Answering Your Questions About Jacking and Cribbing

All buildings in our coverage area of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut are candidates for jacking and cribbing. Whether you own an historic structure or newly built residential home, we can lift it. We often answer questions for homeowners when they call us to get more information. We have created a compilation of FAQs about the process. 

Where do you start when determining if a home can be raised?

Before we begin, we inspect the building to be sure that its condition is ideal for building lifting and ultimately most structures are able to be lifted and/or moved. 

How long does the jacking and cribbing process take?

For a structurally sound home, the house lifting process can usually be completed in a single day, regardless of size. However, a heavier structure might complicate the process. 

Do we need to remove furniture?

Because the lift is smooth and done in increments, household furniture or other items shouldn’t move much.

What does it mean to jack and crib?

Jacking and cribbing are terms you will hear and their explanation is pretty simple. Hydraulic jacks lift the house and are placed under the building. Cribbing is a strong system of timber that is cross-stacked to form support for the entire building.

When can repairs begin on the home?

Depending on if the house is being lifted to create an addition, to make foundation repairs, or to pour a new foundation, work will commence once the house is lifted to the proper height.

As more people decide to keep their homes, move them from a flood plain, or move their homes to a totally new plot of land, house lifting will become more common. As always our goal of all building moves or jacking and shoring is to preserve sound buildings. Call Eastman Building Movers at 401-885-4216 or email info@eastmanbuildingmovers.com for information on the moving, jacking, shoring, or lifting process.