House Lifting vs. Moving: Which Option Is Right for You?
For homeowners living near the coast or in low-lying areas of Connecticut, flooding and erosion risks aren’t hypothetical, they’re seasonal realities. If your home is at risk of structural damage due to storm surge, rising groundwater, or failing foundations, you may be weighing two major options: house lifting or house moving.
Both are significant undertakings, but each serves a different purpose. This guide breaks down the differences, benefits, and ideal use cases, especially for shoreline properties in towns like Old Saybrook, Ivoryton, and other flood-prone communities across Eastern CT. It also helps answer a critical question: Is it better to stay in place and build upward, or start fresh elsewhere?
What Is House Lifting And Why It's Essential for Connecticut Shoreline Homes?
House lifting is the process of raising a house vertically from its original foundation, typically to elevate it above flood elevation levels or to build additional space below. This method is especially common in Connecticut shoreline communities, where storm surges and FEMA floodplain regulations require elevation for both safety and insurance compliance.
Why House Lifting Is More Than Just Elevation
At first glance, house lifting might seem like a straightforward way to raise a home above flood risk but in reality, it's a multifaceted structural and environmental process that delivers long-term protection, code compliance, and property value.
It’s not just about getting the house off the ground; it’s also about ensuring that the structure, soil, drainage, and shoreline work together to create a resilient and livable space. A successful house lifting project considers everything from coastal permitting and foundational upgrades to slope management and stormwater systems.
By working with an experienced contractor like K.E. Braza Construction, homeowners ensure that lifting is integrated with larger site strategies that will help prevent future erosion, flooding, and structural failure.
Key Components of House Lifting:
Permitting & Flood Compliance
We guide clients through Connecticut DEEP permitting, FEMA elevation certifications, and town zoning approvals to ensure every lift meets code.
Structural Engineering & Planning
With over 25 years of experience, we develop lift plans that safely elevate and reinforce the structure using steel I-beams, grade beams, and poured concrete supports.
Foundation Replacement & Drainage Solutions
Lifting a home is also an opportunity to upgrade aging or crumbling foundations. We incorporate hydrostatic pressure drainage, waterproofing membranes, and structural tie-downs to increase flood resilience.
Custom Elevation Design
Some projects include garage additions, storage basements, or “breakaway walls” underneath the home to accommodate future flooding events without structural loss.
Shoreline Resilience
On waterfront lots, we may coordinate riprap seawall installation or slope stabilization alongside lifting to control erosion and protect the new foundation. Learn more in our Seawall Repair & Reconstruction Guide.
Explore additional structural upgrades in our guide to crumbling foundation replacement in CT.
What Is House Moving And When It Makes Sense?
House moving refers to physically relocating a structure to a new lot that is usually inland or away from erosion zones. While this can be an ideal solution for homes in unbuildable or environmentally restricted areas, it comes with unique logistical, emotional, and financial challenges.
What It Involves:
Reinforcing the structure before the move
Using hydraulic dollies and steel beams to transport the house
Disconnecting and reconnecting all utilities
Preparing the destination site with a new foundation
Navigating local and state permits for both departure and arrival sites
Benefits and Trade-Offs:
No longer located in a high-risk floodplain
Opportunity to reuse a structure instead of rebuilding
Escape from erosion-threatened areas
Lose shoreline location and possible water access
Higher costs and coordination requirements with multiple municipalities
House moving is rare but viable, especially when shoreline regulations make elevation impossible or when a home has significant historical or sentimental value.
House Lifting vs. House Moving: Which Is Right for You?
Situational Factors to Consider:
Flood Zone or Erosion Zone Status
FEMA-mapped flood areas and erosion-prone Connecticut coastlines may limit your options based on permitting restrictions.
Foundation Condition
A failing or unstable foundation may need total replacement before lifting. Learn more in our foundation construction blog.
Zoning and Permit Access
Some towns have strict setback and height regulations that may affect whether a house can be lifted or moved.
Lot Access & Excavation Needs
Is your property accessible by the heavy machinery needed for either process? Learn how we prepare shoreline properties in our post on land clearing and excavation services.
Long-Term Investment Goals
Lifting often enhances property value by adding space and improving storm resilience. Moving allows you to start fresh but typically costs more.
Sentimental or Historic Value
Homeowners with deep roots in a neighborhood may prefer lifting to preserve place and lifestyle.
Real-World Scenarios from the Connecticut Shoreline
Scenario 1: Flood-Resilient Remodel in Old Saybrook
A homeowner in Old Saybrook experienced frequent basement flooding. We lifted the home by 4 feet, added a new concrete foundation, installed retaining walls for slope support, and integrated a drainage system designed to manage hydrostatic pressure.
Learn more about Connecticut retaining wall services in our post on Comparing Seawall Materials.
Scenario 2: Total Relocation Due to Erosion Risk
In a rare case near Clinton, CT, a shoreline home was deemed unbuildable after repeated coastal erosion. The owners chose to relocate the structure inland, sacrificing ocean views but eliminating risk and securing a better insurance rate.
Scenario 3: Foundation Issues in Ivoryton
Older shoreline homes with failing foundations may not require full elevation. In one case, we stabilized the property with structural steel, rebuilt the foundation, and improved site drainage, without lifting or moving.
Scenario 4: Infill Lot Elevation for a New Addition
A client in Essex had plans to add a new living space above their garage. Due to zoning constraints and FEMA floodplain maps, the existing home had to be elevated first to meet updated code. We coordinated house lifting with grading and drainage services, ensuring long-term stability for the expansion.
Scenario 5: Storm Recovery and Elevation Compliance
After a major coastal storm damaged a home in Westbrook, the homeowners worked with K.E. Braza to rebuild and lift the structure above base flood elevation. This not only protected them from future events, but qualified them for updated FEMA insurance credits and increased their long-term resale value.
FAQs: House Lifting & Moving in Connecticut
How much does house lifting cost in Connecticut?
Costs vary depending on property size, height of lift, permitting needs, and complexity of the foundation. Properties in flood zones may also require additional upgrades like retaining walls or improved drainage.
How do I know if my property is in a flood zone?
Use FEMA's Flood Map Service Center or ask your town's zoning office. Our team can also guide you through local flood elevation requirements.
Can I lift a house with a crumbling foundation?
Yes, but the foundation will likely need full replacement. Learn more in our foundation replacement blog.
Is house moving legal in Connecticut?
Yes, but it requires extensive permitting and planning. It’s less common than lifting, especially for properties in shoreline zones.
What’s the first step if I want to lift my house?
Start with a site assessment. We’ll evaluate your property, elevation requirements, drainage needs, and foundation condition.
Need Help Choosing Between House Lifting or Moving?
At K.E. Braza Construction, we’ve helped hundreds of Connecticut shoreline homeowners make smart, cost-effective decisions about their homes. Whether you're trying to meet flood compliance, reclaim lost land, or increase long-term property value, we’ll help guide the process from concept to completion.
👉 Learn more about our House Lifting Services and Excavation Services in Connecticut.
Let us help you protect what matters most—your home, investment, and peace of mind.