Everything you need to know about house levelling
House leveling is a process of raising or lowering the level of your house so that it is even with the surrounding land. This is usually done to correct problems with drainage or to prepare for construction. While house leveling is used as a form of foundation repair, it isn’t always the best solution for every problem.
So, when do you perform house leveling?
As stated, the number one reason to perform house leveling is to correct problems with the drainage around your home. If water is pooling around your foundation or if you have water seeping into your basement, leveling can help. House leveling can also be used to prepare for construction projects, such as an addition to your home or a new driveway. Other than this, house leveling is also a popular solution for foundation problems. For example, House leveling can be incredibly useful if your foundation is settling unevenly, or you have cracks in your foundation, or you just want to raise your house to avoid floodwaters.
What do you need to be aware of before leveling your house?
Of course, there are some things you need to be aware of before you start leveling your house. First and foremost, you must ensure that the area around your house is clear. There should be no trees, shrubs, or other plants growing close to your foundation, as they can interfere with the leveling process. You should also ensure that there are no underground utility lines running through the area where you’ll perform the leveling. Once you’ve checked for these things, you’re ready to get started.
What goes on behind house leveling?
To level your house, you’ll need a few tools and materials. First, you’ll need a laser level. This tool projects a beam of light onto the ground, showing you how level (or not level) the ground is. You can find laser levels at most hardware stores. Next, you’ll need some lifting device. This could be a jack, a block and tackle system, or even a come-along. You’ll also need something to measure the height of your house, such as a tape measure or ruler. Finally, you’ll need some way to mark the ground, so you know where to dig. Chalk, spray paint, or flags work well for this.
The actual process of leveling your house is relatively simple. First, you’ll need to find the lowest point on your foundation. Then, you’ll use the laser level to find the highest point on the ground around your foundation. Once you have these two points marked, you can start digging. You’ll want to dig a hole about two feet deep and two feet wide at the lowest point on your foundation. The hole doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should be large enough that you can fit the lifting device into it.
Once you’ve dug the hole, it’s time to lift your house. You’ll need to place the lifting device into the hole and attach it to your house. Once the lifting device is in place, you can raise your house. Slowly and carefully raise your house until it’s at the same level as the highest point on the ground around your foundation. Once your house is level, you can remove the lifting device and fill in the hole.
Are you set for life after you have leveled your house?
There is nothing such as a permanent fix. There is always a chance of something going wrong. When it comes to house leveling, there are a few things you can do after the repair to ensure a long-lasting repair. One thing you can do is to make sure that the area around your foundation is well-drained. This means that you should have gutters and downspouts installed on your home and make sure they’re clear of debris. You should also ensure that there’s no landscaping near your foundation that could interfere with drainage. Finally, you should regularly inspect your house to ensure that the repair is still holding up.
Why is house leveling best left to the professional?
While it is possible to level your house independently, it’s generally best to leave this task to the professionals. This is because house leveling can be dangerous if not done properly. If you raise your house too high, it could fall off of the lifting device and cause serious damage (or even collapse). If you don’t dig the hole deep enough, the lifting device could slip out and cause injury. And, if you don’t use the proper tools and materials, you could end up doing more harm than good. For these reasons, it’s always best to hire a professional house leveler when you need this type of work done.
Hiring a professional house leveler is easy. Simply contact a local foundation repair company and explain what you need. Most companies will be able to come to your house, assess the situation, and give you a quote for the work. Once you’ve received a few quotes, you can choose the company you feel most comfortable with and start leveling your house.
Tina Peters is a home deco enthusiasts, world traveler and a blogger that loves exploring new things, styles and cheap home remodeling ideas. Her main focus is helping people all around the world when it comes to home renovations, remodeling and improvements.
