Frequently Asked Questions - Raising a structure
Q:
Does Schuette Movers build the foundation?
A:
Schuette Movers does not do any construction
for raised houses but would be happy to recommend some qualified builders to you.
We suggest that you only choose contractors with experience in working under raised
buildings.
Q:
How do you dig a basement once the house is
blocked up?
A:
If excavation beneath the building is required,
the method of raising the building is somewhat different. Schuette Movers would
need to know this up front for quoting purposes. In these scenarios there is usually
an additional site visit required with our equipment to re-locate support cribs.
In choosing an excavating company, they would need to have small enough equipment
for digging under the building and have experience in this field. It is important
that the excavation company chosen for the job has proper insurance coverage.
Q:
Can you live in the house when it is up on
blocks?
A:
We do not recommend it, although many of our
customers do.
Q:
How high can you block up a building?
A:
There are no physical restrictions to height,
but there will most likely be economic and aesthetic restrictions. The higher you
go the more costly it becomes.
Q:
How do you know how much weight the blocks
can hold? Are these engineered?
A:
The blocking and design of the support cribs
are engineered and may support various levels of weight depending on the layout
of the blocking.
Q:
Does weather play a factor in raising a house?
A:
If there is no excavation involved, it generally
does not become a factor. If there is excavation to be done, and/ or a new foundation
to be installed, then it is wise to plan the project for a time of better weather
if possible.
Q:
Can you raise the house with the chimney &
fireplace?
A:
We used to raise the fireplaces & chimneys
with the buildings but recent changes to various municipal regulations have made
it prohibitive. We now recommend that the fireplaces and chimneys are removed prior
to the lift.
Q:
Does the façade of the fireplace have to come
down too?
A:
The interior façade can sometimes be saved
if tremendous care is taken in the demolition of the chimney.
Q:
Can the additions be raised as well?
A:
The hydraulic jacking systems that Schuette
Movers use, are the most advanced in the industry. This allows us to raise any wing
or additiion of a building symetrically with the main building.
Q:
What about porches?
A:
Yes.
Q:
Who is responsible for removing the fireplace/stairs
etc?
A:
We require that all building preparation such
as these are done by the customer or their contractor. At the customers request
we can provide the names of people experienced in these type of preparations.
Q:
Does the landscaping get damaged?
A:
For the majority of buildings that are raised,
we do no damage to perimeter landscaping.
Q:
Is there much damage to the house when it is
raised ie: cracking etc. Will our insurance cover this?
A:
The amount of cracking in the house is directly
proportionate to the degree of settling that has already occurred to the existing
foundation. Many houses we raise, are done so without any cracking. Minor cracking
is not covered by our insurance. There should be no other forms of damage to the
building structurally, or aesthetically caused by our work. If there is, it would
be covered by our insurance.
Q:
What kind of insurance does Schuette Movers.
carry?
A:
NB carries the most comprehensive insurance
policy in BC for raising and moving buildings. It would be truly negligent to have
your building raised without adequate insurance, this applies not only to the building
mover, but to all of the contractors involved in the lift. Our policy in general
terms covers up to $2,000,000 worth of cargo/ liability.
Q:
What if our house falls down?
A:
The building is fully insured.
Q:
What if someone is hurt on the site when it
is up on blocks?
A:
If the incident is relative to Schuette Movers
being on site, our liability covers up to $5,000,000.
Q:
Do we need to hire a contractor that has worked
on a raised house?
A:
Although it is not a Schuette Movers requirement,
we would not recommend the customer using a contractor who cannot provide references
for other projects he has worked on where the building was lifted.
Q:
Do contractors hire Schuette Movers as subcontractors
normally?
A:
This happens on occasion, but the safest method
insurance wise is for the customer to contract directly with Schuette Movers.
Q:
Are their any restrictions with the size of
house to be raised?
A:
We maintain that the only restrictions to raising
any building are economic. If men can build it, we can move it.
Q:
How does Schuette Movers get their equipment
out once the foundation is completed.
A:
Some holes are required to be made, in the
new walls for the removal of our equipment
Q:
How long does it usually take to raise a house.
A:
An average 1200 square foot house can generally
be raised in one day.
Q:
Do you need a copy of our house plans prior
to raising?
A:
Having a set of plans is helpful in determining
a firm price for raising any building. It is normally required of the local building
authority to provide them with a set of plans for the project and a copy of these
plans are all that we need.
Q:
Do you need a building permit?
A:
A building permit is required for all new construction
to take place beneath the building, although it is not required to have a building
permit prior to raising the building, we do not recommend doing this without your
building permit approval.
Q:
Are their any added costs that are usually
associated with raising a house that we wouldn't think of?
A:
It is important at the outset to determine
whether the foundation will need to be replaced, we recommend that you contact your
local building inspector to view the foundation prior to setting your budget. Research
your local building and zoning by-laws to make sure there are no surprises. Ensure
the contractor you have chosen is competent and qualified. If any excavation is
required, we recommend you acquire a firm price, this can be the biggest grey area
for budgeting. Schuette Movers price to the customer is firm and final, provided
the customer meets the requirements of the contract.
Q:
How much does it cost to raise a house?
A:
Prices begin at $5,000. for a basic 1000 square
foot house and escalate from there depending on the size, difficulty, and height
to be raised.