Relocating to a new home can be daunting, especially if you plan to move your entire house. It requires careful planning, organization, and execution to ensure a successful move. Fortunately, moving services are here to help you make your move easier and more convenient.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of moving an entire house. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, you’ll find useful tips and tricks to make your move smoother and more efficient. So, keep reading to learn more about how relocation services can help you move your entire home without stress.
How to Move an Entire Home: A Guide for Moving Your Home
There are many reasons to move home. Whether you fell in love with the house but had to move across the country or found a great deal on a home that cannot stay on its land, there are many good reasons. Before you do anything, consult a structural moving firm to determine if the house can be moved to another area.
Learn how to move an entire home and if it’s right for your family.
Benefits of Moving Your House
Moving home can have many benefits for your family.
Save a Historic Home
A historic home could be at risk of being demolished if kept from its current location. Planning to move a historic building can help save its stunning architecture and details.
Keep a Sentimental House
You can maintain your home in a different location if it has been in the family for many generations. You can avoid remodeling another house if you have spent money and time customizing or handicap-accessible sizing your current home.
You Can Move to a Better Location
You may want to move because of less traffic noise, a new neighborhood, or more space. You may need to relocate your home from a receding flood area or shoreline. You can move your home to a more suitable location for the long term instead of buying and moving into a new house if you have a good reason to leave your area.
Can I Move My House?
Most homes can be moved to a new place. Still, several factors will determine whether the structural integrity of your home, the distance you have to travel, and the final destination are compatible. Consult local structural engineers or structural moving companies to assess the logistics of moving.
It may be possible to move your house if:
- It’s only a short distance. For example, move it to a different location on the same property or nearby.
- The route is simple and clear, with few overhead power lines, limited trees, and minimal traffic.
- Your budget will cover all moving expenses.
- You can lift your home off the foundation if it is structurally sound.
It’s likely not possible to move your house if:
- You are moving to another state or country.
- There are trees, overhead utility lines, and traffic on the route.
- You have serious structural problems with your home.
Moving a House: The Costs
The cost of moving home can range from $100,000 to $200,000. The cost depends on the factors such as size, age, distance, and changes in the new place. For a quote, contact a local moving service to see if they can handle this structural move.
You’ll need to decide if moving house is a good idea for your family financially and logistically.
How to Move a House in 6 Easy Steps
It is necessary to lift a house from its foundation and place it in a new location. This can be from one state to another. These are the steps to move an entire home.
1. Plan Your House Move
You need to be prepared with some details before hiring a moving company.
- The blueprints for the building will help you determine your house’s material and structural support.
- The new location determines the costs and whether it is feasible to move your house.
- Include information on whether you are moving additions such as the garage, porch, or brick chimney.
Contractors, movers, and architects will visit your house to determine whether moving is right. They will also calculate the details of the move and plan it before they begin the actual move.
2. Coordinate Permits and Paperwork
Before moving, you will need to take care of a few details. A professional structural mover will help you with all of these tasks.
- Get building permits both for the old and new locations.
- You can employ an inspector to examine the stability of your home’s structure.
- You must obtain a road permit from the local department to transport the house.
- Approve the process with the bank.
3. Prepare Your House
Most preparations for a move are done in the planning stage. In this step, movers, contractors, and electricians work together to disconnect the house from its foundation, utilities, and infrastructure.
4. Lift the House
The structural moving company will dig around the foundation of the house (or basement) and then cut through the concrete to insert steel beams that will jack up the building.
Bob Tschudi a general contractor from Raleigh, NC. He says, “Houses have foundations, so you must replicate them exactly.” “Depending on your new lot, removing trees or moving poles may be necessary. Both require approval and can be expensive.”
The house is raised to 12 feet by a hydraulic system that supports the structure. The house is pulled onto dollies by sliding beams placed under it. These are then connected to the truck for transport.
5. Transporting the House
The road plan will determine how the truck and crew will move the house, considering obstacles, road width, power lines, etc. The journey can last from several hours to a few days depending on the distance, obstacles, and time.
Most houses can be moved with their furniture intact and with little damage. Any harm to the home and its belongings that results is the responsibility of the moving firm.
6. Integrate Your Home at the New Location
The contractor will dig the new foundation at the new location. The home will be moved with a ramp onto the lot and then jacked until the contractor has built the new foundation. The house will then be lowered onto the new foundation.
The contractor will reconnect utilities, connecting city sewer, water, and electricity lines. It’s finally time to finish the home by attaching additions such as the porch, garage, and mailbox.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Moving a House?
Here are a few things that might influence how much it will cost to move a house.
The Size of the Home
Moving small homes is easier than moving larger ones, which may require cutting them into pieces. This can add to the cost.
Height of the Building
Utility wires may catch your home if it is higher than a single story. Utility companies may have to pay extra fees for raising the power lines.
Distance and the Nature of the Route
Each town or city your house will pass through must grant a permit. This may take some time and cost more.
The cost may be higher if trees, mailboxes, or curves in the road obstruct the path. The moving company would have to handle the traffic, power lines, and trees along the route. Moving houses within the town is usually easier since long-distance moves can be expensive and complicated. In some areas where people move in, you can travel hundreds of miles without problems other than different road regulations. Each move is as unique as each home.
Renovation Costs
If the new location has a strict local building code, you may need to spend extra money on renovations after moving. This could include replacing windows or adding insulation.
The Risks of Moving a House
Remember that moving an entire home can be risky. When deciding to move, consider the risks.
Unforeseen Costs
A project is only an estimate, even with careful planning and precautions. A large project may exceed the initial estimate, especially if unforeseen issues exist. You should budget for unexpected expenses such as moving costs or additional permits.
Damages in Transit
You could break something during a move. The risk of damage increases when you move an entire home, especially if it’s a long distance. Even the most cautious team can make mistakes, so checking the house for issues afterward is important.
Inspections and Renovations
You may need to hire an inspector after you have moved your home. Some houses may require renovations to meet the code.
Conclusion
Moving an entire house is a complex process that requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. However, with the help of relocation services, it can be made less stressful and more efficient. Whether you’re looking to preserve your historic home, keep your sentimental family home, or move to a better location, moving your entire house is a viable option.
You’ll have a better understanding of the procedure. You will be better prepared to decide whether relocating your complete house is correct if you adhere to the step-by-step instructions in this article. For those in Sarasota, we highly recommend Sean’s Moving Company for your relocation needs. Their attention to detail and personalized services will ensure your move goes smoothly. Contact them today for a stress-free move!
FAQs
Is moving house stressful?
Moving house is often cited, along with breakups in relationships and the death of a loved one. Moving can be stressful, regardless of the individual’s experience.
Why is it so difficult to move house?
Moving house is one of if not the most stressful events in a person’s life. Stress can manifest in anxiety, insomnia, worry, and illness. It can last months, both during and after the move.
When moving house, is it normal to cry?
Relocation depression is an overwhelming sadness that can last many years. Everyone has a different reaction to moving. Some people may feel sad, happy, or sentimental. Others may experience decision fatigue.
When should I begin moving?
It is best to start early to reduce stress and ensure that the next step can be as organized as possible. This applies whether you are moving into a new house or traveling abroad. Two months should be sufficient to pack up the family home. A month is enough for a smaller apartment or house.
