Expert
House Movers is frequently asked...
What
do I need to do to get started?
Determine your move route, choosing the widest and closest
route that has the least amount of obstacles (overhead
utilities / trees). Measure the overall width of the
structure, eave-to-eave or gutter-to-gutter, then make
sure you have at least that distance between utility
poles or big trees that are across from each other.
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Can
the foundation be constructed before moving?
The lot that the structure is being moved to will dictate
if the foundation needs to be constructed before the
move. This will be determined by Expert House Movers,
Inc. We will need to coordinate certain aspects with
the foundation contractor before actual construction
of the new foundation.
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How
far can a building be moved?
This depends on the type of building and which part
of the state the building is located in. In most cases,
after a permit is obtained, the building can be moved
with proper supervision and standby equipment. When
moving a building over one and a half stories high,
utility wires may have to be raised which increases
the moving price according to the wires involved.
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How
much does it cost to raise or lower overhead utilities?
Every utility company (electric, telephone, cable TV,
traffic signals) has their own method of pricing and
will have to be contracted separately by the homeowner.
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Does
a building have to be completely vacated before and
while being moved?
We carry Cargo Insurance which covers the contents of
the structure during the move. About half the buildings
we move are still occupied. This presents some small
problems such as temporary utility connections, etc.
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What
are the reasons you move buildings or houses?
Structures are moved for all kinds of reasons - because
they sit on land that is being developed, are historically
significant, or fall in the path of highways, railroads,
reservoirs, or urban renewal. Sometimes a move is made
to rescue a structure and relocate it to an area where
its value is increased.
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Why
elevate a structure or replace the foundation?
New foundations or floor joists add to the longevity
of the structure as well as the value. In some areas,
"plastic soil" and poor drainage are common
problems that cause foundations to crack and leak. Why
repair or pier a wall when we can replace it for a comparable
cost? Another reason is to improve drainage or raise
a structure above the flood levels. Homes on crawl spaces
can be raised to add a full basement or a whole new
first floor for added living spaces.
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Can
a brick block or stone building be raised?
We
specialize in masonry structures. We use an exclusive
unified hydraulic jacking system. This system enables
one man to control the entire jacking operation. The
jacks are locked together by a unifying system and will
raise and lower in unison regardless of individual jack
loading. Each unified jack is on a separate hydraulic
circuit and failure in one jack will not cause pressure
loss in the other jacks. This system can accommodate
from one to thirty-eight 100 ton rams in unison. This
system is essential when making large, irregular lifts.
So don't settle for anything else!
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What
sort of damage can we expect from raising our home?
Minor
stress cracks may occur upon elevation but the degree
of cracking depends upon the amount of settlement that
has occurred in your old foundation. If major damage
were to occur it would be covered by our insurance.
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What
is the process of raising a home?
First
the structure is excavated around to allow for holes
to be made in your current foundation, then the steel
beams are placed in these openings. Once the beams are
placed the home is elevated hydraulically using the
unified jack system. Typically the home is then excavated
out underneath to allow for your new basement pour.
On occasion, if there is enough room on your lot the
home can be moved out of its current site and then transferred
back to its original site. Once the new foundation is
cured the home is then lowered back down and the beams
are pulled.
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Does
Expert House Movers build the new foundation?
We
do not do foundation work but we would be happy to assist
you in finding an experienced contractor.
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Does
Expert House Movers do the excavating under the raised
home?
We
typically do all excavation under raised homes.
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Can
additions porches and attached garages on slab be raised
with the home?
Yes.
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Will
Expert House Movers act as a general contractor or should
I get a general contractor to oversee my project?
We
do act as a general contractor in some cases but most
of our projects are very specific to the particular
raise or move taking place. We feel if you have some
construction knowledge and have established relations
with the contractors involved that a general contractor
is not needed.
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What
contractors will need to be involved?
Plumber,
HVAC, foundation contractor, some cases electrician,
some cases carpenter.
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What
type of permit is required to raise a home?
In
most cases a permit is not required to raise a home,
but a permit is required for all new construction under
the home this should be handled by your foundation contractor.
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