Raising a house sounds like the kind of project that belongs in a movie, the kind with floodwaters rising, or a family building their dream space with a new garage below. But here in Texas, it’s something we deal with more than most folks think.
Whether you’re looking to protect your home from flood zones, gain storage, or repair a failing foundation, lifting a house can be a smart move. That said, it’s not a small task. And yes, there are risks.
At Du-West Services, we’ve lifted hundreds of homes. We’ve seen what works, what goes sideways, and what flat-out shouldn’t happen. Let’s talk about what’s thee risks involved when raising a house — and why who you hire matters more than anything else.
Why Raise a House in the First Place?
Before we get into the risks, let’s talk about the “why.” People raise homes to:
- Stay above flood zones
- Create room for piers, crawlspaces, or basements
- Fix sinking foundations
- Get clearance for plumbing, HVAC, or structural repairs
- Build additions underneath
It’s a solid option when done for the right reasons. But it’s not a job you hand off to the lowest bidder or your cousin with a skid steer.
The Real Risks of Raising a House
1. Structural Damage
This one’s at the top of the list — for good reason. If the lift isn’t done evenly or gradually, parts of the home can twist, shift, or crack. Walls may separate. Windows can crack. Door frames can get out of alignment. We’ve seen floors buckle. Brick facades split. Joists snap. It’s why we use synchronized lifting systems and trained crews who know how to keep a structure steady under stress.
2. Plumbing and Utility Breaks
When you lift a house, anything attached underneath gets stretched. That includes:
- Water lines
- Sewer lines
- Gas lines
- Electrical conduit
- HVAC connections
If these aren’t disconnected or flexed properly, you risk snapping pipes or damaging systems. That can mean water damage, gas leaks, or outages. We coordinate with utility providers and inspect all connections before and after the lift.
3. Foundation Problems (Old or New)
If the reason for lifting is to fix a foundation issue — that’s smart. But if the new footings or supports aren’t built correctly, you’re just trading one problem for another.
And if the old foundation isn’t removed or supported correctly, it can cause damage during or after the lift.
We don’t leave any part of the structure floating or unsupported. We do the prep, pour, and placement like we’d do it at our own home.
4. Permits and Code Violations
Lifting a house isn’t just physical work. There’s paperwork, too. Cities require permits, inspections, and engineering reviews. Skip this step, and you could be fined, delayed, or worse — forced to undo the work. We handle all permitting and work directly with city officials to keep your project on track.
5. Weather Delays and Site Access
Texas soil can go from concrete to soup in a day. Rain can slow down or shut down a lift. Heavy equipment needs room to operate, and tight sites can make the job harder or more dangerous.
We schedule around weather windows and plan site access ahead of time. If conditions change, we adapt. We don’t guess.
When to Call Du-West for Help
Raising a house isn’t a Sunday project. It’s major work — with long-term consequences. Here’s when you should call us:
- You see signs of foundation settlement or cracking
- Your home is in a flood zone and insurance is getting steep
- You want to add space or build under your home
- You’re buying a house with elevation issues
- Your crawlspace is too shallow to access plumbing or HVAC
- You’re considering pier-and-beam conversion or slab adjustments
Even if you’re still in the “maybe” stage, we’ll come out, take a look, and give you a straight answer explaining all the risks involved — no sales pitch. When you want the best, call Du-West. We’ve done this before. Many times. And we do it right.
Our Process: House Raising Step by Step
We don’t cut corners. Here’s what you can expect from us:
1. Site Visit and Inspection
We evaluate your home’s foundation, structure, and soil. We check for signs of stress, previous repairs, and what’s needed to do the lift safely.
2. Engineering and Planning
Our team creates a lift plan that matches your home’s weight, layout, and support points. We coordinate with any subcontractors needed for plumbing, electrical, or framing.
3. Prep Work
We dig around the perimeter, install lift beams, and prep piers or crib stacks. Utilities are disconnected or re-routed if needed.
4. The Lift
We use synchronized jacks to raise the home slowly, a few inches at a time, across the whole structure. We pause to check level and watch for movement.
5. Foundation Work
Once the house is lifted, we repair or replace the foundation — whether that’s installing piers, pads, or new footings.
6. Lower and Secure
We lower the house onto the new support system, reconnect utilities, and make any final adjustments.
7. Final Walkthrough and Inspection
We go over every detail with you, answer your questions, and schedule final permits or inspections.
FAQ
Can you live in the house while it’s being lifted?
Usually, no. Most projects require the home to be vacant during the actual lift and foundation work. We’ll tell you what’s safe based on your project.
How long does it take to raise a house?
The full process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks depending on the size, soil, weather, and type of work required.
Will there be damage to the home?
We do everything possible to prevent it. Minor drywall cracks or cosmetic shifts are common and can be repaired easily.
Is it worth raising a house instead of rebuilding?
Yes, especially if the structure is in good shape. Raising preserves your home’s frame, finishes, and style, while fixing the foundation or gaining new clearance.
Do you provide free estimates?
Absolutely. We’ll walk the property, take measurements, and give you a detailed quote — no pressure.
Let’s Get It Done Right
Raising a house isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be scary. The risks are real — but they’re manageable when you have the right team on the ground (and under the house). At Du-West Services, we’ve raised homes after floods, fixed sinking slabs, and helped families get their homes back on solid footing, literally.
When you want the best, call Du-West. We’ve got the gear, the crew, and the experience to lift it safe, level, and strong. Let’s get your home the support it needs the right way.
