How To Raise Your Home
House raising is one of the most complicated home renovation projects. However, it is a requirement when you need to change your home's foundation or raise the house to prevent flood damage. So, how do you raise your house? Below are some vital tips.
Assess The Site Risks
Inspect your home to determine the viability of the project. For example, overhead power lines and branches could prevent you from moving the house. Your compound must be spacious. Remember, the contractor will use plant equipment to move your house to allow renovation works. If you intend to move the house to another location, the contractor will use self-propelled modular trailers to move the house. If your property is small, you may have to ask neighbours to allow you to use part of their property.
Check The Laws
Check whether the local building code allows house raising works. If it does, check the conditions that you should meet. For instance, you may need a building surveyor's report to establish whether the works can be conducted without risking the lives of workers and neighbours. Additionally, you could need a permit.
Work With An Experienced Contractor
Unlike other renovation projects, house raising cannot be a DIY project. Hire a contractor with adequate experience in raising homes. Your preferred contractor should have sufficient insurance, and reasonable terms and conditions.
Create A Raising Plan
The house raising plan details how you will execute the project. It contains the following:
The necessary preparation works
You will need to disconnect utilities and remove electronics and furniture from your house. Additionally, the house could require some structural or roof repairs to ensure it does not suffer damage when being raised.
Construction Plans
The contractor will assess the building's blueprints and advise how you can raise the house. For example, if the foundation is rigid enough, the contractor could use piles to raise it. If it is in a deplorable state, the contractor could advise you to consider a new foundation. If the purpose of the activity is to protect the house from flood damage, the foundation could require extra works to protect it from water damage. For example, the property could require a new drainage system or sump pumps.
Execution
This segment details the sequence of works at the site. For instance, how will the contractor move the house? What materials are required to renovate and raise the foundation? How long will the works take? Your contractor must observe safety at the site. For example, they should have a traffic control plan and ensure plant equipment is in excellent condition.
When raising your house, assess the site risks, check the laws, work with an experienced contractor and create a house raising plan.