The Stages Of Moving A House

What Are the Stages of Moving a House?

Moving an entire house—structure, foundation, and all—is a fascinating and complex process that requires careful planning, expert execution, and precision equipment.

While many people are familiar with the traditional moving process, which involves packing up belongings and relocating to a new home, structural house moving is an entirely different task.

In this process, the entire home is lifted from its foundation and transported to a new location, whether for flood protection, land development, or historical preservation.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the various stages of moving a house, providing insight into how professionals manage the logistics and complexities of relocating an entire building.

Key Takeaways

Moving a house is a multi-stage process that includes planning, preparation, lifting, transportation, and placement on a new foundation.
Each stage requires precision and expertise to ensure the structure is safely and successfully moved.
House moving is often necessary for reasons such as flood protection, land development, or preserving historical buildings.

Why Move an Entire House?

Before diving into the stages of moving a house, it’s important to understand why people choose to relocate an entire structure rather than simply building a new home. Here are some common reasons:

Land Development or Zoning Changes: Homes may need to be moved to make way for new developments, such as highways or commercial projects.
Flood Risks: In areas like the Texas Gulf Coast, moving a house to higher ground may protect it from recurring flood damage.
Historical Preservation: Older homes with architectural or historical significance may be moved to a safer location to preserve their value and history.
Personal Preference: Homeowners may want to relocate their home to family land or a more desirable location without losing their existing structure.

Moving an entire house is a detailed and systematic process that involves several stages. Each stage requires expert planning, specialized equipment, and close attention to ensure the house is transported safely and efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages involved in moving a house:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first stage of moving a house is the initial consultation with a professional house moving company. During this stage, the house movers assess whether the structure is suitable for relocation and evaluate the logistics of the move.

What Happens During the Consultation?

House Assessment: The movers will evaluate the size, weight, and condition of the house to determine if it can be safely moved.
Route Planning: The team will analyze the route from the current location to the new destination, identifying potential obstacles like trees, power lines, narrow roads, or bridges.
Obtain Permits: Local authorities may require permits to move a house, especially if the move involves crossing public roads or temporarily altering infrastructure.

This stage is critical for identifying any potential challenges and developing a customized plan for the move.

2. Securing Permits and Planning the Route

Once the initial consultation is complete, the house moving company will begin securing the necessary permits and planning the route for transportation. This involves working with local authorities, utility companies, and traffic management teams to ensure a smooth move.

Key Considerations During Route Planning:

Permits: Permits may be needed to ensure the move complies with local regulations, particularly if roads need to be closed or utility lines need to be temporarily moved.
Route Obstacles: The movers will identify any obstacles along the route, such as low-hanging power lines, traffic signals, or trees, and plan accordingly.
Utility Adjustments: If the route passes under power lines or over bridges, the house movers may need to coordinate with utility companies to temporarily lift or adjust these obstacles.

This stage ensures that the actual move can proceed without unexpected delays or problems.

3. Preparing the House for the Move

Before the house can be lifted and moved, it must be properly prepared. This involves disconnecting utilities, securing the structure, and ensuring that the house is ready for transport.

Key Preparation Steps:

Disconnecting Utilities: Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and sewer lines must be safely disconnected before the house is moved. This is typically handled by licensed professionals.
Removing Attached Structures: Any attached structures, such as decks, porches, or garages, that cannot be moved with the house are removed during this stage.
Reinforcing the Structure: The house may be reinforced with additional supports to prevent damage during the lifting and transport process.

Once these preparations are complete, the house is ready to be lifted off its foundation.

4. Lifting the House with Hydraulic Jacks

One of the most critical stages of moving a house is lifting it off its foundation. This is done using heavy-duty hydraulic jacks that are carefully placed under the house to raise it evenly and safely.

How Hydraulic Jacking Works:

Placing the Jacks: Hydraulic jacks are positioned at strategic points along the foundation of the house. These jacks work together to lift the entire structure evenly.
Lifting the House: The house is raised slowly and in small increments to prevent any stress or damage to the structure. The process is closely monitored to ensure that the lift is even and steady.
Securing the House: Once the house is lifted, temporary support beams or cribs are installed to hold the house in place while it’s being prepared for transport.

This step requires precision and expertise to ensure the house is lifted without damage.

5. Placing the House on a Trailer or Dollies

After the house is lifted, the next step is placing it onto specialized trailers or dollies for transportation. These trailers are designed to support the weight of the entire structure and ensure it can be transported safely.

What Happens During This Stage?

Positioning the Trailer: A specialized trailer or set of dollies is positioned underneath the house. These are built to distribute the weight evenly and prevent shifting during transport.
Securing the House: The house is strapped and secured to the trailer to ensure it remains stable during the journey.
Lowering the House: The hydraulic jacks are used to carefully lower the house onto the trailer, ensuring it is balanced and ready for transport.

With the house securely in place, the transportation phase can begin.

6. Transporting the House to the New Location

The transportation stage involves moving the house from its current location to the new site. This requires careful driving, route monitoring, and coordination with traffic management.

Transportation Considerations:

Driving the House: The house is slowly driven to its new location, with the movers constantly monitoring for any potential issues along the way.
Navigating Obstacles: The moving team may need to navigate around obstacles like trees, utility lines, or narrow roads. In some cases, traffic may need to be managed to ensure the house can pass through safely.
Traffic Control: Local authorities may assist with traffic control, especially if streets need to be temporarily closed or utility lines lifted to accommodate the move.

The duration of this stage depends on the distance between the current and new locations, as well as the complexity of the route.

7. Placing the House on Its New Foundation

Once the house arrives at its new destination, it is carefully placed onto its new foundation. This stage requires precision to ensure the house is properly aligned and secured.

How the House is Placed:

Foundation Preparation: The new foundation is prepared ahead of time to match the dimensions and weight requirements of the house.
Lowering the House: Using hydraulic jacks, the house is carefully lowered onto the new foundation, ensuring it is perfectly aligned and level.
Securing the House: The house is secured to the new foundation, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure it is stable and properly positioned.

Once the house is in place, the movers will reconnect utilities and conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is in order.

8. Final Adjustments and Inspections

After the house is securely placed on its new foundation, the final stage involves making any necessary adjustments and conducting a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in working order.

Final Steps:

Reconnecting Utilities: The utilities are reconnected, and the house is inspected to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Cosmetic Repairs: Any cosmetic repairs, such as fixing cracks or realigning doors and windows, are made during this stage.
Final Inspection: A final inspection is conducted to ensure the house is stable and that all systems are working as they should.

Once this stage is complete, the house is ready for occupancy at its new location.

How Long Does It Take to Move a House?

The timeline for moving a house varies depending on several factors, including the size of the house, the distance of the move, and any obstacles that need to be addressed. On average, moving a house can take anywhere from one to several weeks. Each stage of the process—planning, preparation, lifting, transportation, and placement—requires careful execution to ensure a successful move.

Average Timeline for Each Stage:

Initial Consultation and Planning: 1 to 2 weeks
Preparation and Lifting: 3 to 7 days
Transportation: 1 to 3 days for local moves, longer for long-distance moves
Placing the House on Its New Foundation: 2 to 5 days
Final Adjustments and Inspections: 1 to 2 days

Conclusion

Moving an entire house is a complex, multi-stage process that requires expertise, precision, and careful planning. From the initial consultation and preparation to the actual transportation and placement on a new foundation, each stage plays a critical role in ensuring the house is relocated safely and efficiently.

With the help of professional house movers like TerraFirm Leveling, you can move your home for reasons such as land development, flood protection, or personal preference, knowing that every detail is being carefully managed. By understanding the stages involved, you’ll be better prepared for a smooth and successful house move.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to move a house?

The cost of moving a house varies based on factors such as the size of the home, the distance of the move, and the complexity of the project. On average, it ranges 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 I need permits to move a house?

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

4. How long does it take to prepare a house for moving?

The preparation phase, which includes disconnecting utilities and securing the house for transport, typically takes 3 to 7 days.

5. What happens if something goes wrong during the move?

Reputable house moving companies carry insurance to cover any damages that may occur during the move. They also take numerous precautions to ensure the house is transported safely and securely.

The Stages Of Moving A House | Step By Step Guide

What Are the Stages of Moving a House?

Key Takeaways

Why Move an Entire House?