How Much Does Lifting a House Cost in 2025?
If you’ve ever wondered How Much Does Lifting a House Cost in 2025?, the short answer is; it depends. On average, most homeowners spend around $7,626, but prices can range anywhere from $960 to as much as $25,000. The final cost comes down to a few key factors, like where you live, how big and old your home is, and how high it needs to be lifted. In this blog, we’ll break down in detail the cost of house lifting, components of the cost, and the factors affecting the cost.
Why Lift a House?
There are several reasons why homeowners choose to lift their homes, and it often comes down to safety, repairs, or creating more space. One of the most common motivations is protection from flooding, especially in coastal or low-lying areas where rising water levels are a growing concern. House lifting is also necessary when major foundation repairs are needed, particularly for older homes where preserving the original structure is important.
In some cases, lifting allows builders to lay a completely new foundation. It’s also a practical step if you’re planning to add a basement, garage, or extra floor beneath your existing home. And if you’re relocating your house, lifting the structure is the first step in making that move possible.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Raising a House
The cost of raising a house depends on several important factors. The size, structure, and age of your home all influence how costly the project will be. Older or larger homes often require more careful handling, which can add to the total cost. The height you need to lift the house also plays a role. The higher the lift, the more time, labor, and materials are needed. Below are some of the common factors that affect the cost of raising a house.
House Size
The size of your home has a major impact on the cost of lifting it. Larger homes require more labor, time, and equipment, which increases the overall price. For example, raising a 1,000-square-foot home may cost between $10,000 and $30,000, while a 2,500-square-foot home can range from $25,000 to $60,000. The bigger the home, the higher the cost.
Structure and Age
The structure and age of your home also affect how much it will cost to raise. Single-story and prefabricated homes are generally easier and more affordable to lift. On the other hand, multi-story homes need additional stabilization, which increases both time and cost. Older and historic homes can be more expensive to lift as they often require careful handling, specialized skills, and extra planning to preserve their structure.
Labor Cost
Labor makes up a significant portion of the cost when raising a house. You’ll need skilled professionals like plumbers and electricians to disconnect utilities before the lift begins. Plumbers typically charge between $45 and $200 per hour, while electricians range from $50 to $100 per hour. Excavation work can cost $40 to $150 per hour, and general labor averages around $16 per hour. You’ll also need a heavy equipment operator, who usually charges about $22 per hour. All of these roles are essential to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
Required Permits
Permits are an important part of any house lifting project. Before work begins, you’ll need to secure the necessary permits, which typically cost anywhere between $1,200 and $2,000. These permits make sure the project follows local safety and building codes, helping you avoid delays, fines, or legal issues down the line.
Insurance Costs
Insurance is another key factor to keep in mind when planning to raise your house. Both homeowner’s insurance and contractor’s insurance play an important role. It’s a good idea to talk to your insurance provider about your coverage options and make sure your home is protected during the project.
Cost Based on the Reason for Raising a House
The purpose behind lifting your house has a major impact on how much the project will cost. Simpler needs, like moving the home, typically fall on the lower end of the range, with average costs between $15,000 and $200,000. Lifting a home to protect it from flooding generally costs between $20,000 and $80,000.
Likewise, if you’re replacing the foundation, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $100,000. Building a basement tends to be one of the most expensive options, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $175,000. In a nutshell, the more structural work required, the higher the total cost is likely to be.
Conclusion
House lifting can be a smart solution for protection, repairs, or added space, but costs can vary based on several factors. In 2025, the average cost for lifting a house is between $7,000 and $25,000. Costs vary based on your home and project needs, but our house lifting contractors at Linwood Lee House Moving Inc. can provide an accurate estimate to help you plan with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2025, the average cost for lifting a house is between $7,000 and $25,000.
In the long run, a lift will save you the money and the hassle of repairing flood damage. In addition to preventative action, a lift can increase your home’s value
The process of lifting a house, from preparation to final placement on a new foundation, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. The actual lifting of the structure itself usually takes 2 to 7 days.
Traditional house lifting primarily involves using hydraulic jacks combined with temporary supports.
The most common and usually the cheapest way is to install the lifting beams approximately three or four feet above the slab floor.