A planned, permitted, and engineered process — from the first site visit through the final landscape restoration. Most projects run several months end to end.
Whether you’re a General Contractor or a homeowner, we plug into your project at the right level
We provide specialized subcontracting services and bring safe access under the structure so your trades can complete foundation and structural work efficiently. We also offer traditional methods where site conditions call for it.
Your General Contractor coordinates and manages your project end to end — scope and budget, engineered plans, permitting, lifting, foundation work, utilities, and site restoration. Florida homeowners can also act as their own GC (owner-builder) if they plan to live in the property for at least a year.
Seven steps, in order, from initial scope to final restoration
The General Contractor meets with the homeowner to develop a scope — capturing notes, photos, and dimensions on site. Florida House Lifting also visits the site to determine the right lift approach and develop a general logistical strategy. The GC then presents a detailed scope, basic schedule, and pricing. If the homeowner proceeds, a deposit is taken and next steps begin.
Florida-licensed engineers prepare a full plan set based on the scope and site information. These plans inform the permitting process. Depending on site conditions, geotechnical testing may be required to inform the right foundation design. FHL also confirms the right lift method for the site — DR House Lifting Failsafe systems or unified hydraulic with wood-crib support — whichever is most cost-effective for your project.
With plans complete, the General Contractor submits the permit application and payment to the local jurisdiction. Once the permit is approved, the project can start.
The GC removes skirting, screen rooms, stairs, carports, and similar appurtenances. Florida House Lifting installs the lifting system. Most homes are lifted in 3–5 days.
With the home lifted, trades complete civil, structural, and foundation work according to the engineered plans. The Building Official inspects the site at key points of completion.
Once the foundation concrete has adequately cured, FHL lowers the home onto its new foundation. The GC completes the permanent connection of the home to the new elevated foundation. FHL then removes their equipment so the remainder of project activities can commence.
With the lift equipment removed, the GC reconnects utilities, builds new stairs, railings, and landings, extends gutters, completes concrete flatwork, and restores landscaping — returning the property to a finished, livable state at its new elevation.
A few practical realities to plan around during the lift
You can’t live in the home during the project. Utilities will be disconnected and the home will be at a higher elevation without daily access.
Gas, water, and power are disconnected before the lift and reconnected by your GC after the home is lowered onto its new foundation.
Landscaping, gutters, flatwork, stairs, and landings are completed at the end — once lifting equipment has been removed and the home is at its final elevation.
From project timeline to living arrangements during construction — check the FAQs.