Streets and basements that flood
The city says some parts of Somerville flood in hard storms, with water in the streets and wet basements. If you're in one of them, tell us early, because that shapes the new foundation.
Foundation raising in Somerville MA - your house lifted evenly and set back down level
When the foundation under your house is cracked, crumbling or due for replacement, we lift the house, fix what's underneath and set it back down.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Free quotes on site.
- Replies within 1 business day.
What goes into raising a house
Foundation raising in Somerville means lifting the whole house off its old foundation so the foundation can be repaired or replaced, then setting the house back down on it. The job is measured in weeks, and the lift itself is only a few days in the middle.
Most people call about this when the foundation under an older house is cracked or crumbling, or when they want a real basement under a house that never had one. The price turns mostly on what happens while the house is up, because lifting the house alone costs less than lifting it and replacing the foundation, and putting in a basement can cost the most.
The schedule depends on the prep work, the permit, the kind of foundation you have, how high the house goes, what repairs turn up once it's open and the weather. I come out, look at the house, measure and talk it through with you, then send the estimate, so you're working from your own figure instead of a guess.
One person from start to finish
I come out to look at the job myself and I stay on it through the work, so you always know who to ask and you're not passing questions down a chain.
The plan explained before we pour
Concrete is hard to undo, so I walk you through what's under the house, what we're replacing and where the water will go before any new foundation goes in.
City paperwork checked early
We check with the city's building office before we settle the plan. When the filing is ours, we file it and keep it moving, and when it's yours, we tell you what to bring.
How we raise a house and why
Raising a house works the same way whoever does it. Tunnels go in under the house, steel beams go through them, and hydraulic jacks under each beam bring the house up slowly and evenly so the frame doesn't get damaged on the way up. Our crew does the digging, forming, pouring and finishing, and we line up the other licensed trades the lift needs.
A lift touches every system in the house. Water, gas, power, heat, cooling, phone and internet all get disconnected before it goes up, a plumber takes out the pipes and ductwork below the floor joists, and an electrician tacks up or removes the wiring under the house, so we get both of them lined up early, before the schedule is set.
While the house is up, I'd rather spend the extra time on what's underneath than on anything you'll see. The new foundation is hidden the day we finish and it's the first place people want to save money, but it's what the house sits on, and it's where we decide which way water runs away from the walls. If an old basement slab or wall is in the way, concrete cutting opens it cleanly, and once the house sits at its new height the old driveway may not meet it anymore, which is where concrete driveway building comes in.
What a lift in Somerville has to work around
Plumbing and wiring permits
In Somerville a licensed electrician must apply for the electrical permits, and a licensed plumber for the gas and plumbing ones. Those permits come through the trades, which is another reason we book them early.
Tight lots and close houses
A lot of houses here sit only a few feet from the next one, so digging tunnels and setting beams takes planning. We work on these tight lots across Somerville and the cities around it.
A clean site and good neighbors
A lift means weeks of digging right next to people who live there. We want the site cleaner than we found it and you still on good terms with your neighbors when we leave.
Get an estimate for raising your house
Send the form and we'll reply within one business day to set a time. I come out, look at the house, measure, talk it through with you, then send the estimate, free and with no pressure to book.
Have the address and house type
Tell us the address and whether it's a 1- or 2-family home or something larger, because the state's rules on who oversees the work depend partly on that.
Mention a historic district
If your house sits in a Local Historic District, say so on the form, since the city's certificate for that work adds a step we want in the plan from the start.
Our promise on every job
Satisfaction guaranteed on every job. I'd rather explain the plan twice before we pour than leave you wondering what's happening under your house while it's up.
Foundation and concrete work examples
These photos show foundation walls, basement slabs and driveway finishes, examples to point at when we talk through the plan for your own house.
Questions about raising a house in Somerville
These are the questions owners usually ask before deciding whether raising the house fits their plans, their schedule and their budget.
How much does it cost to raise a house near Somerville?
Raising a house in the Boston metro area usually costs about $14,000 to $20,000 per job, and that's the market's typical range, not a quote from us. Where yours lands depends mostly on whether the house just goes up and back down or gets a new foundation or basement while it's up. The on-site estimate gives you your own figure.
How long does it take to raise a house, and can we stay home during it?
On average the whole process takes about 4 to 8 weeks, and the lift itself runs 2 to 7 days once the prep is done. Being inside the house during the lift isn't recommended, but your furniture and belongings can stay where they are, and we'll help you plan where you'll stay for those days.
Do I need a permit or a historic certificate to raise my house in Somerville?
Yes, you need a building permit, because anyone who builds, alters or repairs a structure in Somerville has to get one first from the city's Inspectional Services Division. If your house is in a Local Historic District, any work there also needs a certificate from the city's Historic Preservation Commission or its staff, so plan that step into your timeline.
Who is allowed to do and oversee a house lift in Massachusetts?
The state requires a licensed construction supervisor or a registered design professional to oversee construction on 1- and 2-family homes, though its rules include an exemption for homeowners. Contractors working on an existing owner-occupied home with one to four units must also hold Home Improvement Contractor registration, so ask every bidder for it. We're fully licensed and insured.
What hours can contractors work on a house in Somerville?
Somerville allows construction from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. We plan the loud digging and the lift days inside those hours, which also keeps things easier with the people living next door to you.
Other concrete work that goes with a lift
Call us about raising your house
Call (617) 284-0921 or send the form, because the permit, the plumber and the electrician all take time to line up.