Although you may not have heard of it before today, raising a house is a common practice. In fact, many homeowners undertake this project. Therefore, they’ll work with a contractor who will safely raise their home and carry out the work needed on the foundation. This renovation technique is an excellent option if you’re hoping to make your home bigger or fix ongoing structural problems.

As long as it’s not too old, house-raising methods can be carried out on almost any home. Raising a building as such implies that work needs to be done in the basement. With this in mind, we should mention that an engineer's plans must be followed to a T to avoid causing any damage. 

So, are you ready to take this on? Here’s all you need to know before embarking on a house-raising project!

Why raise a house?

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There are several situations in which an owner can request for their house to be raised.

Raising a house to prevent flooding 

In Canada, basement flooding is a recurring problem. The average insurance claim resulting from basement flooding is estimated at $140 million per year, which means between 30,000 to 40,000 cases.

In the spring, it’s not uncommon to see foundations completely flooded by water, which can significantly reduce the service life of structures. In fact, installing a few drainage devices may not be enough to remedy such a problem. 

As such, raising the house can be a great option to permanently end flooding problems. Doing so allows the structure to gain height as well as the possibility of adding a new drain under a foundation slab.

Is your house located near a water source? Check out our article (in French only) to learn how to adequately protect your dwelling.

Raising the house to increase its size

With the cost of real estate constantly on the rise, expanding your home can be a good way to increase its market value. Thus, you may decide to raise your house to add a floor below, either by building a basement or a ground floor. 

Therefore, if you’re looking to profit from the new space, you can also make it a separate apartment rental. Inquire with your municipality beforehand since there are different by-laws concerning housing rental.

Raising a house to fix a soil contamination problem

Pyrrhotite and pyrite are two minerals found in stone. These cause concrete slabs to swell and crack. Pyrite produces sulfuric acid by oxidizing when exposed to moisture and oxygen, while pyrrhotite is composed of iron sulphide and is characterized by a bronze-yellow colour which blackens when in contact with air.

If your foundation has visible cracks or appears to be crumbling, then your floors may be contaminated. If so, hire an expert to ascertain the presence of pyrrhotite or pyrite. Depending on the condition of the foundation, several solutions are available, including that of raising the house. 

How to Raise a House

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A house will typically be lifted in the event of a major renovation project, like a foundation reinforcement project, for structural changes, or a basement excavation. This will often require the use of special equipment, such as hydraulic cylinders, steel beams, and blockings. 

The first step consists of evaluating the existing structure to determine the best possible approach to raise it. Raising a house is a delicate operation that requires the expertise of a contractor with a lot of knowledge in the field. 

To learn more about the steps to follow to make this project a reality, consult our article on the subject matter (in French only).

How much does it cost to raise a house?

Contrary to popular belief, raising a house can be a cheaper solution than digging a basement. Furthermore, by raising the structure, you’ll have more space and natural light, unlike an underground basement. 

Note that this project will definitely require a permit and for that, you’ll need to spend anywhere from $150 to $500. 

We highly recommend comparing service provider quotes before making a final decision. 

Nonetheless, here’s an overview of the costs, based on information we’ve gathered from Steve Fallon, of Les Entreprises Steve Fallon:

1. Standard bungalow, cottage, or cabin, devoid of masonry: from $15,000 to $25,000.

2. Work involving foundation, excavation, and basement building: from $100,000 (without insulation) to $150,000 (with insulation). 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Raising a House

Several factors contribute to the costs of raising a house, including the square footage of the structure and the number of floors. Naturally, a larger house will cost more to raise. 

Additional factors to consider:

• Amount of damage to the foundation;

• Project timeline;

• Working with a specialist (architect, engineer, plumber, etc.);

• Pre- and post-project landscaping;

• Area (urban or rural) and the accessible space surrounding the job site;

• The type of exterior cladding/siding (certain types of masonry can triple costs).