Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: House Lifting

From: creekview324@yahoo.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 65.165.88.164
Date: 12 Oct 2005
Time: 10:28 PM

Comments

Question: I'm searching for contractor to lift my Cape Cod and build a ground-level basement under it. The house is 32x32 with 8-foot covered porches on three sides. The address is 324 Creek View Lane, Colonial Beach, VA, approximately 30 miles east of Fredericksburg VA. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Jeff Kern.

Builders Websource® Answer: Jeff, Builders Websource does not provide direct contractor referrals. However, this is a major project that requires proper civil/structural engineering, particularly to ensure you don't run into drainage and moisture issues with your basement. Do you already have blueprints or are you in the formative stages? Often local architects and/or geotechnical or civil/structural engineering companies know of reliable contractors capable of this type of work. This is a project that requires careful attention to detail. Adding a basement under an existing house could cost great than $100-$150/square foot depending on the type of finishes you're intending to install. Be sure you're not overbuilding for your area unless you plan to live there for the indefinite future. To familiarize yourself with important moisture-proofing considerations, the Technote Principles of Residential Drainage and Basement Waterproofing is a must-read.

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