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FAQ

  • What is the house raising process?

    House-raising involves separating your house from its foundation and temporarily raising it with a unified hydraulic jacking machine. The actual lifting of the structure involves long steel I-beams and hydraulic jacks supported by wood cribbing.

  • How long does it take to raise a house?

    The actual act of elevating the home generally takes one day of set up and one day to elevate. The house raising process, which includes the construction of a new foundation or pile/piers, can take anywhere from one week to several weeks depending upon the scope of work to be completed. Each house is different and thus no two projects are the same; this is why we are happy to come and see your house and spend the time helping you understand the process of raising your particular home.

  • Will the house be damaged by house raising?

    There are risks involved in the lifting of homes. In most cases, the damage involves minor cracks to the dry wall/sheet rock to which you should expect the need for modest repairs.

  • Is my house located in a flood zone?

    In the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Sandy, FEMA has published an updated interactive flood zone map that can be accessed by clicking here.

  • What’s the difference between FEMA’s Zone A and Zone V?

    Both zones lie within FEMA’s 100-year floodplain. Zone V applies only in tidal floodplains and denotes hazards associated with storm-induced waves of at least three feet in height. Construction standards in the V zone are more stringent in order to account for the increased risk of damage from storm surges.

  • Will the value of my home change if I raise it?

    In most cases, the value of a home (especially if located in a flood area) will increase after being raised. Your home is safer for the duration of your ownership and much more marketable upon sale, thus the value should be much higher than a comparable home that has not been elevated.

  • Are there other benefits to elevating other than increased value?

    Yes. You will better protect your house and its contents and you will pay significantly lower flood insurance rates in the future than if you do not elevate. Some people may find that the long-term insurance savings alone can offset the cost of raising a house.

  • Can I live in the house when it is being lifted?

    No. It is not advisable to be in your home during the raising process and your local municipality won’t permit occupancy until the project is completed.

  • What permits or licenses are required for elevating my house, and who is responsible for getting them?

    Every elevation project requires permits from your local municipality, as a turn-key home elevation company, NEHE will assist you in the permit process.

  • Can I receive an estimate for my house raising?

    Absolutely, call us at (732) 905-7777 and a member of the NEHE team will schedule a site visit.

  • What if I have questions that are not addressed in these FAQs?

    We strongly recommend that you email us or call 732-905-7777 for further information.