How Long on Average Does It Take to Move a House?
Moving an entire house is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, precise execution, and specialized equipment. If you’re considering relocating your entire home—whether to avoid flood risks, preserve a historic building, or accommodate land development—you’re likely wondering, “How long on average does it take to move a house?”
The timeline for house moving varies depending on several factors, including the size and weight of the house, the distance of the move, and any obstacles that may be encountered along the way. In this article, we’ll explore the different stages of house moving, the factors that impact the timeline, and what you can expect from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- On average, the process of moving a house takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- Factors such as the size of the house, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the route can impact the overall timeline.
- Each stage of the house moving process—planning, preparation, lifting, transportation, and placing the house on its new foundation—requires careful execution to ensure a successful move.
What Factors Impact How Long It Takes to Move a House?
Several factors influence the timeline for moving a house, from the initial planning stages to the final placement on the new foundation. Here are the key factors that can affect how long it takes to move an entire house:
1. Size and Weight of the House
The size and weight of the house are among the most significant factors that determine how long the moving process will take. Larger homes naturally require more time and effort to lift, secure, and transport compared to smaller houses.
Larger Homes
For large, multi-story homes, the process of lifting and securing the house can take longer because more hydraulic jacks and supports are needed to evenly distribute the weight. Additionally, moving a larger house may require multiple dollies or trailers, which adds to the complexity of the move.
Smaller Homes
Smaller homes, such as single-story houses or cottages, are easier and quicker to lift and move because they require fewer jacks and supports. As a result, the timeline for moving a smaller house is generally shorter.
2. Distance of the Move
The distance between the current location of the house and the new destination plays a crucial role in determining the overall timeline. Transporting a house over a long distance requires more planning and time than a short, local move.
Local Moves
For short-distance moves—typically within the same neighborhood or city—the actual transportation phase may only take a day or two. However, preparation and lifting still require time, so even local moves can take several days from start to finish.
Long-Distance Moves
If the house needs to be moved over a longer distance, such as from one town to another or even across state lines, the transportation process will take longer. Moving a house over long distances often involves crossing highways, managing traffic, and navigating potential obstacles like bridges or narrow roads, all of which can add days or weeks to the timeline.
3. Route and Obstacles
The route that the house will take during the move is another important factor. The more obstacles that need to be navigated, the longer the process may take.
Route Planning
Before the house can be moved, the house moving team must carefully plan the route to ensure there are no significant obstacles. This involves evaluating the roads, bridges, and potential obstacles like trees, power lines, and traffic signals. If these obstacles are present, special accommodations must be made, which can add time to the overall move.
Removing Obstacles
In some cases, obstacles may need to be temporarily removed to allow the house to pass through. For example, utility companies may need to lift power lines, or street signs may need to be temporarily taken down. Coordinating these actions with local authorities and utility companies can add time to the moving process.
4. Preparation and Lifting Process
Before the house can be transported, it must be carefully prepared for the move. This preparation phase involves disconnecting utilities, securing the structure, and lifting the house off its foundation using hydraulic jacks. The complexity of this phase can vary depending on the size and condition of the house.
Disconnecting Utilities
All utilities, including electricity, water, gas, and sewage, must be safely disconnected before the move. This is typically done by licensed professionals, and the time required for this task depends on the complexity of the utility connections.
Lifting the House
Once the utilities are disconnected, hydraulic jacks are used to lift the house off its foundation. This process requires precision and can take several days, especially for larger homes. The house must be lifted slowly and evenly to prevent structural damage, so movers typically raise the house in small increments over the course of a few days.
5. Placing the House on Its New Foundation
Once the house arrives at its destination, it needs to be carefully lowered onto its new foundation. This phase requires precision and attention to detail to ensure the house is properly aligned and securely placed.
Foundation Preparation
Before the house is placed, the new foundation must be prepared according to the specifications of the home. This may involve pouring a new concrete foundation or constructing a pier and beam foundation, depending on the type of home. Preparing the new foundation can take several days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
Lowering the House
Using hydraulic jacks, the house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation. This step must be done slowly and carefully to avoid damage to the structure. Once the house is in place, the utilities are reconnected, and final inspections are conducted to ensure everything is in working order.
How Long Does Each Stage of the House Moving Process Take?
Now that we’ve covered the factors that impact the overall timeline, let’s break down how long each stage of the house moving process typically takes:
1. Planning and Consultation: 1 to 2 Weeks
The initial planning and consultation phase can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks. During this time, the house moving company will assess the structure, determine the best route, and coordinate with local authorities and utility companies to obtain any necessary permits. Detailed route planning and preparation for obstacles (such as power lines or narrow roads) are also done during this phase.
2. Preparation and Lifting: 3 to 7 Days
Preparing the house for the move—disconnecting utilities, securing the structure, and lifting the house off its foundation—can take 3 to 7 days. This timeline depends on the size of the house, the complexity of the utility connections, and the condition of the foundation.
3. Transporting the House: 1 to 3 Days (Local), 3 to 7 Days (Long-Distance)
The actual transportation of the house depends on the distance. For local moves within the same neighborhood or city, transportation may only take 1 to 3 days. However, for long-distance moves that involve traveling across towns or states, the process can take 3 to 7 days or longer.
4. Placing the House on Its New Foundation: 2 to 5 Days
Once the house arrives at its new location, it takes an additional 2 to 5 days to lower it onto the new foundation, reconnect utilities, and conduct final inspections. This step requires precision and careful alignment to ensure the house is placed securely.
5. Final Adjustments and Repairs: 1 to 2 Days
After the house is in place, any final adjustments—such as fixing cracks, realigning doors, or making minor cosmetic repairs—are completed within 1 to 2 days.
How Long on Average Does It Take to Move a House?
Taking all these factors into account, the average time to move a house can range from one to three weeks for a local move and up to several weeks for more complex or long-distance moves. Smaller homes with fewer obstacles may take as little as a week, while larger homes or those requiring long-distance transport may take several weeks to complete.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to move a house on average? The answer depends on several key factors, including the size and weight of the house, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the route. On average, the process can take anywhere from one to several weeks, with each stage—planning, preparation, lifting, transportation, and placement—requiring careful attention to detail.
Moving an entire house is a significant undertaking, but with the help of an experienced house moving company like TerraFirm Leveling, you can ensure the process is completed efficiently and safely. By understanding the timeline and what to expect at each stage, you’ll be better prepared for a successful house move.
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to move a house?
The cost of moving a house varies depending on factors such as size, distance, and the complexity of the move. On average, costs range from $12,000 to $200,000.
2. Can you move any house?
Not all houses are suitable for moving. The structure must be stable enough to withstand the lifting and transportation process. A professional assessment is necessary to determine whether a house is a good candidate for relocation.
3. Do you need permits to move a house?
Yes, moving a house requires permits from local authorities. These permits ensure the move complies with regulations and that any obstacles (like utility lines or road closures) are addressed.
4. How long does it take to prepare a house for moving?
The preparation phase, including disconnecting utilities and lifting the house off its foundation, typically takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the size and complexity of the house.
5. What happens if the house gets damaged during the move?
Reputable house moving companies carry insurance to cover any damages that may occur during the move. Movers also take numerous precautions to prevent damage and ensure the house is transported safely.
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