While it might sound drastic, house leveling actually improves a home. House leveling means to elevate the home, keeping it intact. This process is commonly needed when a house begins to lose its foundational integrity. For instance, foundational cracks are often a sign that you need to consider leveling your house. Foundations with cracks wider than one fourth of an inch is often a cause for concern. After cracks begin to form, it’s common for a house to start sloping. To remedy this problem, many homeowners contact a house leveling company. House leveling is done by lifting a home slowly, ensuring it is laid upon a flat surface. With that in mind, here is how to prepare three important areas of your property for a house leveling.
House Leveling Won’t Jostle Interior Items
It’s understandable to feel concerned that house lifting equipment will leave your interior items strewn about. Fortunately, house leveling is a done in an extremely slow and secure manner. Therefore, you really don’t have to worry about having to keep all of your items secured. If you want to be extra cautious, there’s nothing wrong with securing valuable items.
That being said, you will need to disconnect utilities within your home. This ensure that there aren’t ducts or wires that are plugged in while the home is being lifted. If you’re still worried about the interior of your home while it is being lifted, you’ll want know about the largest building lifting that took place. In 2004, a 15,140 ton building in China was moved 118 feet while remaining entirely intact. This should give you an idea of the strength and durability provided by house lifting equipment.
Cleaning Out Areas Beneath Your Home
The next step to take is dealing with what is under your home. For example, many homes throughout the United States have crawlspaces or basements. Considering that, it’s important to have these areas cleaned before house leveling begins. This allows house leveling crews to have an easier time working underneath your home.
It’s best if these areas are kept entirely clean. However, you might find a few items that are seemingly impossible to move. If this happens, inform the leveling crew of these items. In turn, a crew might be able to help move them or avoid working excessively in that particular area altogether.
Preparing Outdoor Areas Before a House Elevation
The last step in foundation repair preparation is to step in your yard. It’s important that adequate room around a home is clear before it can be leveled. With that in mind, you’ll want to remove any and all landscaping from around your home. However, you don’t have to dig up your entire yard. In most cases, house lifters will need an area of about 10 feet to work around a property itself.
Another important consideration while leveling a home is fencing. If you don’t have one or own a fence lines that starts far away from your home, this won’t be a concern. However, many homes have fences that are closer or right at the ten foot limit. Therefore, it’s important to note that your fence might need to come down before your home can be properly leveled. Another concern is working on homes where neighboring yards are relatively close by. To remedy this situation, consider speaking to your neighbor about the work you want to have done. If it doesn’t drastically harm their yard, they’re not likely to have a problem with it.
To summarize, there are several steps to take before your home is leveled. Home leveling is done to help houses that begin to slop or otherwise lose their foundational integrity. While home leveling is a safe process, it’s important that you have your home prepared to be moved. It’s best to deal with foundational problems early due to the fact that they can quickly worsen while untreated. In order to begin getting your home leveled, you’ll want to contact a professional home leveling company in your area.
