House lifting may seem like a massive and complicated task at first, but it can actually be quite advantageous under certain circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with flood-prone areas or looking to strengthen your home’s foundation, understanding the process of house lifting can guide you in making well-informed decisions.
In this post, we will delve into the intricacies of house lifting, highlighting its benefits and discussing factors to consider. By the end, you’ll have an understanding of this transformative technique and how it can enhance your Auckland home.
What is Involved in House Lifting?
House lifting services in Auckland entail raising a structure off its foundation using specialised equipment such as hydraulic jacks and steel beams. This procedure allows homeowners to either create a crawl space or elevate the structure above flood levels.
Advantages of House Lifting
Protection against Flooding
If your home is situated in Auckland or a similar area prone to flooding, house lifting in Auckland can serve as a solution for safeguarding both your property and belongings. By elevating your home above the floodwaters, you significantly mitigate the risk of damage during extreme rain events or extended storms.
Expanding Living Space
House lifting offers homeowners an opportunity to increase their living area by creating rooms underneath their elevated homes. These added spaces can be utilised for many purposes, such as recreational areas, storage facilities or even garages.
Repairing the Foundation
Over time, a house’s foundation may start to display signs of wear and tear, like cracks or settlement issues. By lifting the house off its foundation and conducting repairs or adjustments below ground level, homeowners can effectively address these problems.
Understanding the Process
You might think that house lifting could disrupt your life for long periods of time, but fear not! With planning and execution by professionals in the industry, disruptions can be minimised.
Preparation Phase
Before any actual work begins on site, detailed planning and preparation are carried out. This phase involves obtaining permits and inspections, ensuring integrity and conducting a thorough survey of the property.
Raising Stage
Hydraulic jacks are strategically positioned beneath the house at key points along load-bearing walls or beams. Slowly and safely, these jacks lift the structure off its foundation.
Foundation Work
Once raised, any necessary repairs or alterations can be made to the foundation. To ensure the long-term stability of a house, one option is to replace damaged materials or strengthen areas.
Securing Stage
During the securing stage, temporary supports, like steel beams, are used to hold the house in its position once any necessary renovations have been completed.
Final Stage
Once the house is securely lifted and supported, utility services such as water, electricity and HVAC systems can be reconnected. This allows occupants to resume their activities without any disruption.
Factors to Consider
Cost
House lifting is an investment that should be seen as a long-term solution than a quick fix. The cost varies based on factors such as house size, location, foundation condition and additional requirements like plans or permits.
Professional Expertise
Due to the complexity of engineering and construction involved, it’s highly recommended to hire professionals who specialise in this field. This ensures that each stage of the process is carried out safely and efficiently.
Regulations and Permits
Before starting a house lifting project, homeowners should familiarise themselves with building codes and regulations that govern these types of renovations. Obtaining all permits is crucial for compliance purposes.
Maintenance Requirements
Elevated houses may require maintenance procedures compared to constructed homes due to increased exposure to outdoor elements, particularly in the spaces beneath the elevated structure. Being aware of these maintenance needs will help ensure the long-term durability of your home.
End Note
Having an understanding of the house lifting process empowers homeowners like yourself to make decisions regarding flood protection and expanding living areas. By collaborating with professionals throughout this process, you can enhance the safety, resilience and value of your home. Therefore, if it aligns with your circumstances, consider exploring house lifting as a transformative option for your property.
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