The Hidden Challenges of Moving a Generational Home

When we think of moving house, we usually imagine packing boxes and hiring a moving truck. But what about moving the entire house itself? This process, known as structure relocation, comes with a unique set of challenges, especially when dealing with homes that have sat on the same foundation for generations. Let’s explore the complex and often unpredictable journey of relocating these historic structures.

One of the most significant issues faced when moving an old home is the potential for structural shifts. These houses having settled into their foundations over decades or even centuries, have found a delicate balance. When we disturb this equilibrium by lifting and moving the structure, we invite a host of potential problems.

Wall shifts: the walls may shift during the move, leading to misalignments that weren’t present before. Cracking sheetrock: The stress of the move can cause sheetrock to crack, requiring extensive repairs post-relocation. Foundation issues: The new foundation must be precisely prepared to accommodate the house’s settled shape, or new settling problems may occur.

In some cases, particularly with larger homes, the roof must be removed to facilitate the move. This necessary step exposes the interior of the house to weather and elements, potentially leading to water damage to floors, walls and remaining ceiling structures, growth of mold and mildew, warping of wood elements and damage to any remaining fixtures or built-ins. These issues can significantly increase the restoration budget and timeline, turning what might have been a straightforward move into a major restoration project.

Many older homes, especially those built in eras when space was less of a premium, are simply too large to move in one piece. This leads to a complex pictures of sectioning the home which means it is often cut into pieces to make it manageable for road transport. Separate moves each section must be moved individually, increasing the time and complexity of the relocation and reassembly- once at the new location, the sections must be meticulously put back together.

Reassembling and restoring the home at its new locations is often the most time consuming part of the process. Structural reintegration ensuring the separated sections align perfectly and are structurally sound. Utility reconnection-reestablishing all electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Cosmetic repairs to address all the cracks, shifts and damage incurred during the move. Historical preservation is always a challenge of maintaining period appropriate aesthetics and materials.

Given all these factors, it’s no surprise that moving a generational home is not a quick process. Minimum timeframe even for relatively straightforward moves, expect at least 6 months from start to finish. Moe complex relocations or those involving significant restoration can easily stretch to a year or more. The unique nature of each home means that unforeseen issues often arise, extending timelines further.

Moving a home that has stood in one place for generations is a monumental task, fraught with challenges both expected and unforeseen. It requires careful planning, skilled professionals, and a hefty dose of patience. While the process can be long and sometimes frustrating, the end result- a piece of history preserved in a new location-can be incredibly rewarding. For those considering such a move, its crucial to go in with eyes wide open, understanding the potential pitfalls and prepared for a journey that’s likely to be as complex as it is fascinating.