What is house and structural moving?
This involves picking up a house or structure from its foundation and setting it down somewhere else. Depending on the age, size, design and condition of the structure, this process can be relatively straightforward or more complex.
Why move a house or structure?
Most houses are relocated for road expansion or development, but there are other reasons you might consider this option. Want to preserve your existing home or building, but need more room? Want rental income or a guest house? Just want a change of scenery? Moving existing homes has become more common while owners are building new structures or additions. And sometimes in our region, houses may need to be relocated because of hazardous situations in steep, mountainous terrain or because of mud and landslides. Whatever the reason, we can help!
Are there advantages to moving a house?
Moving a house can be greener, less expensive and faster than building a new home. According to the International Association of Structural Movers, relocating a structure is the world’s oldest and largest recycling industry. This process is environmentally friendly because it doesn’t require the massive quantity of wood and wood products used in a newly constructed home. And the costs associated with a house move are generally 25% to 75% less than the construction of a new home. Building a new home can take months or even years. Moving and set up of a relocated home is much quicker.
Can my house be moved?
Any type of structure can be moved: masonry, wood frame, log or metal buildings, residential, commercial or industrial. Size and material do not matter. Mitch Contracting can move it.
Where can you move my house?
Just about anywhere topography allows. We must take into account road width, length and slope, utility lines, bridges and overpasses, outlying buildings, trees, fences and stationary mailboxes (concreted, rocked, bricked) and so on. We obtain the appropriate structural move permit from the state department of transportation. Our longest house move? Cocoa Beach, Florida to Franklin, North Carolina – over 600 miles!
How do you move a house?
Moving a structure requires extensive preparation, physical work, equipment and engineering. In a nutshell, the structure is secured, placed on steel beam supports, lifted off the foundation using hydraulic jacks, loaded onto dollies (wheels) and then hauled to the new location.
Can my house be damaged during the move?
There could be minor damage to the home, such as hairline cracks or damage to guttering, eaves or shingles. We make every effort to minimize potential damage with structural assessment and pre-move preparations.
Can you build the foundation for my house where it will be moved?
Mitch Contracting does not construct foundations, but can refer you to area contractors who can help. We always work closely with the foundation contractor team, so that they are aware of details of your house and its move before, during and after you engage their services.
What kind of preparations need to be done to the house before a structural move?
Several steps need to be taken before we start to move your home. You or a qualified contractor will need to disconnect water, sewer, heating/cooling and utility lines. In some cases, porches, chimneys, overhangs or garages may also need to be removed.
Do I need any special permits to move a house?
Definitely, special permits are necessary to move a house over state and/or city roads. We take care of this process for you.
Can you move other structures?
Yes, we can and have moved many other kinds of structures. Some examples are 28-foot-wide satellite dishes, 100,000 gallon fuel barrels, train cars, heavy industrial equipment and monuments. Our company even was part of a team involved in the relocation of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to save it from beach erosion.
Are raising, shoring and leveling related to structural moving? And why should I consider this?
Before moving a house, the structure is raised off its foundation. This same step may be needed for homes that are not being moved elsewhere. A house or structure may need to be raised due to settlement problems, to replace cracked or damaged foundations, or to raise and shore the structure in a flood plain. Need more square footage or want to increase the value of your home? Create additional space by adding a basement.
Do you have experience with house lifting of waterside properties?
Mitch Contracting has helped home-owners in flood prone areas lift homes to protect them from damage. We work with you to determine how house lifting could reduce your on-going (and ever increasing) flood insurance costs, as well as looking at the advantages of structural moving versus lifting.
Have a historic home whose preservation requires moving it across town? Is moving a monument important to a new roadway or building development project? Love your house, but want a more rural or picturesque setting? Mitch Contracting has you covered. We’ve been moving houses for four generations, so our structural moving expertise speaks for itself. Check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more.
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