How To Move A House

Ever look at a house and think, "I wish I could just pick that up and put it somewhere else?" While it might sound like something out of a cartoon, moving a house is a real, albeit complex, undertaking. It's a fascinating solution for preserving historical buildings, relocating homes threatened by erosion or development, or simply moving a beloved structure to a more desirable location.

Moving a house isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about preserving memories, saving valuable resources, and making innovative real estate decisions. When demolition seems like the only option, house moving offers a sustainable and often cost-effective alternative. It can be a way to keep a piece of history alive, avoid contributing to landfill waste, and create a truly unique property situation.

But how does one actually move a house?

What permits are required to move a house?

Moving a house necessitates a complex array of permits obtained from various local, state, and sometimes even federal agencies. These permits ensure compliance with safety regulations, traffic laws, and potential environmental concerns, and they are essential for legal house relocation.

The specific permits required vary considerably based on the route, the size of the house, and the jurisdictions involved. Typically, you'll need permits from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to address over-dimensional load regulations for public roadways, as well as permits from local municipalities for navigating city streets and impacting local infrastructure. These local permits often require detailed route surveys, traffic management plans, and proof of adequate insurance. Furthermore, utility companies must be notified and may require permits for temporarily disconnecting and reconnecting services like power lines, cable, and phone lines along the moving route. Other potential permits could include those related to environmental protection, especially if the move impacts sensitive areas like wetlands or protected species habitats. Some areas may also require permits related to historical preservation if the house is considered a historic structure. Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in significant fines, project delays, and even legal action, so engaging a professional house moving company with experience in navigating the permitting process is crucial. They can help identify and secure all required documentation before the move commences.

How much does it typically cost to move a house?

The cost to move a house can vary wildly, but generally ranges from $15 to $20 per square foot for shorter moves within the same property, and $12 to $16 per square foot for distances under 50 miles. Longer distances or more complex moves involving utilities, permitting, and structural modifications can significantly increase the price, potentially reaching $200,000 or more for very large or challenging relocations.

The primary factors influencing the cost include the size and weight of the house, the distance it's being moved, the complexity of the route (including obstacles like power lines, trees, or narrow roads), and any necessary site preparation at the new location. Obtaining the necessary permits can also be a substantial expense, and these costs vary greatly by municipality and state. Engaging a professional house moving company is essential to ensure the structure's integrity during the move and to navigate the complex logistics involved. Beyond the physical transportation of the house, costs must be considered for disconnecting and reconnecting utilities (water, electricity, gas, sewage), building a new foundation at the destination (if needed), landscaping, and making any necessary repairs after the move. Before committing to a house move, it’s crucial to obtain multiple detailed quotes from reputable house moving companies. These quotes should break down all anticipated costs and clearly outline the scope of work. Remember to factor in a buffer for unexpected expenses that often arise during such complex projects.

What are the limitations on distance when moving a house?

The limitations on distance when moving a house are primarily dictated by cost, logistical challenges, and permitting restrictions, making it impractical to move a house hundreds of miles. Factors such as utility lines, road infrastructure, terrain, local regulations, and the structural integrity of the house itself become exponentially more problematic and expensive the further the distance.

Moving a house requires navigating a complex web of infrastructure and regulations. Utility lines (power, phone, cable) frequently need to be temporarily disconnected or even raised or rerouted, adding significant cost and time delays, which increase with distance. Roadways might require temporary closures or modifications, including the removal of signs, traffic lights, or even portions of medians. Terrain presents another hurdle; steep hills, narrow bridges, or areas with soft soil can render a route impassable or necessitate costly engineering solutions. Furthermore, securing the necessary permits becomes increasingly difficult and involves more jurisdictions as the distance increases. Each city, county, and state along the route may have its own specific requirements and restrictions regarding house moving, leading to a complex and potentially time-consuming approval process. These regulations often address safety, traffic management, and potential environmental impact. Finally, the structural integrity of the house itself is a significant consideration. The longer the journey, the greater the risk of damage to the structure, especially if the house has pre-existing weaknesses or is not properly reinforced. A longer trip also means a larger window for unexpected weather or road conditions to negatively impact the move.

What type of foundation is best for re-setting a moved house?

The best foundation for re-setting a moved house is typically a reinforced concrete foundation, either a full basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade, depending on the region, soil conditions, local building codes, and the homeowner's preferences and budget. The key considerations are stability, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to local environmental factors.

Re-setting a moved house presents unique challenges. The foundation must be designed to accommodate the specific loads of the structure, taking into account any modifications made during the moving process. A thorough geotechnical investigation is crucial to understand the soil composition and bearing capacity at the new site. This investigation will inform the design of the foundation to ensure it can adequately support the house and prevent settling or shifting. Reinforcing the concrete with steel is vital to add tensile strength and prevent cracking under the redistributed loads.

The choice between a basement, crawl space, or slab-on-grade foundation depends on several factors. Basements offer additional living space and protection from storms but are more expensive and require proper waterproofing. Crawl spaces provide access for utilities and can help elevate the house above flood-prone areas. Slab-on-grade foundations are the simplest and most cost-effective option but may not be suitable for all climates or soil conditions. Regardless of the chosen type, proper drainage and insulation are essential to prevent moisture problems and energy loss. Furthermore, the foundation must be designed to meet or exceed all applicable building codes and regulations.

Consider also:

Can any house type be moved, or are there restrictions?

While theoretically almost any house type *can* be moved, significant restrictions exist primarily based on the building's structural integrity, size, materials, and the route available. Moving a small, lightweight, structurally sound wood-frame house is far more feasible than moving a large, multi-story brick building.

Several factors limit the movability of a house. Older homes, particularly those built before modern building codes, may have deteriorated foundations or structural weaknesses that make them unsuitable for the stresses of moving. The building material plays a crucial role; wood-frame houses are generally the easiest to move, while brick, stone, and concrete structures pose substantial challenges due to their weight and rigidity. Furthermore, the house's size is a key determinant. Overly large or wide houses may exceed road width limitations, require extensive infrastructure alterations (power lines, bridges), and become prohibitively expensive to move.

Beyond the physical attributes of the house itself, external factors can impose limitations. The proposed moving route must be carefully surveyed for obstacles such as narrow streets, low-hanging power lines, trees, and bridges with weight restrictions. Obtaining the necessary permits from local authorities can be a complex and lengthy process, often involving inspections, environmental impact assessments, and assurances that the move will not disrupt traffic or endanger public safety. Ultimately, the economic feasibility of moving a house versus building a new one is often the deciding factor. If the cost of overcoming structural limitations, logistical hurdles, and permit requirements exceeds the value of the house or the savings from not building new, moving may not be a viable option.

How do you disconnect and reconnect utilities during a house move?

Disconnecting and reconnecting utilities during a move involves contacting each utility provider (gas, electricity, water, internet, cable/satellite) to schedule a disconnection at your old address and a connection at your new one, coordinating these dates with your move-out and move-in schedules to avoid service gaps or unnecessary charges. This is a critical step to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruption in essential services.

The process begins weeks before your move. Compile a list of all your current utility providers. For disconnection at your old home, contact each provider and inform them of your moving date. They will likely ask for your account number, forwarding address for the final bill, and the date you want the service disconnected. Schedule the disconnection for the day after you plan to move out, to allow for final cleaning or any last-minute tasks requiring utilities. Similarly, for your new home, contact the utility providers (which might be different from your current ones, so do your research) well in advance of your move-in date. Provide them with the new address, your move-in date, and any other required information. Schedule the connection for the day before or the day of your move-in to guarantee services are available upon your arrival. Remember to document all confirmation numbers and keep records of your conversations with utility companies. Before leaving your old property, take meter readings (gas, electricity, and water) and photograph them. This will prevent disputes about final bills. Upon arrival at your new home, check that all connected utilities are functioning correctly. If you encounter any problems, contact the respective utility provider immediately. Finally, be aware that some utility companies may require a deposit, especially if you are a new customer or have a limited credit history.

What insurance is needed when moving a house?

Moving a house necessitates specialized insurance coverage that goes beyond standard homeowner's or mover's insurance. Specifically, you'll need a combination of builder's risk insurance (also called course of construction insurance) to cover physical damage to the structure during the move, and general liability insurance to protect against potential injuries or property damage to third parties caused by the moving process itself.

Builder's risk insurance is crucial because your existing homeowner's policy likely won't cover damages incurred while the house is in transit or undergoing structural changes. This policy should cover perils like wind, fire, theft, and vandalism during the moving process. The coverage amount should equal the replacement value of the house. It's vital to ensure the policy remains active throughout the entire moving process, from initial lifting to final placement on the new foundation. General liability insurance is also essential to protect against accidents or injuries to people who aren't directly involved in the move. For example, if a piece of debris falls from the house during transport and damages a neighbor's car, general liability insurance would cover the resulting claim. The house moving company should carry its own general liability insurance, but it's wise to confirm coverage amounts and potentially obtain an additional umbrella policy for extra protection. Furthermore, workers' compensation insurance will be needed by the company for its employees. Finally, check with your insurance provider to see if you need to adjust your homeowner's insurance policy during the move. Remember to carefully review the terms and conditions of each policy to fully understand what is covered and what exclusions may apply. Consulting with an insurance professional specializing in construction and relocation is highly recommended to ensure adequate coverage throughout the house moving process.

Well, there you have it! Moving a house is no small feat, but hopefully, this guide has given you a clearer picture of what's involved. Thanks for sticking with me, and best of luck with your big move! Feel free to swing by again if you have any other quirky questions or need more home-related tips – I'm always happy to help.