House lifting
in Houma, LA
Lifting a house for repairs means raising it off its supports, fixing what is underneath, and setting it back at or near the same height. Describe the house once and independent contractors quote.
A free quote-request service. Local contractors do the work and quote you directly.
How a lift for repairs typically goes
Contractors use their own methods. This is the usual order; each one spells out theirs in the written quote.
- Look at the problemThe crew inspects the piers, beams and sills, decides what has to be replaced and where the house must be raised to reach it.
- Disconnect the utilitiesElectric, gas, water, sewer and HVAC lines are cut loose and capped so nothing tears when the house moves.
- Steel and jacksSteel beams go under the floor framing. Hydraulic jacks raise the house a little at a time, with timber cribbing stacked beneath it as it rises.
- Repair underneathWith the house up, the failed piers, beams or sills are replaced and the new foundation parts are set.
- Set it down and reconnectThe house is lowered onto the repaired supports and fastened, utilities are reconnected, and the work is inspected.
When a lift makes sense
A reason people ask for quotes, not a ruling on your house.
The failed parts can't be reached
If rotted piers, beams or sills sit where a crew can't work with the house in place, raising the house off them is how they get replaced.
Leveling found something bigger
A leveling visit sometimes shows damage that needs the house up. See house leveling and pier and beam repair for the smaller jobs.
Lifting versus elevating
A lift for repairs puts the house back about where it was. House elevation sets it on a new, taller foundation.
Worth pricing both in a flood zone
If the house is in a flood zone and will be on jacks anyway, ask each contractor to price raising it higher as an option. Whether that makes sense depends on your BFE, the permit and your budget. We make no claim that it saves money.
What to have ready
None of this is needed to ask for a quote. Having it makes the first visit faster and the quotes easier to compare.
- Photos of each side of the house and of the foundation
- What needs repair, if you know: piers, beams, sills, floor framing
- Photos underneath and how much room there is to crawl, if you can safely reach it
- Square footage, number of stories and the type of home
- What sits under or beside the house: AC units, water heater, tanks, steps
- Driveway and yard access for steel, jacks and trucks
- Your FEMA flood zone and elevation certificate, if you have them
- When you need it done
Permits, licensing and utilities
Check each one with the office named.
Who may do the lifting
Ask the parish or city whether the lifting must be done by a licensed lifting contractor. Rules can differ by parish, and we can't tell you which applies to yours.
License and insurance
Ask for the contractor's Louisiana license number and look it up with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation.
Permit
Ask the permit office whether the job needs a building permit, and ask each contractor who pulls it.
Utilities
Ask for a written disconnect and reconnect plan, and for when utilities will be off.
Before digging
If new piers go in, ask the contractor to have buried lines marked through Louisiana 811 first.
House lifting questions
- Usual result: house back at or near its old height
- Ask the parish: permit and who may do the lift
- Cost to ask: nothing
How is house lifting different from house elevation?
Lifting for repairs raises the house temporarily so the foundation can be repaired, then sets it back at or near its old height. House elevation sets it on a new, taller foundation. If you want the house higher, say so when you ask for quotes.
Can I stay in the house during a lift?
Ask each contractor. It depends on the house and the job. Get in writing when utilities will be off and when you can use the house again.
Does the lifting have to be done by a licensed lifting contractor?
Ask the parish or city permit office whether the lifting must be done by a licensed lifting contractor. Rules can differ by parish. Whoever does it, ask for their Louisiana license number and look it up with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
What happens to the plumbing, electric and gas?
Lines have to be disconnected before the house moves and reconnected afterward. Ask each contractor for their disconnect and reconnect plan in writing, and who does the licensed trade work.
Will the house be set back at the same height?
Lifting for repairs normally ends with the house back at or near its old height. The written quote should state the finished floor height, so there is no surprise.
Other work on the house
- House elevationRaise the whole house on new piers.
- House levelingSagging floors and doors that stick.
- Pier and beam repairRotted piers, beams and sills replaced.
- Slab homes and elevated rebuildsWhen lifting isn't the route.
- Elevation certificatesLowest floor and BFE, surveyed.
- Service areasTerrebonne and Lafourche towns.
Quotes for house lifting
Tell us about the house and contractors who lift homes in Terrebonne and Lafourche quote you directly, or message us on WhatsApp.
Free to request, no obligation. We pass your request to independent, licensed and insured local contractors. We can't tell you whether you qualify for a grant; contractors can quote work built to your program's rules.
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