More homeowners are looking down rather than out. With sections shrinking and build costs climbing, raising a house to add a basement is becoming a popular way to unlock valuable new space without expanding your property’s footprint.
House Lifting NZ specialises in house propping in Auckland, helping homeowners and families maximise their living space and property values.
Why More Auckland Homeowners Are Choosing House Lifting for Basement Installation
Land in Auckland isn’t getting any cheaper or bigger. Whether you’re after a rental unit, a home office, or a garage, house-lifting for basement installation lets you build down when building up or out isn’t an option.
The appeal is practical. You gain usable, consented living space while keeping your existing home intact. Many properties, older villas and bungalows in particular, are already built on timber stumps, which makes lifting a house to add basement space a more straightforward option than homes sitting on a concrete slab.
How Lifting a House to Add a Basement Works
The process involves raising the structure, carrying out foundation and excavation work underneath, then lowering the home onto its new base. At House Lifting NZ Ltd, we use engineered steel beams rather than truck-based systems—placing far less stress on your home during the lift, protecting your garden and driveway throughout the process.
Depending on your project, we’ll use one of two support configurations:
- Exterior Free-Span Support: Steel beams are installed along the exterior perimeter of your home, leaving the entire underside clear. This is ideal when a new slab is being installed, as it gives your builder unobstructed access to work beneath the house.
- Interior Perimeter Support: Beams and sty blocks are positioned directly underneath the building. This works well for Auckland’s tighter sections where there’s limited room around the perimeter.
For many projects, we use both systems at different stages—transitioning from free-span support during excavation and slab pour, then reconfiguring to interior support for wall construction. If your project also involves repositioning your home on the section, we’re a
trusted house relocation company and can move your property before or after the lift.
Looking to Add a Basement to Your Home?
If you’re considering lifting a house to add a basement, the best first step is to chat with a specialist. Our team will visit your property, walk you through your options, and provide a detailed, obligation-free quote. Get in touch with House Lifting Ltd to start the conversation today.
Common Questions
Does house lifting for basement installation require consent?
Raising a house to add a basement is building work under the Building Act 2004, which means you’ll need a building consent from your local council before any work begins. Engineering plans and geotechnical assessment are typically required too. We’ll walk you through what’s needed for your project during our site visit.
Is lifting a house to add a basement suitable for all homes?
Not always. Homes on timber stumps are generally well-suited to this kind of work. Slab-on-ground homes are more complex, but not impossible. Soil conditions, site access, and the structural condition of your home all play a role.
If there are existing foundation issues, underpinning for your house may be needed alongside the lift. We assess each property individually before recommending an approach.
How much does it cost to lift a house and add a basement?
There’s no single figure, because every property is different. The cost to raise a house and add a basement is shaped by the size of your home, site access, soil conditions, excavation depth, and how you intend to use the space.
Full basement conversion in New Zealand can range from $250,000 to $500,000+ when all construction is factored in. We’ll quote the cost to lift your house and add a basement based on our site assessment.