How Do They Move An Entire House?

Moving an entire house is a fascinating process that requires expert planning, specialized equipment, and a deep understanding of structural engineering.

While it may seem like something only possible in movies, house moving is a well-established service, especially in regions where flood risks, land development, or historical preservation necessitate relocating an entire building.

But how exactly does a house get moved from one location to another? In this article, we’ll break down the entire process, from the initial planning stages to placing the house on its new foundation.

By understanding how professionals execute a house move, you can see how such an intricate procedure is completed safely and efficiently.

Key Takeaways

Moving an entire house involves disconnecting utilities, lifting the structure using hydraulic jacks, and transporting it to a new location on specialized trailers.
House moving is often required for reasons like land development, flood risks, or historical preservation.
The process requires meticulous planning, professional expertise, and precision equipment to ensure the house is safely relocated.

Why Move an Entire House?

Before diving into the mechanics of how houses are moved, it’s helpful to understand why someone might choose to relocate an entire structure instead of just selling it or rebuilding elsewhere. Here are some common reasons why homeowners or developers opt to move a house:

1. Land Development and Zoning Changes

In many cases, homes are moved because of new land development projects or zoning changes. For example, a neighborhood might be undergoing development, or a highway may be planned through the area. Rather than demolishing the house, moving it to a new location can preserve the property and reduce waste.

2. Flood Risks or Natural Disasters

Homes in flood-prone areas, like the Texas Gulf Coast, often need to be relocated to higher ground to avoid damage from rising waters. Relocating the entire structure to a safer location can be more cost-effective than repairing repeated flood damage or building a new home.

3. Historical Preservation

Older homes with unique architectural features or historical significance are often moved to preserve their character. Instead of demolishing the structure, these homes are relocated to a new site where they can continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

4. Personal Preferences or Family Land

Sometimes, homeowners want to move their house to a piece of family-owned land or a location that better suits their lifestyle. Rather than building a new home from scratch, moving the existing structure allows them to take their home with them to the new site.

The House Moving Process: Step-by-Step

Moving an entire house is no small task. It requires a combination of engineering expertise, specialized equipment, and precise execution. Here’s how the house moving process works, step by step:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in moving a house is conducting a thorough consultation with a professional house moving company. During this stage, the movers assess the house to determine whether it’s suitable for relocation. They’ll evaluate the structure’s size, weight, and condition, as well as any challenges that might arise during the move.

What Happens During the Assessment?

House Size and Weight: Larger or heavier houses require more planning and equipment to ensure a safe move.
Structural Integrity: The movers will assess whether the house is structurally sound enough to be lifted and moved without sustaining damage.
Obstacles and Route Planning: The team will evaluate any obstacles—such as trees, power lines, or narrow roads—that may impact the move, and they will plan the best route for transporting the house.

Once the house is deemed suitable for moving, the movers will develop a customized plan for the project, including the equipment and techniques required.

2. Disconnecting Utilities and Securing the Structure

Before the house can be moved, it needs to be safely prepared. This involves disconnecting utilities and securing the structure to ensure it remains stable during the move.

Key Preparations:

Disconnecting Utilities: All utilities—such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage—are disconnected by licensed professionals to avoid any hazards during the move.
Securing the House: The structure is reinforced to prevent damage during lifting and transport. This might include adding temporary bracing or supports to ensure stability.

At this point, any attached structures, like decks, porches, or garages, are removed if they can’t be moved with the main house.

3. Lifting the House with Hydraulic Jacks

Once the house is prepared, the next step is to lift it off its foundation. This is done using hydraulic jacking systems, which are strategically placed under the house to raise it evenly and steadily.

How Hydraulic Jacking Works:

Placement of Jacks: Heavy-duty hydraulic jacks are positioned beneath the house at key load-bearing points, usually along the foundation walls or beams.
Lifting the House: The jacks lift the house in small, controlled increments, ensuring the entire structure is raised evenly. Lifting too quickly or unevenly could result in structural damage, so precision is key.
Securing the Lift: As the house is lifted, temporary support beams or cribs are installed to hold the house at its elevated position, keeping it stable during the transition to the trailer.

4. Placing the House on Dollies or Trailers

Once the house is successfully lifted, it needs to be moved onto specialized equipment for transport. This is usually done using heavy-duty dollies or trailers that are designed to support the weight of an entire building.

What Happens During the Placement Process?

Positioning the Trailer: A specialized trailer or set of dollies is carefully positioned under the house. These trailers are built to distribute the weight of the house evenly and prevent any shifting during transport.
Lowering the House onto the Trailer: The hydraulic jacks are used to carefully lower the house onto the trailer, ensuring it’s secure and balanced before transportation begins.
Final Securing: The house is strapped and secured to the trailer to prevent any movement during transport.

5. Transporting the House to Its New Location

Once the house is safely secured on the trailer, it’s ready for transport. This part of the process requires meticulous route planning and skilled driving to ensure the house arrives at its new location safely.

Transportation Considerations:

Route Planning: The house movers will carefully plan the route, taking into account any obstacles like power lines, bridges, or narrow roads. In some cases, streets may need to be temporarily closed or utility lines lifted to accommodate the house.
Traffic Management: In some cases, local authorities may assist with managing traffic during the move, particularly if the house needs to travel through busy or congested areas.
Driving the House: The house is slowly transported to its new location, with the movers constantly monitoring for any potential issues along the way.

6. Placing the House on Its New Foundation

Once the house reaches its destination, it needs to be placed on its new foundation. This is one of the most critical steps in the process, as precision is required to ensure the house is positioned correctly and safely.

How the House is Placed:

Preparing the New Foundation: The new foundation is constructed ahead of time, taking into account the size and weight of the house, as well as any structural needs.
Lowering the House: Using hydraulic jacks, the house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned and stable.
Reattaching Utilities: After the house is in place, utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are reconnected to make the home fully functional once again.

7. Final Adjustments and Inspection

After the house is securely placed on its new foundation, final adjustments are made to ensure everything is in order. This includes checking for any cosmetic damage, realigning doors and windows, and inspecting the house for any structural issues caused by the move.

What Happens During the Final Inspection?

Structural Integrity Check: The movers will inspect the house to ensure that no structural damage occurred during the move.
Utility Connections: The utilities are tested to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Cosmetic Repairs: If any minor cosmetic damage occurred during the move, such as cracks in the walls or ceiling, these issues are addressed.

How Long Does It Take to Move a House?

The timeline for moving a house can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the project. On average, the process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the scope of the move.

Factors That Impact the Timeline:

House Size and Weight: Larger or heavier homes take more time to lift, secure, and transport.
Distance: The distance between the current location and the new destination impacts how long it takes to move the house.
Obstacles: Challenges like power lines, narrow roads, or steep terrain can add time to the process.

Conclusion

Moving an entire house may sound like an overwhelming task, but with the right team of professionals and the proper equipment, it’s not only possible but can be done safely and efficiently. The process involves careful planning, hydraulic lifting, and precise transportation, all designed to ensure the house arrives at its new location intact and secure.

Whether you’re moving your home due to land development, flood risks, or personal preference, working with an experienced house moving company like TerraFirm Leveling can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful move.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to move an entire house?

The cost to move a house varies depending on factors like the size of the house, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the project. On average, costs range from $12,000 to $200,000 or more.

2. Can you move any house?

Not all houses can be moved. The structure must be stable enough to withstand the lifting and transportation process. A professional assessment is necessary to determine whether a house is suitable for relocation.

3. How long does it take to move a house?

The timeline for moving a house can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like the size of the house, the distance of the move, and any obstacles that need to be addressed.

4. Do I need permits to move my house?

Yes, moving a house typically requires permits from local authorities. The moving company will usually handle the permit process and ensure compliance with local regulations.

5. What happens if the house gets damaged during the move?

Professional house movers take numerous precautions to prevent damage during the move. In the rare event that damage occurs, reputable companies carry insurance to cover repairs.

How Do They Move An Entire House? | Complete Guide