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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Does Expert House Movers do the excavating under the raised home?
We typically do all excavation under raised homes.
Can additions porches and attached garages on slab be raised with the home?
Yes.
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.
What contractors will need to be involved?
Plumber, HVAC, foundation contractor, some cases electrician, some cases carpenter.
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.