Homeownership is one of the most satisfying things after many years of work. But besides the security of having your own place, building a house takes time and requires expertise for a long-lasting home. This is why the exterior of your house is as important as the interior because the location of the door or the shape and size of the windows will make all the difference between a proper house and a messy one.
This is where home elevation can help you create the house of your dreams or re-do it with some professional help. Besides the beauty of an elevated home, you should also consider practical aspects of your area because home elevation can help you avoid problems from flood or water damage.
For that, you have to choose the perfect type of material. So, let’s see some of the best options for home elevation.
Concrete is the most versatile and affordable
Concrete might be the best option if you’re on a budget for your home renovation plan. It’s long-lasting, durable, cost-effective, and can also be handled better by constructors. When using concrete for house leveling, you have to consider if exposed concrete walls work best for you or if you want some waterproof cement paint for the house to look a little bit polished. Otherwise, the building might take the look of brutalism architecture.
Some prefer the cement to have some texture or come in patterns, for which constructors can be put in special forms or compressed in boards. In terms of maintenance, cement doesn’t require much care, but make sure you use waterproof paint if you alter it for aesthetic purposes
Brick, a more traditional option
Brick-based homes have a traditional yet sophisticated look. This option is also pretty affordable, considering you can purchase recycled bricks from other constructions. However, the disadvantage of brick is that it takes more time and can be complex to maintain over time.
On the other hand, brick houses are supposed to be stronger than concrete ones, and since this material is also water and fire-resistant, your home will be safer and gain more value. At the same time, if you decide to paint bricks, it’ll be easier and faster than concrete.
Wood, a simple foundation option
While it’s not sustainable, even foundation wood is an option since it is cheap and quick to install. But you have to ensure the wood is adequately pressure-treated and coated to provide safety. Moreover, wood might not be that good of an option since it’s less durable over time, and in case of flooding, your foundation may be considerably damaged.
While wood in the foundation is easier to install than in masonry foundations, you need an expert’s opinion on this option. At the same time, if you’ve already chosen wood instead of concrete, and the house’s foundation seems unstable, you can contact the New Orleans foundation repair team and request an estimate of how much it takes for the place to be elevated with better materials.
Stone, a high-end solution for your house
Stone is a more expensive material option that you may consider for leveling your house. Many types of stone can be used in this process, from sandstone to limestone. However, stone has many benefits for your home, as it’s one of the most durable options.
Stone is weatherproof, so it might be the best decision for a stone foundation if you’re living in an area with extreme weather conditions. At the same time, some types of stones are used to absorb moisture, such as natural stone ledgers, so if you don’t want to deal with excessive humidity in your house and avoid mold, stone is best. Since rock is heavier, it might be more difficult for your workers to handle it, so expect this project to be more time-consuming.
What are the benefits of home elevation?
Home elevation can look great if done correctly, especially of material like wood or stone. But its purpose is rather practical because living in areas of a specific soil type is more prone to shift and erode over time, especially during extreme flooding. For example, if the soil around your house consists of fine sand, clay or silt, you must develop a reliable home elevation project because you risk experiencing sheet or rill erosion.
The weather in New Orleans is usually unexpected, especially during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November. So, to protect your house and ensure you live there peacefully in the long term, having a stable house foundation is necessary.
Still, a great house foundation is also essential for the value of the building. Let’s say you want to sell the house and move. In that case, a home with a sturdy foundation will have more value, and you can raise the price to get a better offer. The truth is that regardless of how cheap the house is, it’s most likely that no one will buy it if it’s prone to falling apart at the first rainfall.
Why it would be best to hire professionals for a home elevation project
It may sound easier just to DIY the home elevation project. You don’t have to consult multiple architects and constructors, so there’s less fuss. However, making an entire house foundation from scratch or improving it on your own is tricky because you’ll single-handedly use the materials, and there’s no reassurance that you’ll finish before the rainy season starts.
At the same time, professionals can provide you with guidance and discuss changes as the project unfolds so you can get the best result. That’s why we, the team at Academy House Leveling in New Orleans, can ensure qualitative services for long-lasting and secure houses for owners who expect excellence.
So, before making an important decision over your preferred material and available budget, make sure pros approve the project so you won’t put your house and life in danger by choosing inappropriate materials.