How to Move An Old House: It’s Possible!
Moving an old house to a new location is a complex and specialized process that requires careful planning, preparation, and the involvement of experienced professionals – but it can be done! If you’ve found the perfect old house in a not-so-perfect location, you may be able to move it. You’ll certainly want to hire vetted professionals to tackle this, but here’s a general overview of the steps involved in moving an old house to a new location:
Elizabeth spoke with a professional Mike Brovont of Wolfe House & Building Movers to debunk the whole process. Watch the whole thing on Youtube, here!
1) Assessment and Planning: Before you start, assess the feasibility of the move. Factors like the size of the house, the distance to the new location, the condition of the house, and the route to the new site will influence the decision.Obtain any necessary permits and approvals from local authorities for the move.
2) Foundation Preparation: Prepare the new foundation at the destination site. It needs to be structurally sound and comply with local building codes and regulations.
3) House Preparation: Disconnect all utilities (electricity, gas, water, etc.) from the house. Remove any obstacles or obstructions around the house that could hinder the moving process.
4) Structural Reinforcement: Depending on the condition of the house and the stresses it will endure during the move, it might need structural reinforcement. This could involve adding steel beams or other support structures.
5) Lifting the House: Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the house off its foundation. The house is raised slowly and evenly to prevent damage. Temporary supports may be added to keep the house stable during the lifting process.
6) Placement on Transporters: Once lifted, the house is placed on specialized transporters or dollies. These transporters distribute the weight of the house and provide stability during transportation.
7) Route Planning: Plan the route carefully, considering factors like road conditions, overhead clearances, sharp turns, and obstacles. Some trees, power lines, and other structures might need to be temporarily removed to accommodate the move.
8) Transportation: The house is slowly and carefully moved to the new location. Professional drivers with experience in moving large structures handle this process. Escorts and utility crews might accompany the house to address any issues that arise during the move.
9) Setting on New Foundation: Once the house reaches the new site, it is carefully lowered onto the prepared foundation. Leveling and aligning the house are crucial to ensure stability and prevent future structural issues.
10) Reconnection of Utilities: Reconnect utilities like electricity, water, gas, and sewage to the house.
It’s important to note that moving a house is a costly endeavor and can be logistically challenging. Hiring experienced professionals, including structural engineers, house movers, utility specialists, and contractors, is essential to ensure the process goes smoothly and the house arrives at its new location in good condition.
