Costs Of Moving A House

Chances are, you have wondered in passing what the cost of moving a house must be. If you are contemplating moving your entire house to a new location, the answer to that question often becomes the most important factor in making your decision. The cost of moving a house includes more than just the actual move. That is only a small portion of the expense of moving your home from its current location to another. The processes of vacating the old site and setting up the new site can be very costly and the expense varies with each individual move.

Vacating the Old Site

Because each home is different, the exact cost of vacating the old site can only be determined on a situation by situation basis. However, here are some of the preparations that need to made that cost money. Some of them can be done by the homeowner to save money.

Packing the breakables and wall hangings in the home are part of the cost of moving a house. They must be packed carefully and removed from the house before it is moved.

Basements must be stripped bare. This includes drywall, electrical wiring and anything else in the basement. Demolition must be done on decks or other outdoor attachments that the mover will not be taking.

Trees that are in the way of removing the house from its current location must be removed.

One of the biggest costs of moving a house can be moving electrical wiring that is in the way of the house transported offsite. The electrical company will do this – at a cost.

Moving the House

This is one of the costs of moving a house that can be easily determined. A licensed house moving company will be able to give you an estimate based on the type of house you have and the distance the house will need to travel. Obtain several estimates before you choose a house moving company. Also, check the company's referrals thoroughly.

Setting Your House Up on Its New Site

The costs of moving a house also depend on what it takes to set it up on its new site. As with vacating a site, this varies. Purchasing the land is one of the biggest expenses. Also, keep in mind that foundations and basements will need to be put in place. Water pipes must be laid and electrical wiring brought in. Your home must meet current building codes even if it is an older home; this may require replacement of the electrical wiring, plumbing, or telephone wiring. In addition, telephone and cable wiring must be brought in and connected. You will also need to prepare the sewer and water; create walkways, driveways, decks, and porches.

There are many other considerations to be made when figuring out the costs of moving a house. A licensed house mover and a trusted building contractor should be able to help you determine all of them.