House lifting · Portsmouth, NH
House lifting in Portsmouth, NH
Older Portsmouth homes raised on our own hydraulic jacking systems for new foundations, drier basements and flood elevation near the Piscataqua and the tidal creeks.
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Lifting in Portsmouth
Raising old houses near the tide.
Portsmouth's waterfront neighborhoods hold some of the oldest homes in New England, and many sit low. Tidal flooding and groundwater that rises with the tide wear on old foundations year after year.
Lifting lets us replace a failing foundation completely and, where the house is in a flood zone, set it back down above the Base Flood Elevation. It is one of the few fixes that deals with both the foundation and the water at once.
On tight city lots, we plan steel, cribbing and equipment around close neighbors and narrow streets before the lift begins.
Lifting snapshot
Common reasons
Failed foundation, flood elevation, wet basements
Typical homes
Older wood framed homes near the water
Equipment
Our own hydraulic jacking systems and cribbing
Timeline
About one week to several weeks
Approvals
City permits, plus historic review where it applies
When to lift
When lifting makes sense in Portsmouth.
We recommend a lift only when it is the right answer for the house.
Flooding
Water keeps coming back
If tides or storms keep reaching the house, raising it above the flood level stops the cycle of repairs.
Foundation
The foundation is failing
Old stone and brick foundations that are crumbling or wet can be replaced entirely with the house lifted out of the way.
Rules
Major work in a flood zone
Large renovations to homes in a mapped flood zone can trigger elevation requirements. Lifting brings the house into line.
How it works
How a Portsmouth lift runs
Careful planning matters most on old houses and tight lots.
01
Survey
We check the framing, the foundation, the flood zone and access on the lot.
02
Approve
Permits pulled, historic review handled where needed and 811 Dig Safe called.
03
Lift
Steel goes under the house and our jacks raise it evenly onto cribbing.
04
Rebuild
A new foundation is built at the right height and the house is set down.
FAQ
House lifting in Portsmouth: questions
Can a very old Portsmouth house be lifted safely?
Many can. We assess the framing first and add support where the structure needs it before any lifting starts.
Do I need approval to lift a home in the historic district?
Changes to homes in Portsmouth's historic district can require city review. We help you understand what applies before the project is scheduled.
Does FEMA help pay to elevate a home?
It can. Homes with an active National Flood Insurance Program policy that are substantially damaged may qualify for up to $30,000 in Increased Cost of Compliance coverage toward elevation.
How long is the house lifted?
Generally one week to several weeks, depending on the house and the new foundation.
More in Portsmouth
Related work in Portsmouth.
Lifting usually goes with one of these.
01
Flood mitigation in Portsmouth
Elevation, flood vents and piles for homes near the tide.
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02
Foundation repair in Portsmouth
The new foundation built under the lifted house.
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03
Structural repair in Portsmouth
Sills and beams fixed while the house is up.
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04
Excavation in Portsmouth
Digging and drainage for the new foundation.
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05
All services in Portsmouth
Back to our Portsmouth page.
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06
House lifting in NH
How house lifting works across New Hampshire.
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Let's talk
Thinking about lifting in Portsmouth?
Tell us about the house and how close it sits to the water. We will visit and walk you through the options.
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Request a free site visit
Takes about 60 seconds. Or call (603) 664-7488.