Your Guide to House Raising and Lifting for Louisiana Homes

For homeowners across New Orleans and the surrounding parishes, house raising and house lifting generally refer to lifting an existing structure off its current foundation so the foundation can be repaired or rebuilt beneath it. Home elevation is a related but different service that permanently raises a home to a higher elevation, typically to reduce flood risk or meet elevation requirements. Below, we explain how house raising, leveling, and home elevation differ so you can find the right fit for your home.

Abry Brothers has been part of our local story for seven generations, working on foundations, shoring, and home raising across the Gulf South’s soft, shifting delta soils. The FEMA-commissioned book, The History of Building Elevation in New Orleans, traces just how central house raising and elevation has been to how this city has adapted to water, wind, and time.

If your home has been affected by flooding or settling, or you’re simply ready to explore raising or elevating your house, contact Abry Brothers to schedule an evaluation.

What Is House Raising?

House raising is the process of lifting an existing structure, so the home can be supported on a repaired, modified, or newly-constructed foundation system.

House Raising vs. Elevation

Home elevation is a separate service. Rather than lifting a home temporarily so the foundation can be repaired, elevation permanently increases a home’s height above its original foundation level. It is most often done to reduce flood risk, meet elevation requirements, or create usable space underneath for parking or storage.

House Raising vs. House Lifting

In everyday use, house raising and house lifting are essentially interchangeable. Both describe the same physical process of separating a home from its foundation and lifting it, either temporarily for foundation repair or to a permanently higher elevation as part of a home elevation project.

Some contractors use “lifting” for the mechanical act of raising the structure and “raising” for the overall project, including the new foundation work that follows, but there’s no strict industry distinction.

How Does the House Raising Process Work?

With seven generations of experience working on homes throughout New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana, Abry Brothers understands that no two house raising projects are exactly alike. While every home requires a careful, site-specific approach, most projects follow a similar general sequence from initial evaluation through final placement.

Reviewing Site Conditions

The process starts by assessing the existing foundation and structure to determine how the home should be supported during and after the lift.

Obtaining Permits and Other Local Requirements

It depends on the project. Some of these projects do require permits. An experienced contractor manages this step so you aren’t navigating it alone.

Raising and Supporting the Structure

The home is raised using hydraulic jacks in a coordinated, incremental process, then held in place on temporary cribbing or shoring while the new or repaired foundation is built underneath.

Foundation Work and Final Placement

Once the new foundation is complete, the home is lowered into its final position and reconnected to utilities. Exact lifting methods, foundation solutions, elevation height, and timelines vary by structure and site, which is why a detailed, structure-specific estimate matters more than a general price range.

How to Choose a House Lifting Contractor

House raising is a significant structural project, and the contractor you choose matters as much as the method used. When comparing house lifting contractors, here’s what to keep in mind.

Experience With House Raising and Elevation

Look for a contractor with specific experience raising and elevating homes in Southeast Louisiana’s soil and flood conditions, not just general foundation repair.

Licensing, Insurance, and Engineering Coordination

Confirm the contractor is properly licensed and insured, and ask how they coordinate with engineers on plan review and permitting for whole-house elevation projects.

Understanding the Scope, Timeline, and Estimate

A trustworthy contractor provides a clear estimate that explains the proposed method, expected timeline, and what’s included, so you know what to expect before work begins.

Why Choose Abry Brothers for House Raising?

Abry Brothers has worked on foundations, shoring, and home elevation projects throughout New Orleans for seven generations. Our local, hands-on experience with the region’s soil, flood patterns, and older housing stock shapes every recommendation we make.

We believe the best solutions start with understanding exactly what your structure needs and explaining the path forward clearly. And because Abry Brothers has served this community for seven generations, we take pride in standing behind our work for the long term.

Contact us today to schedule a house raising evaluation for your Louisiana home.

FAQs about House Raising