How Much Does It Cost to Lift a House in Canada in 2026?

Have you ever considered having your house lifted to carry out renovations or address structural issues? Although this method is less commonly discussed, it can be a practical solution for homeowners looking to increase their living space or improve their home’s foundation. Before starting a house-lifting project, however, it is essential to understand the costs involved.

How much does it cost to lift a house, and what factors affect the price? This article explores the different elements to consider when planning a successful house-lifting project.

How Much Does It Cost to Lift a House in 2026?

Source: RenoQuotes

The cost of lifting a house varies significantly depending on the project scope. Lifting the structure itself often represents only part of the total budget. Costs are likely to skyrocket if the work also includes excavation, foundation work, waterproofing, or installing a new foundation drain.

Here are indicative price ranges for different types of work associated with lifting a house in Quebec in 2026:

* These prices are for reference only. The actual cost depends on factors such as the size and weight of the house, the condition of the foundations, site accessibility and the overall scope of the work.

House Lifting Costs Elsewhere in Canada

House-lifting prices can vary significantly from one Canadian market to another. Labour rates, soil conditions, accessibility, engineering requirements, permit costs and the extent of the foundation work all influence the final price.

* These ranges are intended for preliminary budgeting only. The scope of work used to calculate house-lifting prices differs between contractors and markets, so quotes should be compared based on what is actually included.

Cost to Lift the House Only

In Quebec, a mechanical house lift that excludes foundation work generally ranges from $15,000 to $35,000.

This type of work typically includes installing support beams and hydraulic jacks, gradually raising the structure and temporarily stabilizing it while other work is carried out.

In other parts of Canada, the cost of the lifting stage alone can be higher depending on the building and the local market. For example, Edmonton contractors report approximately $25,000 to $50,000 for the structural lifting stage of a full foundation replacement project.

Cost to Lift a House and Build New Foundations

When the project also includes excavation and the construction of new foundations, the budget is considerably higher. In Quebec, a complete project can cost between $100,000 and $250,000 or more, depending on the house and the work required.

In higher-cost Canadian markets, the total can be greater. A complete lift-and-new-foundation project in Toronto can reach about $200,000 to $450,000, while Vancouver projects involving a house lift, new foundation and finished basement suite can reach approximately $300,000 to $450,000 or more.

The total cost may include:

• Lifting the house

• Excavating underneath the building

• Demolishing the old foundations

• Forming and pouring new foundations

• Installing or replacing the French drain

• Waterproofing the foundations

• Reconnecting utilities

• Certain finishing work

It is therefore important to distinguish between the cost of lifting the house itself and the total cost of repairing or replacing the foundations.

What Factors Influence the Cost of Lifting a House?

Square Footage of the House

The size of your house is a key factor in the cost of lifting it. Although certain expenses, such as consultations or retainers, may be fixed, most costs depend on the size of the building. Larger houses require more equipment and labour, making them more expensive to lift than smaller homes.

Number of Storeys

Lifting a multi-storey house costs more than lifting a bungalow because of the additional weight and greater complexity. Taller structures require additional supports, a larger crew and more precautions to ensure the house is raised safely.

Condition of the House and Foundation

If your house shows signs of structural problems, additional measures may be required to reinforce it before lifting. These extra precautions increase the time and resources needed, which can raise the overall project cost.

If your home’s foundation needs to be completely replaced, the cost will be significantly higher than for a partial repair. With older homes, it is often necessary to lift the structure so the old foundation can be demolished and a new one poured according to current standards.

Site Accessibility

The amount of space available around the house can have a significant impact on the type of machinery that can be used and the complexity of the excavation.

Height and Purpose of the Lift

A temporary lift performed simply to replace the foundations does not involve the same scope of work as a project designed to increase basement ceiling height or create additional living space.

Professionals Required

Working with specialists such as architects, carpenters, plumbers or engineers can increase the cost of lifting a house. These professionals may be required to address specific structural, design or utility-related issues. Their expertise helps ensure the project is carried out properly, but consultations, permits and additional work can add to the total cost.

What Work Can Be Done During a House Lifting Project?

• Basement excavation: Lifting the house makes excavation easier and can allow contractors to increase the available height underneath the building.

• Foundation replacement: Old foundations can be demolished and replaced with new footings and poured concrete foundation walls.

• Drainage and waterproofing: When the foundation walls are fully accessible, the project also provides an opportunity to replace the French drain and improve foundation waterproofing.

What Other Costs Should You Budget For?

• Landscaping: Lifting a house and excavating around the building can damage the surrounding property. Budget for lawn, garden beds, pavers, and stair restorations, or any other landscaping affected by the work.

• Permits: Depending on the city and scope of the work, various permits may be required before lifting a house or modifying its foundations. Fees vary from one city to the next and should be included in the project’s preliminary costs.

• Utilities: Water lines, sewer connections, electricity, natural gas and other services may need to be temporarily disconnected before work begins and reconnected once the house has been placed back onto its foundation. These tasks may require several licensed trades.

• Engineer: A structural engineer may be required to assess the building, approve the lifting method and prepare plans or technical recommendations. Fees depend on the complexity of the project and the level of professional involvement required.

• Finishing work: Once the structural work is complete, finishing may be required inside and outside the home. This could include repairing walls, floors, exterior cladding and stairs or finishing the newly created basement.

• Unexpected expenses: As with any project involving foundations, unexpected conditions may be discovered once excavation begins, including unstable soil, structural damage or water infiltration. It is therefore advisable to include a contingency in your budget.

FAQ About House Lifting

Is lifting a house worth it?

Raising a house can be worthwhile depending on your objectives and circumstances. It may be an option if your foundation needs repairs, if you live in a flood-prone area or if you want to expand your home but cannot build outward. However, when other practical solutions are available, it may be preferable to avoid such a major project.

Is it possible to move a house?

Moving a house to another property is a complex operation requiring careful planning, precise logistics and qualified specialists. Although challenging, it is entirely possible with the appropriate resources and professional expertise.

What are the alternatives to lifting a house for an addition?

Build an Extension

Building an extension is a common way to increase living space without making the major structural changes involved in lifting a house. It consists of adding space horizontally, such as enlarging a kitchen, living room or bedroom. This option is generally less invasive than lifting a house and can be designed to blend with the existing architectural style.

Storey Addition

If the size of the lot or zoning regulations prevent horizontal expansion, adding another storey can maximize the available space. This is a major engineering project: the existing foundations must first be assessed to determine whether they can support the additional weight, and the existing roof generally has to be removed.

Although this approach can significantly increase the home’s floor area without taking up more land, the work is highly invasive and temporarily exposes the house to the elements.

Where can I find a company to repair my foundation?

If you are looking for a reliable company to repair your foundation, visit RenoQuotes.com to submit your project and receive 3 free quotes.

How long does it take to lift a house?

The time required to lift a house depends on its size, construction and the complexity of the project. In general, the actual lifting process can take one to three days. However, preparations such as obtaining permits, disconnecting utilities and reinforcing the structure can take several weeks.

Placing the house back down or installing it on a new foundation can add several days, weeks or even months to the overall project.

How much does it cost to replace a foundation?

If you want to learn more about foundation repair costs, check out our article Foundation Repair Project Cost: How Much to Budget in 2026?