Cost of Leveling a House

The most common house leveling project that includes “a bit of everything” will usually cost between $5,000 to $8,000 to complete.

When Do You Need House Leveling?

House leveling is usually needed when your home’s foundation settles or sinks into the soil below it. Here are a few tell-tale signs that you need house leveling.

• Foundation cracks – These cracks are split into two categories: structural and non-structural. Structural cracks can clearly indicate that you have a foundation problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Structural cracks are usually larger than 1/10th of an inch, while non-structural cracks are below 1/10th of an inch. Both crack types can be caused by settlement, expansive soil, hydrostatic pressure, and more.
• Uneven or cracked floors – A settling home can create cracks in your wooden, concrete, or tile flooring. This can lead to unsteady appliances, uneven furniture, and trip hazards. Floor cracks leading from wall to wall are also a sign that your home needs leveling.
• Sticking windows and doors – If your home is settling, it could throw your windows and doors out of plumb, making them hard to close or open.
  push pier underpinning
• Separating sections of your home – An settling foundation can cause walls, floors, and ceilings to separate from each other.
• Drywall cracks – If you notice drywall cracks running diagonally from the corners of your doors and windows to the ceiling, you might need house leveling. Your porch or chimney is separating from your home – A settling foundation can cause your chimney or porch to separate from the rest of your home. Note: This could be an issue with the foundation directly under your chimney or porch and may not be the actual home foundation.

Also Read: How Often Should I Water My Foundation

Factors to Consider When Leveling a House

Leveling a house is a significant undertaking that involves correcting any unevenness or slope in the foundation or structure. It is essential to ensure the stability, safety, and longevity of the building.

Foundation Assessment:

The foundation serves as the base of a house and is crucial to its overall stability. Before initiating any leveling work, a thorough assessment of the foundation is essential. This assessment may include inspecting for cracks, settlement, water damage, or other signs of structural issues. Identifying the root cause of the unevenness is essential to determine the appropriate leveling method.

Soil Analysis:

The condition of the soil beneath a house significantly affects its stability. Different soil types have varying load-bearing capacities and behaviors. Conducting a soil analysis is critical to understanding the soil's composition, moisture content, compaction, and potential for expansion or contraction. This analysis helps determine if the soil requires stabilization or reinforcement before leveling the house.

Underlying Causes:

Determining the underlying causes of the unevenness is crucial for effective house leveling. Some common causes include poor soil compaction, water damage, improper drainage, tree roots, plumbing leaks, or inadequate foundation design. Identifying and addressing these issues before proceeding with the leveling process is essential to prevent future structural problems.

Professional Inspection:

House leveling is a complex process that requires the expertise of professionals. Engaging a qualified structural engineer or foundation specialist is highly recommended. They will evaluate the property, assess the structural integrity, and provide expert advice on the most appropriate leveling techniques and potential associated risks.

Levelling Methods:

Several methods can be employed to level a house, depending on the severity of the unevenness and underlying causes. Common techniques include:

• Mudjacking: This method involves injecting a mixture of grout or concrete beneath the foundation to raise it and achieve a level position.
• Helical Piers: Helical piers are installed deep into the ground to support and stabilize the foundation. This method is suitable for houses with foundation settlement issues.
• Steel Push Piers: Steel push piers are driven into stable soil or bedrock beneath the foundation to lift and level the house. This method is ideal for homes experiencing foundation settling or movement.
• Slab Jacking: Slab jacking is primarily used for concrete slab foundations. It involves pumping a grout mixture beneath the slab to raise and level it.

Also Read: How to Stop Wooden Stairs from Creaking

Cost Considerations:

The cost of leveling a house can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of the problem, the chosen leveling method, the size of the house, and the location. Obtaining multiple quotes from reputable contractors and considering the long-term benefits of a stable foundation is crucial for making an informed decision.

What Are the Disadvantages of House Lifting?

As mentioned above, the risk for damage when you try to jack up your house is extremely high. The timing and method of house lifting has to be approached with extreme precision and care. If even the slightest mistake is made, you run the risk of causing not only cosmetic but structural damage to your home.

Also Read: How to Use a Soaker Hose for Foundation