Imagine lifting your entire house up into the air! In places where floods happen a lot, this cool trick can keep your home dry and safe.
It’s called house lifting, and it’s like giving your house a pair of tall boots so the floodwaters can’t reach it!
When we lift a house, we raise it to a special height called the Base Flood Elevation.
This is how high scientists think water might rise during a big flood. If your house is at or above this height, it’s much safer from water damage.
Lifting a house isn’t just about staying dry. It can also save you money on house insurance and make your home worth more. But remember, lifting a house is a big job! It needs the right experts and sometimes changes to the house itself to make sure everything stays safe and sturdy.
All it takes is a phone call
In regions prone to flooding, house lifting is a critical method that involves elevating a structure’s foundation above the established base flood elevation to mitigate flood risks effectively.
Understanding Foundation Elevation
The process of elevating a home starts with a careful assessment of the property’s existing foundation.
Contractors typically separate the house from its foundation and then raise it using hydraulic jacks, creating a new, higher foundation beneath it.
This elevation ensures that the living spaces are positioned safely above the base flood elevation, which is the computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated during a major flood scenario.
Types of Foundations Suitable for Elevation:
The choice of the new foundation type depends on various factors, including the home’s existing structure, soil conditions, and the desired elevation height.
This strategic lift can significantly reduce the potential for flood damage to the structure and property within.
The Role of National Flood Insurance Program
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) plays a vital role by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce floodplain management regulations.
These regulations aim at mitigating the effects of flooding on new and improved structures.
For homeowners, compliance with NFIP regulations is often a prerequisite for purchasing flood insurance.
The program stipulates that houses in high-risk flood areas should be elevated to or above the base flood elevation to receive coverage and reduce insurance premiums.
NFIP Incentives for Elevation:
Homeowners looking to elevate their homes can often find financial assistance through the NFIP, which can help offset some of the costs associated with the house lifting process.
By following NFIP guidelines, homeowners ensure their homes are more resilient to flooding, which not only provides peace of mind but also promotes long-term financial savings.
Elevating a home stands as a proactive measure that not only safeguards the structure from floodwaters but also serves to preserve its market value.
Two primary benefits signify the importance of this undertaking: enhanced protection from water damage and the preservation of property value.
Protection from Water Damage
When homeowners raise their house, they significantly reduce the risk of flooding impairing their living space.
Living areas elevated above the potential flood level ensure that even severe floods, such as the 500-year flood, are less likely to cause water damage.
This elevation can mitigate costly repairs and replacements of damaged interiors and valuables, delivering peace of mind to residents.
Preservation of Property Value
A house that is lifted above the floodplain typically retains, if not increases, its desirability in the real estate market.
Elevated homes can have a higher property value since they are perceived as less risky investments.
They are often sought after by prospective buyers who wish to avoid the pitfalls of flood damage.
Moreover, the process of elevation can even enhance a property’s appeal and provide additional usable space, such as a more secure storage area for valuables and investments.
In the house lifting process, homeowners can expect first to receive a free estimate followed by a carefully planned lifting technique to protect their homes from flood damage.
Initial Assessment and Free Estimate
Before commencing with the lifting process, a thorough assessment is crucial. Division of responsibilities among trained specialists ensures a meticulous evaluation of the property’s condition.
The assessment typically involves examining the foundation to ascertain its strength and designing a customized lift strategy effectively.
This step includes assessing the existing crawlspace and determining any additional supports or posts required.
Homeowners are then provided with a free estimate that outlines the projected costs and timeframe for lifting their house, considering factors like size and site complexity.
The Lifting Technique
Once the assessment is complete, the allied professionals begin the lifting technique, which involves the careful separation of the house from its foundation.
Hydraulic jacks are strategically placed to lift the entire structure uniformly. This step is executed with precision to avoid damage to the property.
The home is raised to the desired Flood Protection Elevation (FPE), after which a new or extended foundation is constructed.
Following the raise, the house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation, ensuring that it meets all required safety and structural standards.
This process effectively reduces the risk of flood damage by keeping the living space above expected flood levels.
All it takes is a phone call
The financial implications of house lifting extend beyond the initial cost and encompass insurance benefits and long-term savings.
Homeowners must appraise these costs against potential repair expenses from flood damage.
Evaluating the Investment
House lifting expenses depend significantly on the property size. Cost typically ranges from $15,000 for a small 1,000 square-foot home to $25,000-$60,000 for a 2,500 square-foot residence.
The process involves elevating the entire structure above the base flood elevation (BFE) to reduce the risk of floodwaters reaching livable areas.
While the upfront investment is substantial, it should be compared to the potential cost of repairs after flood events, which could also be significant.
Insurance and Long-Term Savings
Homeowners may obtain considerable long-term savings through lower flood insurance premiums after raising their homes. Properties in flood-prone areas can benefit from such modifications.
For instance, just one inch of water can inflict more than $25,000 in damage, making the option of flood insurance a sound financial decision.
Many insurance policies suggest that protecting a home through lifting can markedly diminish the likelihood of costly claims and rebuild efforts, therefore providing a buffer against financial loss in the event of a flood.
Effective preparation for extreme weather is crucial to safeguarding your home. Key strategies include reinforcing your home’s structural integrity and developing comprehensive action plans for flood scenarios.
Reinforcing Roofs and Walls
To protect against extreme weather, particularly heavy rains and hurricanes, homeowners should reinforce their roofs and walls.
Roofs can be reinforced by:
Walls should be checked for cracks where water can seep in, which over time, could lead to mold growth and structural damage. It’s advisable to:
Creating a Flood Action Plan
Developing a Flood Action Plan is key to preventing flooding damage. Such a plan should encompass:
A clear checklist for emergency preparedness should include:
In a world where the unexpected can happen at any moment, ensuring the safety and resilience of your home is more crucial than ever. At J. Brownie Contracting, we understand the stakes.
Specializing in house lifting, heavy hauling, and helical pilings, we’re the experts in making sure your home stands strong against the elements.
Don’t wait for the floodwaters to rise or the ground to shake. Take proactive steps with our comprehensive services, from demolition to new construction and beyond.
Our team is ready to ensure your peace of mind with our dependable solutions. Don’t let the next storm catch you off guard—contact us today and step into a safer tomorrow.
All it takes is a phone call
What are the FEMA guidelines for raising an existing home in a flood-prone area?
FEMA recommends elevating the living spaces of a home to at least the level of the Base Flood Elevation (BFE), which is the height to which water is anticipated to rise during a base flood. Additional freeboard is also advised to provide an extra margin of safety.
What financial assistance options are available for homeowners looking to lift their house to prevent flood damage?
Homeowners may be eligible for assistance through FEMA’s grants, such as the Increased Cost of Compliance coverage, which helps cover the costs of elevating a home to comply with local floodplain regulations. Additionally, private loans and insurance claims can provide financial support for house lifting.
What factors determine the cost of elevating a house in a flood zone?
The cost of elevating a house can vary based on factors such as the size and type of the home, the required lift height, the foundation type, local labor rates, and the condition of the existing structure.
What are the construction requirements for homes in flood zone AE?
Homes in flood zone AE are required to have their lowest floor, including the basement, at or above the BFE. They must also adhere to local floodplain management ordinances. These ordinances may impose stricter standards.
How does lifting a foundation help in protecting a home from flooding?
Lifting a foundation elevates the critical structural components and living areas above the potential flood level. This greatly reduces the risk of water damage during flooding events. It also helps in maintaining the integrity of the house during such disasters.
What considerations must be made when choosing a foundation type for homes in flood-prone areas?
Choosing a foundation for homes in flood-prone areas involves considering the soil type, flood risk level, local building codes, and the home’s design.
Pile, pier, or extended foundation walls are common choices that provide stability and elevation.
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Starting in 1922 with James A. Brownie, our family business has been helping lift communities up and down the eastern seaboard. With the experience of four generations, J. Brownie Contracting is a leader in structural relocation solutions.
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