jeudi 3 août 2017

House Raising Experts Burnaby Homeowners Use Explain When Lifting A Home May Be Necessary

By Patricia Hughes


Most homeowners will never have to consider whether or not to raise their home to repair it or to meet the requirements of federal, state, or local government agencies. For a few, this question does arise, and they are forced to face the expense and the inconvenience such an enterprise entails. Before doing anything, an affected homeowner needs good and reliable information from someone like the house raising experts Burnaby residents rely on.

There are a variety of reasons why homeowners contemplate having their residences lifted. If it is located in a flood hazard zone, FEMA may require that it be raised above the flood elevation level or moved to another location. You will save money on flood insurance when you do this. You will also improve the living conditions in your house. A wet basement is a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can be injurious to your family's health if the spores are inhaled. Adding a basement to an existing house can increase the value.

By lifting a home, foundation problems can sometimes be alleviated. Settling can become a serious problem over time. If it is not fixed walls can crack and floors buckle. Homeowners trying to sell their residences will find it difficult to get a good price with existing structural damage. Homes that were not built to code may have to be lifted in order to correct an issue and become compliant with county ordinances.

Only experienced professionals should be considered for the job of elevating your home. Representatives of the company will inspect your property and give you an assessment of what the project will entail. Older houses can be more difficult to elevate because they are usually built of sturdier wood, making them heavier.

The process usually involves excavating dirt and pouring concrete walls. Hydraulic jacks and steel beams are used to actually raise the structure. Once the home is off the foundation, it is held up by box cribs until the project is completed. The process can cost as much as ten thousand dollars, or more, for a twelve hundred square foot house.

Not all homeowners think about the details that go into having a property raised, but companies want their clients to know what is involved beforehand. Some houses can't be raised until the foundation problems are resolved. The homeowner may be required to have an inspector look over the home to access the structural integrity. All utilities have to be completely disconnected.

Appliances and furniture have to be moved out. Heating and air systems, the furnace, and the water heater have to be removed and stored until the job is completed. Neighbors should be notified about the disruption to the neighborhood.

Such a major project should not be taken on without a very good reason. Once the decision has been made, the most capable company available should be called. Careful planning is very important when taking on such a task.




About the Author: