By Stanley Foundation Repair – Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is no stranger to shifting ground. Whether it’s the moist coastal soil, aging infrastructure, or our city’s seismic activity, homes in our beautiful region often need more than just a coat of fresh paint to stay solid. That’s where house lifting comes in—a transformative process that’s becoming increasingly common across Metro Vancouver.
What Is House Lifting?
House lifting involves temporarily raising a house off its foundation to perform structural repairs, add a new basement, or lift the home above flood risk levels. It’s not science fiction—it’s a precise, engineered process that can save homeowners thousands and extend the life of their property by decades.
At Stanley Foundation Repair, we’ve lifted homes in Kitsilano, North Van, East Van, and all across the Lower Mainland. Each lift has a story—and each is a reminder of why this work matters.
A Real Story from Mount Pleasant
Last spring, we helped the Cheung family on East 16th Avenue in Mount Pleasant lift their 1920s craftsman-style home. What began as a routine foundation inspection turned into a discovery: severe water damage and rot in the crawlspace, plus cracks from decades of settling.
The solution? A full house lift and new foundation pour. In just six weeks, the Cheungs had a safer, dryer, and level home—with the added bonus of a legal basement suite ready for rental income. “It was like watching a miracle,” Mr. Cheung said. “We always thought we’d have to move. Now it’s like we got a new house without leaving our street.”
Why Are More Vancouverites Lifting Their Homes?
There are a few reasons house lifting is becoming a trend:
- Aging Homes: Many homes in Vancouver were built before WWII. Foundations from that era often weren’t built to last.
- Flood Risk: With climate change, low-lying areas like Richmond, Delta, and even parts of False Creek are at higher risk for flooding.
- Zoning and Investment: Lifting a house can create the opportunity to add a legal suite or extra floor, increasing property value and rental income.
- Seismic Safety: Vancouver sits on a seismic zone. A new foundation can bring your home up to modern seismic code.
A North Shore Win
One of our most rewarding projects was in Deep Cove, where the Jones family wanted to preserve their heritage home while modernizing it for earthquake safety. After a successful lift and foundation rebuild, they now enjoy peace of mind knowing their charming old home is ready for the next 100 years—and the next quake.
Is House Lifting Right for You?
If your home is showing signs of foundation damage—sloping floors, cracked walls, sticking doors—it might be time to consider lifting. It’s a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Stanley Foundation Repair, we bring decades of experience, local know-how, and a genuine care for the homes and people we serve.
Need a lift? Let’s talk.
If you’re considering house lifting or just want to understand your options, give us a call or book a free consultation. We’re proud to help keep Vancouver’s homes standing tall—one foundation at a time.
2594 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 1G9, Canada
