Although raising a house may seem like a huge undertaking, it is something you can do on your own if you have the necessary equipment, information, and perseverance. Lifting a house can be the answer you need, whether you want to level your property, add a basement, or replace an outdated foundation. We’ll take you step-by-step through the procedure in this post, giving you the assurance and knowledge you need to take on this big project.
It’s important to know why you might need to lift your house before you start. Frequently cited causes include problems with the foundation, worries about flooding, or the need to expand living space. For whatever reason, you should lift your house to prevent damage and to make it worth more money. Although the project calls for meticulous planning and precise execution, it is completely doable with the appropriate strategy.
Whenever lifting a house, safety must come first. It will be necessary for you to take action to guarantee the stability of the structure and everyone’s safety. This entails making sure everything is done correctly by utilizing the appropriate tools, adhering to engineering specifications, and maybe seeking advice from experts. Even though the goal of this guide is to arm you with the knowledge to lift your house yourself, if you have any questions at all about any step of the procedure, don’t be afraid to consult an expert.
The first practical step is to gather the necessary equipment and supplies. Hydraulic jacks, support beams, cribbing supplies, and other items are required. The procedure will go more smoothly and safely if everything is prepared and arranged. Every material and tool has a distinct function, and utilizing them correctly is essential to a successful lift. We’ll go over the required tools and how to use them in the ensuing sections.
Ultimately, your greatest allies will be precision and patience. You shouldn’t rush a job like lifting a house. Careful execution of each step is necessary, along with ongoing supervision to make sure everything is proceeding as planned. You can successfully and safely lift your house if you take your time and adhere to the instructions provided in this guide.
Step | Description |
1 | Plan and prepare |
2 | Gather materials and tools |
3 | Excavate around the foundation |
4 | Install jacks and beams |
5 | Lift the house slowly |
6 | Secure the house in its new position |
7 | Inspect and make necessary adjustments |
8 | Replace or repair the foundation |
Although lifting a house by yourself may seem like an impossible task, it is completely doable with proper planning, the appropriate equipment, and a step-by-step manual. This post will guide you through all of the crucial actions required to raise your house safely and effectively, from laying the foundation and assembling the required equipment to actually performing the lift and fastening your house in place. You’ll acquire the self-assurance and skills necessary to take on this difficult yet worthwhile project on your own by following these instructions.
- What buildings can be lifted
- Preparatory activities, building materials and tools for lifting
- What kind of jack can be used
- How to lift a house with your own hands – recommendations from professionals
- We are planning to lift the house with a jack – safety requirements
- Video on the topic
- How to lift a house and replace the foundation under it with screw piles. "SV-Fundament"
- Lifting an old house. Pouring the foundation. Do it yourself.
- How to lift a log house with a jack without destroying the building
- How to lift a house yourself, what you will need.
What buildings can be lifted
Single-story wooden buildings are easily jackknifed using contemporary technological methods. These structures are constructed from the following materials:
- rounded logs;
- square and rectangular beams;
- prefabricated panels covered with planed boards or slabs.
Wooden buildings are lighter and easier to move because of their small size.
Preparatory activities, building materials and tools for lifting
The following actions must be taken in order to get ready to lift a house with jacks:
- conduct a visual inspection;
- analyze the complexity of the work to be performed;
- estimate the duration of repair activities;
- choose a moving method;
- prepare the building for moving.
By looking for outside indicators, one can easily determine when repairs are necessary. Take note of the following information:
- tilt of the house or skew of individual parts;
- cracking of the exterior finish and interior covering;
- partial or complete shrinkage of the house;
- displacement of part of the foundation;
- significant destruction of the supporting crown and foundation.
The building is moved, either entirely or partially, to accommodate the following restoration tasks:
- local restoration or major repairs of the foundation;
- prevention of shrinkage of the building;
- dismantling of rotten load-bearing beams along the contour of the building;
- elimination of skews of walls and openings;
- performing antiseptic treatment of wooden structures;
- elimination of errors made during the construction process.
Selecting the strategy that will be used to move the house vertically with lifting equipment is crucial.
In order to make the best choice, it’s important to consider several factors:
- weight of the building. A jack for moving is selected according to its lifting capacity. The volume of the building box must be multiplied by the density of wood, which is 700 kg/m3, then add the weight of the roof and cladding. The resulting value, multiplied by a factor of 1.4, corresponds to the load-bearing capacity of the device;
- building dimensions. With an increased building length of more than 6.5 meters, local shrinkage of wooden beams or beams is possible at the joint areas. In order to prevent distortions during movement, it is necessary to secure additional reinforcement elements in the splicing area;
- features of interior decoration. Certain types of interior cladding significantly complicate the implementation of measures to move the building. Sheet plasterboard and traditional plaster can crack under the influence of deformation processes. For reinforcement, 5 cm thick boards are nailed on the street side;
- the nature of the soil. The concentration of moisture in the surface layer of the soil and its structure make certain adjustments to construction activities. The jack under load can easily sink into soft and wet soil. Using metal shields and concrete elements allows increasing the support area;
- expected vertical displacement. The design features of the lifting device limit the length of the rod extension. The required height of movement is achieved by gradually placing bars under the support platform of the device;
- duration of repair work. The duration of the activities depends on the complexity of the repair. It is risky to load the rod of the lifting device over a long period. It is necessary to use durable metal structures as a temporary support for the building.
There are a few ways to raise the house to a convenient distance:
- using a truck crane. Wheel-mounted lifting equipment is used to lift a building for the purpose of moving it to another area;
- using jacks. The use of small-sized lifting devices is popular when it is necessary to move light structures vertically.
Make the following arrangements if you choose to raise a house using screw or hydraulic supports:
- turn off the power supply;
- close the water supply lines;
- disconnect the sewer main;
- turn off the gas supply;
- disassemble the floor around the stove or in the boiler area;
- disconnect the gas boiler;
- ensure the immobility of the box with diagonals.
If the stove is mounted on a separate base, be aware that the roof in the chimney area needs to be disassembled.
Before beginning any restoration work, get ready:
- a jack with a lifting capacity corresponding to the calculated indicator;
- wooden boards that allow you to increase the area of the supporting surface;
- steel pads made of thick sheet material measuring 25×25 cm;
- tools required for dismantling the support beam along the building contour;
- grinder with discs for cutting metal and wood.
Once the equipment and supplies are ready, start lifting.
What kind of jack can be used
The following lifting devices are used to raise the house to a specific height:
- screw. They are distinguished by their reliability and simplicity of design. The force is perceived by the working surface of the platform, fixed at a right angle to the axis of the threaded rod. The screw device is distinguished by its increased lifting capacity, compact dimensions;
- hydraulic. The working element of the hydraulic lift moves as a result of the pressure of the working fluid on the piston. The value of the working pressure is regulated using a supercharger connected to the lever. The design is complex, compared to screw devices.
The ability to use lifting devices to raise a wooden house is made possible by their increased level of reliability.
How to lift a house with your own hands – recommendations from professionals
A house can be raised with a jack and a different number of lifts thanks to proven technology:
- one device. The lift is successively installed on different sections of the building and moves vertically up to 50 mm per cycle. Limited distance allows you to eliminate skewing of the opening, cracks and serious deformations of the frame. Supports are installed under the raised part, and the jack is moved to the next section. By moving the lift along the perimeter of the building and placing supports, you can lift the house to an equal height;
- two devices. Uniformity of movement and the absence of deformations depends on the correct vertical displacement of the rods of the two lifts. By consistently shifting each zone to a limited height, you can prevent serious deformations and prevent the building from shifting. The sequence of operations using two lifting devices corresponds to the above option using one device;
- four jacks. This method has maximum efficiency and involves installing lifting devices in the corner sections of the building. By alternately shifting the rod of the device by 20-40 mm, you can lift the building. The main task is to synchronously lift using voice commands to four performers. Using industrial lifts with a synchronous control device makes the work much easier.
A methodical approach will assist you in correctly executing jacking:
- Choose a lifting method and areas of application of forces.
- Tamp the soil in the areas where the lifts are located.
- Place support platforms under the jacks.
- Install metal plates under the rod platform.
- Lift each section sequentially by 20–40 mm per cycle.
- Install temporary supports if necessary.
- Move the structure vertically, checking the correct position with a level.
- Install powerful supports in the most loaded areas.
Installing stops is essential since they ensure that, in the event that the elevator malfunctions or breaks down, the building will stay still. You can lift the structure synchronously by following the instructions given.
We are planning to lift the house with a jack – safety requirements
It is crucial to guarantee the security of the work being done:
- reinforce the building frame with strong boards;
- fix the spacer lintels in the openings;
- rigidly secure the lifting device;
- place gaskets under the rod platform;
- use thrust bearings with an increased area.
Take care and avoid subjecting the structure to shear loads when doing restoration work.
Lifting a house by yourself is a rewarding and difficult task. Without hiring an expert, you can accomplish remarkable results by properly organizing and carrying out each step. Prioritize safety above all else, and make sure you have the necessary equipment and supplies before starting any project.
Start by carefully examining the foundation and structure of your home. This will assist you in comprehending the particular needs and any potential roadblocks. You’ll save time and lower the chance of accidents if you set up the location and your equipment in advance.
Recall to work methodically and slowly as you follow the step-by-step instructions. Every phase, ranging from raising the house to laying the new foundation, is essential to the project’s final success. Don’t rush the procedure; instead, take your time to make sure every step is completed accurately.
Make sure to confirm all measurements and placements with any assistants you may have throughout the project. For your house to be lifted safely and effectively, accuracy and consistency are essential. You can lift your house with your hands if you follow a methodical approach and pay close attention to detail.