How Much Does It Cost to Lift a House?

Thinking about lifting your house but worried about the cost? You’re not alone.

Thousands of homeowners face this decision every year, especially those in flood-prone areas or dealing with foundation problems.

House lifting typically costs between $20,000 and $100,000, but the exact price depends on several factors. The size, location, foundation type, and lift height of your home all affect the final bill.

While this might seem expensive, lifting can save you thousands in flood damage, increase your property value by 15-25%, and reduce insurance premiums by up to 60%.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about house lifting costs, from different lifting methods to hidden expenses you might not expect.

To better understand how elevating your home protects against flood risk, check out our in-depth guide to raised foundations.

What is House Lifting?

House lifting is a process where contractors raise an entire home above its current foundation. This construction method utilizes hydraulic jacks and steel beams to safely lift the structure.

The process enables homeowners to undertake foundation repairs, add new levels, or protect their property from flood damage. Most homeowners choose house lifting for three main reasons.

Why people do it:

• Flood protection – Raise your home above danger zones
• Foundation fixes – Repair cracks and settling issues easily
• Property value – Add basement space or level uneven ground

The lifting process typically takes several weeks to complete. Professional contractors must obtain permits, prepare the site, and carefully monitor the lifting progress.

The cost varies based on the size of the house, location, and the height of the lift required.

Types of House Lifting

Lifting Method	Best For	Description	Cost Range
Hydraulic Jacking	Most residential homes	Uses hydraulic jacks and steel beams to lift gradually	$15,000 – $30,000
Screw Jacks	Smaller homes, temporary lifts	Manual screw mechanisms for precise height control	$10,000 – $20,000
Pneumatic Lifting	Emergencies	Air-powered systems for quick, temporary lifts	$8,000 – $25,000
Unified Jacking	Large or complex structures	Multiple synchronized jacks work together	$25,000 – $50,000
Pier and Beam	Homes with existing pier foundations	Raise the house using existing or new pier systems	$12,000 – $28,000

Key Considerations:

• Hydraulic jacking works best for permanent lifting projects
• Screw jacks offer more precise control but require more labor
• Professional contractors recommend unified jacking for homes over 2,000 square feet
• The lifting method affects both the timeline and the total project cost

Factors That Affect the Cost of Lifting a House

Several key factors determine the cost of lifting your house. Understanding these elements helps you budget accurately and avoid surprise expenses during the project.

1. Size and Weight of the House

House size and weight directly impact lifting costs. Larger homes require more equipment, labor, and time to lift safely and securely.

A 1,000-square-foot home typically costs $15,000 to $25,000 to lift, while a 3,000-square-foot house can cost $40,000 to $70,000.

Homes with brick exteriors, multiple stories, or heavy roofing materials need stronger equipment and more support beams, which can add $5,000 to $15,000 to your total project cost.

2. Location and Accessibility

Urban areas typically cost more than rural locations due to higher labor costs, stricter regulations, and limited space for equipment and infrastructure.

Urban house lifting projects often cost 20-30% more than similar jobs in rural areas. Site access also significantly affects pricing, as homes with narrow driveways, overhead power lines, or tight spaces require specialized equipment and extra planning, adding $3,000 to $8,000 to your project.

3. Foundation Type and Condition

Different foundation types require different approaches and costs. Slab foundations are the most expensive to work with, often costing $20,000 to $40,000 for lifting.

Crawl space foundations typically cost between $15,000 and $30,000, while basement foundations range from $18,000 to $35,000.

Foundation condition determines additional repair costs, as homes with cracked, settled, or damaged foundations need repairs that can add $5,000 to $20,000 to your total cost.

4. Height of the Lift

Lift height directly correlates with cost, as most residential lifts range in height from 2 to 10 feet. Each additional foot of lift typically adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the total cost.

Standard height ranges include 2-4 feet ($15,000 to $25,000), 4-6 feet ($20,000 to $35,000), 6-8 feet ($25,000 to $45,000), and 8-10 feet ($35,000 to $55,000).

Higher lifts require more materials, engineering support, and specialized equipment to maintain structural integrity.

5. Permitting and Legal Requirements

Permits and inspections add significant costs to house lifting projects.

Most areas require building permits, structural engineering reports, and multiple inspections during the lifting process, with permit costs typically ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on local regulations.

Building code compliance can add $2,000 to $10,000 to your project cost, as contractors must factor in inspection fees, plan review costs, and potential delays from permit approval processes.

Average Cost Breakdown of House Lifting

Understanding the typical costs involved in house lifting helps you plan your budget and compare contractor quotes effectively.

National Averages for House Lifting

The national average cost to lift a house ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on size and complexity. Most homeowners pay between $30,000 and $60,000 for a standard residential lift.

Regional variations reveal higher costs in coastal areas and major cities, where prices can exceed $120,000. Per square foot costs typically range from $10 to $40, while per foot of height costs average $3,000 to $8,000.

A typical 1,500-square-foot home lifted 4 feet high would cost approximately $35,000 to $55,000.

Additional Costs

Foundation repair or replacement adds significant expenses to your project. New foundation work costs between $8,000 and $25,000, depending on the type and size of the foundation.

Concrete slab foundations cost $12 to $18 per square foot, while basement foundations range from $15 to $30 per square foot.

Utility and plumbing adjustments are essential during lifting, with electrical work costing $2,000 to $5,000, plumbing modifications ranging from $3,000 to $8,000, and HVAC system adjustments adding $1,500 to $4,000.

Landscaping and exterior restoration complete the project, with costs varying from $2,000 to $10,000 for basic yard restoration, driveway repairs, and exterior touch-ups.

Benefits of Lifting a House

House lifting offers multiple advantages that extend far beyond just raising your home’s elevation.

• Flood Protection and Improved Resilience –Lifting your house above flood levels can save thousands in future flood damage and provide long-term protection for your investment.
• Preservation of Property Value – Raising your home can increase property value by 15-25% in flood-prone areas, making your house more attractive to potential buyers.
• Foundation Repair and Structural Stability – House lifting enables contractors to address foundation problems comprehensively while the home is raised, ensuring improved structural integrity for decades.
• Increased Living Space – Lifting creates usable space underneath your home for storage, workshops, or even additional living areas, maximizing your property’s potential.
• Improved Drainage and Prevention of Moisture Issues – A higher elevation improves water drainage around your home, reducing moisture problems, mold growth, and risks of foundation damage.
• Potential for Insurance Savings – Elevating your house above the base flood elevation can reduce flood insurance premiums by 30-60%, saving thousands of dollars annually.

The Bottom Line

House lifting costs vary widely based on your home’s size, location, foundation type, and desired height. While the investment ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, the benefits often justify the expense.

You’ll gain flood protection, increase property value, create additional space, and potentially save thousands on insurance premiums.

The key factors affecting your cost include house size and weight, accessibility, foundation condition, lift height, and local permit requirements.

Remember to budget for additional expenses, such as foundation work, utility adjustments, and landscaping restoration.

Before making this significant investment, get quotes from multiple licensed contractors and consider your long-term goals.

Ready to protect your home and investment? Contact local house lifting professionals for a detailed consultation and personalized cost estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lifting a House Expensive?

Yes, house lifting costs $20,000 to $100,000, but it’s often less expensive than rebuilding after flood damage or major foundation repairs.

Is It Worth It to Lift a House?

House lifting is worth it if you live in flood-prone areas, have foundation problems, or want to increase property value by 15-25% while reducing insurance costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Raise a 2000 Square Foot House?

Lifting a 2,000-square-foot house typically costs between $35,000 and $70,000, depending on the type of foundation, lift height, and location.