Crescent Beach
A proposed lift and basement were assessed, then the scope changed to an interior renovation. The house was not lifted.
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Keep the house, change what supports it
House Lifts & Moves
Construction planning and coordination for lifting a house or moving it to a new site.
Book a CallWhat it is
Lifting a house can create room for a new foundation or basement, or change its height. Moving a house relocates the existing structure to another position or site. Both start with whether the building can be supported and moved safely.
The structure, access, new foundation, and servicing all need to be considered together. We coordinate the construction plan with structural engineers, specialist lifting or moving contractors, and the relevant authorities.
A lift is not always the right answer. At Crescent Beach, the proposed lift and basement were reviewed early and found to be structurally complex and costly. The project became a full interior renovation instead. That kind of assessment belongs before committing to the work.
What's included
Existing structure review
Assess the building and identify the structural investigation needed before a lift or move.
Engineering coordination
Coordinate engineered support, foundation, and structural requirements with the relevant specialists.
Site and route planning
Review site access and, for relocation, transport constraints and receiving-site conditions with the moving contractor.
Approvals coordination
Confirm the municipal, heritage, utility, and transport approvals that apply to the proposed work.
Foundation and servicing
Plan the new or upgraded foundation, basement work, and utility disconnections and reconnections.
Construction sequencing
Coordinate the specialist lift or move with the surrounding construction and inspections.
How it works
- 01
Establish whether it is feasible
Review the home, the site, your goals, and the constraints before choosing a lift, move, or another approach.
- 02
Develop the engineering and approvals plan
Coordinate structural design, specialist contractor input, and the approvals needed for the proposed scope.
- 03
Define the construction scope
Bring foundation work, servicing, access, and the lift or relocation into one coordinated plan.
- 04
Coordinate execution and inspections
Manage the surrounding construction sequence with the lifting or moving specialist, engineers, and inspectors.
Related projects
Frequently asked
Can any house be lifted or moved?
No. Structural condition, building form, site access, and approvals can make a lift or move impractical. An assessment with the appropriate engineers and specialist contractor is needed before committing.
Why lift a house rather than rebuild it?
A lift may allow the existing home to be retained while its foundation or basement is replaced or improved. Whether that is preferable to renovation or rebuilding depends on the structure, heritage constraints, intended use, and construction scope.
Who carries out the physical lift or move?
A specialist house-lifting or moving contractor carries out that work to the engineered plan. Our role is construction planning and coordination of the specialists and the surrounding work.
What approvals are needed?
Requirements depend on the municipality, the property's heritage status, and whether the house is being relocated. Building approvals, utility coordination, and transport or route permissions may apply and must be confirmed for the specific project.
Can a heritage house be lifted?
It may be possible, but the proposed work must respect the property's protection status and character-defining features. Heritage review and structural engineering need to inform the plan before approval or construction.
More of what we do
Where we deliver this
Based in Langley
Based in Langley, we build and develop across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. For select projects, we also work elsewhere in British Columbia by arrangement.
Let's talk about your project
A conversation, not a commitment.
Tell us about the property and the work you are considering. We can discuss the right starting point.