Homeowners in Texas sometimes find themselves considering lifting all or part of their structure due to flood damage concerns, high water tables, coastal erosion risks or developing foundation issues. The process, costs and factors involved in such a project can initially seem complex. This comprehensive guide pulls from the experiences of lifted properties across the Lone Star State to break down everything you need to know about undertaking a home elevation or foundation reinforcement. You’ll also receive advice on selecting licensed, qualified contractors and determining if the investment makes financial sense for your specific situation long-term.
Why Raise a Home in Texas?
There are a few common reasons why Texas homeowners decide to raise their houses:
Flood Damage Prevention
Living in a flood-prone area like parts of Houston or Galveston puts your home at risk of flooding during hurricane season or heavy rains. Raising the foundation above base flood elevation levels can help avoid future water damage to your property making it one of the most important benefits of lifting a Texas home.
Foundation Issues
Over time, foundation problems like cracks, settlement or bowing basement walls can develop due to soil conditions and changing water tables. It is doable to raise problematic areas as this allows foundation repairs without having to reconstruct the whole thing and is often more affordable than a full foundation replacement.
High Water Tables
Certain areas of Texas near rivers or bayous have high water tables. A home raised above the water level makes it possible to add living spaces like a basement that would otherwise be unusable due to constant flooding or damp conditions.
Coastal Erosion Protection
Properties along beaches prone to erosion during storms may need to be elevated on pilings further inland as the shoreline shifts.
Resale Value Increase
Potential buyers are often turned off by flood-prone or foundation-damaged homes. Completing a proper elevation or foundation reinforcement project as part of home renovations could add thousands to your property’s sale price down the road.
Keeping flooding at bay, fixing structural issues, gaining extra living area and boosting resale value are among the top factors motivating Texas homeowners to raise their houses.
How Much Does It Cost to Lifting a Texas Home?
Costs for lifting a home in the Lone Star State can vary widely based on the size, style, foundation type and number of stories – so it’s important to get quotes from at least 3 reputable contractors for an accurate price estimate. Here are some typical cost ranges based on key factors for Texas house raising projects:
Cost to raise a single family home in Texas: $15,000 to $45,000
Average price to lift a ranch style house in Texas: $20,000 to $35,000
It costs $25,000 to $80,000 to elevate a house in Texas above flood levels. Your location within the state also influences pricing due to regional differences in labor rates and material costs. Coastal cities like Houston tend to see higher costs than more central or western regions. How far the house needs to be raised and extent of any foundation repairs are critical factors determining the final project budget in Texas.
What’s included in the Home Raising Costs?
Beyond the lifting itself, expect house raising project costs to cover engineering designs, permits, temporary utility disconnections, supporting beams, hydraulic jacks, new piers or foundations, sealing, and more. Many contractors perform complete turnkey services taking a project from start to finish. It’s wise to confirm all remodeling, landscaping, and other related costs are accounted for in any estimates. Be sure to consider match funds required and availability for any FEMA elevation grants as well.
Do your due diligence comparing at least 3 detailed estimates to get a handle on pricing before deciding if raising your particular Texas home is affordable for your budget. Qualified lifting companies can assess your property and structure to provide an accurate quote.
What are the Steps to Raise a Home in Texas?
1. Consult with foundation repair contractors
Contact several licensed, insured foundation companies that raise homes in Texas to schedule assessments of your property and discuss any issues and project requirements. Reputable firms employ licensed engineers and can determine the best procedure.
2. Select and hire a qualified contractor
Interview potential contractors to ensure they have sufficient experience successfully completing similar lifting jobs. Check references, confirm proper licensing and verify insurance coverage. Make sure the company will handle all sub-contracting and scheduling.
3. Apply for required permits
Your city or county may require various building and development permits for the project. Contractors experienced with local codes can facilitate the permit application process for you.
4. Disconnect and secure utilities
Gas, electric, water and sewer lines must be safely disconnected before the raise. Important documents and fragile items may need to be removed temporarily.
5. Install necessary temporary supports
Concrete piers, wooden beams or hydraulic jacking systems will lift and secure the structure gradually as permanent foundations are constructed underneath.
6. Lift and support the structure
Hydraulic jacks and shoring is used to lift the house incrementally while workers install new foundations, piers or pilings with precision to level and stabilize the structure.
7. Complete new foundations
Once set at the new height, plumbers, electricians and general contractors complete the rebuilt or reinforced concrete footings and walls to permanently support the raised structure.
8. Final adjustments and utility reconnect
Any settling is adjusted before landscaping is replaced and utilities are safely reconnected by licensed professionals. Final inspections are completed.
9. Enjoy your reinforced and elevated home!
With careful planning and experienced house elevation professionals, lifting a home can secure a structure for decades to come in a flood-prone area like many parts of Texas.
Choosing a Contractor to Raise Your Texas Home
When an expensive and technically complex job like elevating or foundation repair of your home is required, it’s essential to select the right contractor for the task. Here are some tips for finding a qualified house raising company in Texas:
- – Get referrals from satisfied past clients of similar projects, if possible within your own neighborhood or subdivision.
- – Confirm the company has proper state contractor’s licenses in foundation repair and is insured with liability coverage for lifting jobs.
- – Check online reviews by homeowners and search the contractor’s business listing on licensing databases for any disciplinary actions.
- – Inquire about the lift crew’s expertise – experienced professionals trained specifically in techniques like hydraulic jacking will yield better results.
- – Ask for examples of similar jobs they’ve performed to assess ability to handle your particular needs and property type.
- – Request references from local building inspectors or engineers who’ve reviewed the company’s past work.
- – Obtain detailed, itemized estimates in writing from three companies and compare inclusions and guaranteed project timelines.
- – Consider foundation companies specializing in elevated homes versus broader general contractors when flooding risks are a concern.
With large investments in lifting or elevating your current home or moving a structure for foundation repairs, securing an insured, veteran company instills confidence the project will be executed properly for long-lasting results. Taking time upfront to vet potential contractors pays off in a successful raising of your Texas home.
Is the Cost Worth It for Raising Your Texas Home?
While pricing estimates for large scale lifting projects can reach five figures, for many Texas homeowners the long-term benefits and protection significantly outweigh initial costs. Factors that support investing in a proper elevation or foundation repair include:
- Flood damage remediation expenses easily surpass elevated home construction costs over time.
- Even one flooding event can total insurance claims in the tens of thousands.
- Significantly reduced flood insurance premiums from leaving the high-risk zone usually recover costs within 5-10 years while continuing savings.
- Mold remediation, structural repair bills and lost wages from being displaced would dwarf foundation reinforcement fixes.
- Extended useful life of 50+ years granted and resale value boosts compared to an unsupported structure susceptible to costly cracks or collapse.
- Added living spaces like cellars allowed by higher foundations multiply ROI of the project over ownership periods.
- Peace of mind from engineered lifting securing the investment, future damage prevention, and ability to stay in one’s home without continual flooding disruptions.
Conclusion
Weighing protection, savings, value increases and your family’s long-term needs shows lifting is almost always a sound investment when flood risk or foundation deterioration requires Texas home elevation. If you have a plan in place for a house raise in Texas, and the expertise from house raising professionals, the cost becomes worthwhile for safety, enjoyment and property protection for decades to come.