10,000 to $40,000. Small, single-story, wood-framed homes cost $10,000 to $25,000 to raise. Larger houses, multi-story homes, and houses made of brick or stone are more difficult to stabilize and cost $15,000 to $40,000 to lift.

*House lifting only. Extra costs apply to replace foundation or make repairs.

Cost To Elevate A House By Size

The home's size and weight are the most significant factors when calculating the cost to elevate a house.

*House lifting only. Extra costs apply to replace foundation or make repairs.

Cost Factors To Jack Up A House

The size, weight, and condition of the house, the number of stories, type of foundation, amount of elevation, accessibility, and job complexity all impact the cost to lift a house.

• Labor – Labor costs $5,000 to $10,000 for basic jobs and up to $30,000 for larger homes or complex projects.
• Construction Type – Costs depend on the house's age, shape, weight, size, number of stories, and if the garage is attached. Older homes, homes constructed of heavier materials, or complex layout designs require additional jacks and reinforcements to lift.
• Accessibility – Costs increase if neighboring structures or obstacles such as large trees block access to the home.
• Elevation – Costs increase by 20% to 40% when lifting a house over 8 feet.
• Foundation Type – Houses on a pier and beam foundation with an existing crawlspace are easier and less expensive to lift due to the accessibility beneath the house.
• Foundation Repairs – Foundation repairs cost $2,300 to $7,000. Damaged or rotten wood needs replacing before raising the house. A concrete slab with major cracks is more complex and requires additional support.
• Plumbing, Electrical & Utilities – Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, and electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to disconnect and reconnect plumbing, heating, cooling, and wiring. Utility companies may charge fees to disconnect gas, water, telephone, and internet lines.
• Excavation – Excavation and grading costs $800 to $6,000 depending on the size of the house and the depth of excavating. The cost to level a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
• Structural Engineer – Structural engineers charge $100 to $220 per hour or $1,000 to $2,000 to inspect and plan a house lifting project. A structural engineer should evaluate the structural integrity of the house and foundation before, during, and after the lift.
• Architect – Architects charge $100 to $250 per hour or between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the job size and type.
• Permits – Building permits cost $500 to $6,000 to lift a house, depending on the job size.
• Insurance – Reputable contractors have liability insurance to cover potential damages. Homeowners may need to purchase short-term “Vacant Under Renovation” insurance during the project.
• Landscaping – Trees and landscaping may need removal before lifting to provide access, and then replaced. Tree removal costs $300 to $800 each, and replanting or installing landscaping costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
• Stairs – New exterior staircases are required to access the elevated entrances. Building an exterior staircase costs $800 to $2,500, depending on style and materials.
• Accommodations – Homeowners must vacate the house during the project and must temporarily rent or find another place to live.

Return to Top

Cost To Lift A House And Replace Foundation

The average cost to lift a house and replace the foundation is $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the home's size, accessibility, and support required. Without house lifting, replacing a foundation costs $5 to $30 per square foot or $5,000 to $50,000 on average, depending on the type.

*Additional basement improvements may include basement beam replacement or basement waterproofing, which adds to the total cost.

First, the house is lifted and supported using beams, called cribbing. Then, the foundation is excavated and demolished completely. New footings are poured, and forms are set for pouring the foundation walls. After curing, the cribbing is removed and the house is attached to the new foundation.

Cost To Raise A House On A Slab

Elevating a house on a slab-on-grade foundation (without a basement) is easier if the house and concrete slab are lifted together. A slab separation elevation involves separating the walls from the slab and is used when the lift is over 8 feet or if the house already requires extensive repairs.

When separated, old slabs strong enough to support the elevated house may be left in place. Otherwise, the slab is cut back and broken up and a new elevated wood-framed floor or concrete slab is constructed.

Cost To Reinforce Foundation For Second Story

The average cost to reinforce a foundation for a second story is $7,000 to $30,000, with complex projects up to $70,000. A structural engineer should inspect the foundation to determine if it can handle the extra weight. Most foundations are already strong enough to support an additional floor.

After reinforcing the foundation, the average cost to add a second story is $100 to $300 per square foot.

Cost Of Lifting A House To Build A Basement

The average cost to lift a house and put in a basement is $40,000 to $150,000, depending on the size and finishings. Without house lifting, the cost to build a basement is $20,000 to $55,000 unfinished or $30,000 to $150,000 for a finished basement.

Adding a basement expands the square footage and total living space, and costs less than reinforcing the foundation and building a second story.

Return to Top

Cost To Level A House

The average cost to level a house is $3,500 to $6,500 for piering and underpinning a single corner or $10,000 to $20,000 for extensive damage. Releveling costs depend on the foundation type, cause of damage, severity of deterioration, and the number of piers required.

First, consult with a structural engineer to provide an inspection report and recommend a solution before leveling a house. Shifting soil, tree roots, concrete deterioration, seismic tremors, poor drainage, and soil shrinkage or heaving can cause a foundation to settle.

Additional costs may include:

• A building permit costs $75 to $150.
• Hiring a structural engineer costs $300 to $1,000 for an inspection report and plan.
• Hiring a geotechnical engineer costs $500 to $2,000 for a soil composition report.
• Installing a French drain costs $1,000 to $4,000 for an exterior yard or $4,000 to $12,000 for an interior perimeter drain.
• Foundation reinforcement with anchor bolts costs $1,500 to $4,000 and up for areas prone to earthquakes.

Piering and Underpinning

Underpinning costs $1,000 to $3,000 per pier, depending on the type (reinforced concrete, steel push, or helical) and depth required for stability. Underpinning with piers is the most common method to strengthen and level an uneven foundation.

After raising the foundation to a level position with hydraulic jacks, piers are inserted into deeper, more stable soil at six to eight feet intervals. Extensive damage requires 8 to 10 piers.

For concrete slab foundations, fixing sinking requires injecting structural fill (slabjacking), or underpinning the dropped areas through mass concrete pouring, beam and base, or mini-piles. Resolving heaving requires removing the water source to ensure the soil under the foundation stays dry.

Foundation Foam Jacking

Mudjacking costs $3,000 to $15,000 on average or $3 to $25 per square foot. Slabjacking is a non-invasive method that injects a structural fill underneath the slab to float the foundation back into its original position. Slabjacking is recommended for concrete slabs that only need minor leveling.

Return to Top

Cost To Raise A House Above Flood Zone

The average cost to raise a house above the flood zone is $20,000 to $80,000, including lifting and new piers, posts, or pilings foundation. Raising a home above the floodplain reduces the risk of flood damage and lowers insurance premiums by 30% to 60%.

*Prices vary depending on the foundation type, home size, soil conditions, flood zone, and amount of elevation required. Costs increase by 20% to 40% when lifting over 8 feet.

FEMA recommends raising the lowest floor to at least one foot above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), so the living area is above all but the most severe floods. Check the Risk MAP to see if you're in a flood zone and look up the BFE to determine the required elevation.

• Homes in Zone A are placed on shallower footings with posts or columns.
• Coastal homes in Zone V require deeper foundations using piers or pilings that withstand more intense wave action.

Pier & Beam

Reinforced concrete piers or masonry blocks cost $8,000 to $20,000 to install after lifting the house. Piers used in house lifting projects must be reinforced with steel bars to prevent flood damage. Most house lifting projects require 8 to 10 piers at $1,000 to $3,000 per pier.

Replacing House Columns / Posts

Replacing house columns costs $13,000 to $24,000 on average, depending on the material. Wood posts are the least expensive and reinforced concrete columns or masonry block costs more. Posts are placed into drilled holes and then reinforced with a concrete pad or encased in concrete.

*Prices do not include house lifting.

Cost To Raise A House on Pilings

After raising a house, installing pilings cost $12,000 to $40,000 or $10 to $40 per square foot on average, not including lifting costs. Pilings are typically required in coastal areas or when elevating a house more than 10 to 12 feet above the ground.

*Prices do not include house lifting.

Pilings are the most expensive option and may be constructed of wood, steel, or concrete. Installing pilings requires raising and moving the house aside. Then the old foundation is removed are pilings are driven deep into the ground without concrete pads or footings using heavy machinery.

Government Funding Help

For homes that have incurred flood-related damage, FEMA may fund up to $30,000 through ICC coverage to help pay for elevation, relocation, and demolition. Some cities and states offer additional tax incentives to elevate houses above the BFE.

Reduced Flood Insurance Premiums

For homes in a high-risk flood area, elevating one foot above the BFE reduces annual insurance premiums by 30%. Lifting a house three feet above the BFE saves up to 60% on premiums. Homeowners save $15,000 to $100,000 on flood insurance premiums throughout a 30-year mortgage.

Return to Top

Cost To Elevate & Move House To New Foundation

The average cost to move a house to a new foundation is $15,000 to $60,000 or $12 to $16 per square foot. The cost to transport an entire house depends on the size and weight of the home, accessibility, move distance, and other obstacles. These costs exclude permits and a new foundation.

• Building a new foundation at the destination site adds $5,000 to $20,000 on average, or up to $50,000 for a basement.
• Permits to transport a house cost $400 to $5,000 on average.
• Additional expenses apply to move a house over difficult terrain, cross railroads, or raise utility lines to allow the house to pass.
• Moving a house takes two to three months for the preparations, lifting, transport, and post-move renovations.

Return to Top

Pros & Cons Of Raising A House

Pros

• Increases home resale value by 15% to 25%.
• Reduces or eliminates flood risk.
• Significantly reduces flood insurance rates, saving $15,000 to $100,000 throughout a 30-year mortgage.
• Increases living space by adding a basement or second level without sacrificing yard space.
• Creates a more accessible area to service appliances such as HVAC systems and water heaters.
• Improves the condition of the home by leveling or strengthening the existing foundation or adding a new foundation.
• Prevents future damage from foundation settling.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Elevation may significantly alter the appearance of the structure.
• House lifting equipment can damage the surrounding landscape.
• Homeowners must relocate to alternative housing during the house lifting process.
• Requires the construction of new stairs to reach newly elevated entrances.
• In some cases, the contents of the house must be removed before elevating.

Return to Top

How To Jack Up A House

The steps to jack up a house are:

1. Contractors excavate tunnels beneath the home.
2. The contractors insert beams in the tunnels to support the house and position hydraulic jacks below each beam.
3. The jacks are raised slowly and evenly throughout the day to prevent any structural damage.
4. After lifting the house, contractors repair or replace the foundation.
5. The house is lowered back onto the foundation.
6. Contractors complete any additional renovations.

How To Prepare For House Lifting

1. Hire a general contractor and house lifting company to plan the engineering and architectural drawings, permits, lift height, foundation repair or replacement, and any other renovations.
2. Empty the crawlspace or basement. Everything inside the house can be left in place.
3. Disconnect all utilities, including plumbing, electric, gas, heating, cooling, telephone, and internet.
4. Have a plumber remove any pipes, plumbing, or ductwork below the floor joists.
5. Have an electrician organize (tack up) or remove any wiring beneath the house.
6. Mark any private utilities and lines, such as wells, septic tanks, and sprinkler systems. Contact local utility companies to mark buried gas and electric lines.
7. Remove steps, porches, and decks that aren’t being lifted with the house.
8. Remove or move any pavers, shrubbery, fences, and other landscaping that blocks access for equipment. Professionals can usually work around trees, but may request removal if necessary.
9. Secure any fragile belongings or tall pieces of furniture inside the house.
10. If necessary, get permission from neighbors and local authorities to allow equipment to access the street and neighboring properties.

Return to Top

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take To Raise A House?

The full process of raising a house takes 4 to 8 weeks on average. The time it takes to lift a home depends on the preparations, permits, foundation type, amount of elevation, repairs, weather, and inspections. After preparation, the actual house lifting takes 2 to 7 days.

House lifting companies schedule work a minimum of 2 to 6 weeks in advance. Rushing the process adds significant costs for extra labor and materials.

Will House Lifting Damage My House?

Houses are lifted in a slow, smooth process without causing any major damage. Some techniques cut repairable holes in the walls to attach bracing. In rare cases, cracks in drywall and tiles occur depending on the prior level of foundation settling and structural issues.

Can I Live In The House While It’s Being Lifted?

It's not recommended to live in or be inside the home during the lifting process. However, everything inside the house can be left in place.

Return to Top

Hiring House Lifting Companies

House lifting is not a DIY project. Professionals use complex, expensive equipment to safely raise a house or level a foundation without causing structural damage.

Who Lifts Houses?

House raising contractors specialize in lifing houses, but usually don't make repairs. Hire a general contractor to oversee and manage the project, including surveying, engineering, pulling permits, disconnecting utilities, excavation, replacing the foundation, and landscaping.

Before hiring a contractor, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for longer than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Ask for an itemized contract and warranty in writing.
• Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for the work completed.

Questions To Ask House Lifting Companies

• How many houses have you lifted or transported?
• Can I see a portfolio and references of your past home raising jobs?
• Do you have insurance for raising and moving structures?
• Do you have a comprehensive safety plan?
• What equipment will you use to lift the house? (Look for companies using a unified hydraulic jacking system and crib jacks.)
• What other costs might be associated with the lift?
• What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• What’s your payment schedule?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted house raising contractors:

Get free estimates