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House lifting emerges as a key solution against climate change impacts, safeguarding properties from flooding and rising sea levels.
House lifting, traditionally a tactic used for waterfront properties to protect homes from rising tides, has evolved into a broader strategy for many property owners in areas prone to climate-related challenges. This practice, which involves physically raising a home to a higher elevation, is becoming increasingly popular as climate change brings more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and flooding risks. Once an option only for properties at risk of flooding, house lifting is now seen as a necessary investment for homeowners across a variety of landscapes, and it has transformed into a booming business.
House lifting is not a new concept. In fact, it has been a common practice in coastal regions for centuries. Homeowners in flood-prone areas like New Orleans, Miami, and parts of the Gulf Coast have long employed house lifting to prevent their homes from being submerged during hurricanes, heavy rain, and high tides. The idea is simple: raise the structure above expected flood levels, thus minimizing damage from rising waters.
Historically, house lifting was most closely associated with waterfront homes and other properties situated on low-lying land. By raising the foundation of a home on stilts, piers, or other supports, homeowners could protect their properties from short-term flooding caused by storms, tides, or rainfall. This method allowed owners to continue enjoying their waterfront views while keeping the threat of flooding at bay.
In recent years, however, the reasons for house lifting have expanded beyond traditional flood risks. Rising sea levels, driven by climate change, are putting more properties at risk across the globe. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea levels have risen about 8–9 inches over the past century, and they are expected to continue rising at an accelerated pace in the coming decades. By 2050, parts of the U.S. could see sea level rise of one to four feet, displacing thousands of homes and affecting billions of dollars in property value.
As a result of this looming threat, house lifting is becoming not just a proactive measure for protecting homes against occasional flooding, but also a long-term strategy for adapting to the inevitable effects of climate change. Property owners in coastal regions are increasingly recognizing that raising their homes is not just a way to protect them from storms but also a necessary investment in preserving their value in an era of unpredictable weather patterns and rising waters.
While house lifting has traditionally been used for homes along the coastlines or in flood zones, it is now becoming a viable option for a broader range of properties, including those in flood-prone inland areas. The impacts of climate change are being felt everywhere—rivers are overflowing, heavy rains are becoming more frequent, and storm surges are reaching further inland. As a result, homeowners across the country are considering house lifting as a way to mitigate the increasing risk of flooding.
For example, in areas along the Mississippi River, homeowners in flood-prone regions are raising their houses to protect against the rising waters and stronger storms predicted due to climate change. Similarly, areas experiencing flash flooding, particularly those located in mountainous regions or near rivers, are now adopting house lifting as a preventive measure. Homes previously thought to be safe from flooding are now facing the potential for more extreme weather, and house lifting has become a way to future-proof those properties.
In addition to the increasing flood risks, cities across the U.S. are seeing rising property values in areas once considered undesirable. As developers expand into previously underdeveloped or industrial areas, the chance of flooding increases, and house lifting has emerged as a strategy to increase the saleability of properties in these now-urbanized zones.
The rising demand for house lifting has led to the growth of a significant industry. Specializing in raising homes to higher elevations, the house lifting business encompasses construction firms, engineers, and specialized contractors who use a variety of methods to elevate structures. The process generally involves the installation of temporary supports, lifting the house with hydraulic jacks, and constructing a new, higher foundation. This process can take weeks or even months, depending on the size and complexity of the structure, and it can be costly.
As more people become aware of the need to elevate their homes, house lifting has become big business. In 2020, the market for home elevation services in the U.S. was estimated at over $1 billion, with rapid growth expected in the coming years as climate change continues to take its toll on vulnerable properties. The demand is particularly strong in coastal and flood-prone regions, but other areas are also starting to catch on as climate change leads to more unpredictable weather patterns.
For homeowners, the costs of lifting a house can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of the home, the complexity of the lift, and local regulations. While expensive, these projects can significantly increase the home’s value, especially when compared to the potential cost of flood damage. Homeowners who invest in house lifting now may find themselves more resilient to future storm surges and flooding, making their properties more attractive to buyers in the future.
In addition to offering financial and safety benefits, house lifting also has environmental advantages. By raising homes to higher ground, the practice can reduce the amount of water that enters storm drains and flood channels, which in turn decreases the strain on local infrastructure during extreme weather events. This helps to reduce overall flooding and allows for better water flow and drainage, which is critical as storm systems become more intense and frequent due to climate change.
Moreover, house lifting can help preserve ecosystems by preventing unnecessary development in floodplains. Instead of rebuilding entire neighborhoods after flooding, raising homes allows communities to maintain their locations while better adapting to changing conditions. By elevating existing homes, rather than building entirely new structures, house lifting helps reduce the environmental impact of new construction and preserves the natural landscape.
As climate change continues to impact communities around the world, house lifting is poised to become a common and necessary strategy for homeowners. Given the increasingly urgent need for climate adaptation, house lifting may even become a standard practice for properties in vulnerable areas, akin to how building codes now require certain structural safety measures to protect against earthquakes or wildfires.
Moreover, with continued advancements in construction technologies and techniques, the cost of house lifting may decrease over time, making it more accessible to homeowners in a wider range of income brackets. Increased innovation in materials and construction methods will likely make the lifting process faster, more efficient, and more affordable.
House lifting is no longer a niche service reserved for waterfront properties at risk of occasional flooding. As climate change accelerates and the impacts of rising sea levels, extreme storms, and flooding become more pronounced, this practice has evolved into an essential strategy for homeowners seeking to protect their property and ensure its long-term value. From coastal homes to flood-prone inland areas, house lifting is fast becoming a mainstream solution to the growing climate crisis. With a booming business and a rising awareness of the need for climate adaptation, house lifting may soon be seen as a standard step in property ownership—one that provides long-term security in an increasingly unpredictable world.
For questions or comments write to writers@bostonbrandmedia.com
