We’ve been on a lot of job sites across Connecticut, and one thing we hear over and over is, “I wish I knew what to ask before I hired someone.” So here’s the simple version we give friends and neighbors. If you’re pricing out House Lifting in Connecticut, start with the basics: a valid CT license, real insurance (workers’ comp and liability), and a couple of recent references you can actually call. Ask to see photos from jobs that look like yours—shoreline cottages, two-story colonials, places with porches or fireplaces. If they hesitate, that’s your sign.
Next, ask about the gear. You want to hear “steel beams,” “cribbing,” and a unified hydraulic jack system (that’s what keeps everything level as it goes up). We’ll usually walk the lot with you and point out where the beams slide in, where the crib stacks sit, and how we protect the yard—mats, plywood, the whole bit. It’s not fancy, but seeing the setup in person beats a sales pitch every time.
Permits and code matter more than most people think. If you’re near the water, your town will care about BFE, flood vents, and elevation certificates. A good building lifting team deals with the building office, the floodplain manager, and your engineer without making it your problem. Ask who pulls permits, who schedules inspections, and who signs off at the end. If the answers are fuzzy, keep shopping.
You’ll also want a clean scope and schedule in writing. That means: setup day, lift day, foundation work, inspections, and set-down—plus who handles stairs, utility reconnections, grading, and any porch rebuilds. Get the warranty in writing too (what’s covered and for how long). We add a short “homeowner prep” list so you’re not guessing—take down framed photos, secure tall shelves, clear 6–8 feet around the house, that kind of thing.
Last thing: pay attention to how they communicate. On lift day, little stuff matters—texting an ETA, explaining why we’re stopping at a quarter-inch, checking doors and windows as we go. That’s the difference between a stressful week and a smooth one. Whether you need a straight lift or a small house relocation across the lot, the right crew will talk plain, keep a tidy site, and treat your place like it’s theirs. Do these checks, and you’ll pick a team that lifts safely and sets down clean—no drama, just solid work.
