Moving a House: Navigating the Complex Permit Process
Relocating an entire house might sound like something out of a movie, but it’s a real option for homeowners looking to preserve a beloved structure or take advantage of a new location. However, the process is far from simple. Let’s break down the permit process, costs, and logistics involved in moving a home.
Initial Assessment and Planning includes having a structural engineer assess the property to make sure that it is sound and ready to be moved. Some counties and city municipalities require an engineers letter and some do not. A site visit for where the home is going to be relocated is crucial to know that the entry into the property is wide enough, clear of debris and tree limbs/trees and the home can make it to its final destination. Once the home has been assessed then it’s time to hire a house mover. Someone with years of experience, insurance and the manpower to get the job done.
Permit Applications: you will need permits from multiple agencies including a building permit for where the home is going to, a possible demo permit from where the home currently sits (even though it is being moved it is still considered a demo permit). Department of Transportation permit obtained from the house mover that is contracted to move the home. All utilities must be disconnected and removed from the home for safety issues.
Site Preparation: to include excavating around existing foundation and preparing the new foundation/footings for new location of home.
The Move: Lifting the house, cutting the house into pieces if necessary for safe travel down the road (home can only be so tall and so wide to legally travel down any road), transporting the home down the road and placing it on the new footings.
Once the Home has Arrived: Now is the time that the fun starts. Temporary power should be in place at this time, block work to begin on the foundation (to set the home down on), all demo begins (if any) and the story of this home begins to expand and take shape.
Moving a house is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning, substantial financial investment and patience. While it can be a way to preserve a cherished home or take advantage of a new location, it’s crucial to weight the costs and benefits carefully before embarking on this journey.
Hiring the right team to move the house, restore the house and make it a home is CRUCIAL! be sure to note the history of your team, see samples of their work, walk their sites and now that saving another part of time and history is a true blessing that most don’t get the honor of doing.