Moving an entire house sounds impossible, but it happens more often than you'd think. Historic preservation, flood zones, or land development can prompt homeowners to relocate their entire structures. The process involves lifting a house from its foundation and transporting it to a new location. This solution preserves cherished homes while addressing various challenges.
How much does it cost to move a house?
The typical cost to move a house ranges from $15,000 to $200,000. Small homes might cost less than $20,000 for short-distance moves. Larger homes or long-distance relocations can quickly escalate to $200,000 or more. These figures don't include foundation work at the new site. Most house moves fall between $50,000 and $150,000 for average-sized homes.
Every house move is unique. The price varies widely based on several key factors. Getting multiple quotes from qualified house movers provides the most accurate estimate for your situation. Companies typically charge by the square foot or by weight. The total often breaks down to $15-$60 per square foot.
Factors affecting the cost of moving a house
Size and weight
The bigger your house, the higher the moving cost. Two-story structures cost significantly more than single-story homes. A small 1,000-square-foot house might cost $15,000 to move. A 2,000-square-foot home could cost $35,000 or more. Weight plays a crucial role in price calculations. Brick or stone houses weigh more than wood-frame structures. Heavier houses require special equipment and more labor.
Distance
Distance dramatically impacts moving costs. Short moves within the same property might cost $15,000-$30,000. Cross-country relocations can exceed $200,000. Additional challenges arise with long-distance moves. The team must secure special permits for each jurisdiction. Power lines may need temporary removal. Routes must avoid bridges with weight limits or narrow passages.
Labor
Professional house movers charge premium rates for their specialized skills. The team includes structural engineers, equipment operators, and laborers. Most companies charge between $14-$28 per hour per worker. A typical house move requires 8-12 workers for several days. Labor costs typically account for 25-50% of the total project budget. Foundation and crawl space
Your new location needs proper foundation preparation. This expense adds $10,000-$40,000 to the project. Concrete foundations cost more than pier systems. The foundation type must match the house design and local building codes. Some homes require basement excavation, adding significant expense. Foundation work often equals or exceeds the actual moving costs.
Disconnection and reconnection
Utilities must be disconnected before moving. Reconnection at the new site adds substantial costs. You'll need electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists. These services typically cost $10,000-$25,000 combined. Older homes may require system upgrades to meet current codes. Budget for temporary utility solutions during the transition period.
Reasons to move a house
People relocate houses for various reasons. Historic preservation saves architecturally significant buildings from demolition. Environmental threats like erosion or flooding prompt preventive relocations. Development pressures sometimes make land more valuable than the structure. Moving becomes the compromise between preservation and progress. Personal attachment also drives decisions to move family homes rather than rebuild.
Pros of moving a house
Moving preserves sentimental or historical structures. The process often costs less than building a new home. You maintain the unique character and craftsmanship of older houses. Relocated historic houses can qualify for tax incentives. The environmental impact is lower than demolition and reconstruction. You can upgrade systems during the foundation work. The house retains its original materials and design details.
Cons of moving a house
House moving costs can quickly exceed initial estimates. The process takes months of planning and execution. Structural damage might occur despite careful preparation. Finding a qualified moving company proves challenging in many regions. Insurance for house moves carries high premiums. Local regulations may restrict where or how you move a house. The stress and uncertainty affect everyone involved in the project.
How to move a house in 6 steps
Gather plans and permits
Start by contacting house moving specialists for evaluations. Obtain structural assessments from engineers. Apply for all necessary permits from local authorities. Secure special transportation permits for oversized loads. Notify utility companies about disconnection plans. Arrange for police escorts if required. This planning phase typically takes 2-3 months. Clear the driving route
Map the entire route before moving day. Identify obstacles like power lines or narrow passages. Work with utility companies to temporarily remove obstructions. Trim trees that might block the path. Arrange for temporary removal of traffic signs or signals. Confirm bridge weight capacities along the route. Schedule the move during low-traffic periods.
Disconnect the house
Professional movers first disconnect all utilities. They remove exterior features like porches or decks. Workers then dig around the foundation for access. Steel beams are inserted under the house. Hydraulic jacks slowly lift the structure from its foundation. This process takes several days for proper execution. Safety remains the priority throughout this phase.
Next, the team places wheels or dollies under the support beams. These specialized transport systems distribute the weight evenly. The house slowly moves onto the transportation platform. This critical phase requires precise coordination among all workers. Weather conditions must remain favorable during the entire operation.
Professional drivers then navigate the planned route carefully. Police escorts often lead and follow the convoy. Power companies send representatives to handle utility lines. The house typically moves at 5-10 miles per hour. Even short moves take several hours to complete. Long-distance moves may require overnight stops.
At the new location, the process reverses. The house slides onto the prepared foundation. Workers remove the support beams carefully. Plumbers and electricians reconnect essential systems. Final adjustments ensure the house sits perfectly level. The entire settling process takes several weeks to complete properly.
Conclusion
Moving a house combines engineering expertise with careful planning. The costs vary widely based on size, distance, and complexity. Most projects fall between $50,000 and $150,000 all-inclusive. While expensive, this option preserves buildings that hold historical or personal value. The process requires patience and flexibility as challenges inevitably arise.
Consider all alternatives before committing to this major project. Get multiple quotes from experienced house movers. Budget for unexpected expenses that typically arise. Prepare for a lengthy process from planning through completion. With proper preparation, moving your house offers a unique solution to challenging situations.
