Moving a house may sound like something out of a movie, but it’s a well-established process that homeowners choose for many practical reasons. Whether you want to preserve a cherished home, relocate to a better lot, or avoid the cost of rebuilding, house moving can be a smart solution when handled by experienced professionals. At GAW Builders, we help homeowners understand each step so they can make confident, informed decisions.
Below is a clear breakdown of how a house move works from early planning to final placement.
Step 1: Feasibility and Route Planning
Every successful house move begins with a feasibility assessment. Before anything is lifted, professionals evaluate whether the structure can be safely moved and how it will travel to its new location. This includes examining the home’s size, construction type, condition, and overall weight.
Route planning is equally important. The path from the current location to the new lot must be carefully mapped to avoid obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, sharp turns, trees, and overhead lines. In some cases, small modifications to the route may be required to ensure a smooth and safe transport.
This planning stage helps prevent surprises later and ensures the move is realistic, efficient, and cost-effective.
Step 2: Obtaining Permits and Utility Disconnections
Once feasibility is confirmed, permits must be secured. Moving a house typically requires approval from local municipalities, transportation authorities, and sometimes utility companies. These permits ensure the move complies with safety and zoning regulations.
At the same time, utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer lines are safely disconnected. This step is critical to protect both the structure and the surrounding infrastructure. Coordinating permits and utility disconnections early helps avoid delays and keeps the project on schedule.
Step 3: Excavation and Inserting the Steel Beams
With paperwork and preparations complete, physical work begins at the original site. Crews excavate around the foundation to expose the base of the house. Openings are carefully created so steel beams can be inserted beneath the structure.
These steel beams run through the home’s support points and serve as the backbone during lifting and transport. They distribute weight evenly and help maintain the home’s structural integrity throughout the move.
This stage requires precision and experience, as proper beam placement directly impacts the safety of the entire operation.
Step 4: The Lifting Process Using Hydraulic Jacks
Once the beams are secured, hydraulic jacks are used to slowly and evenly lift the house off its foundation. This is done incrementally, allowing crews to monitor stability and make adjustments as needed.
The controlled pace of lifting helps prevent stress on the structure. Throughout the process, professionals check for alignment, balance, and any signs of shifting. Once elevated to the correct height, the house is secured onto specialized moving equipment or dollies, ready for transport.
Step 5: Transporting the Home to the New Lot
Transporting the house is often the most visible phase of the process, but it’s also one of the most carefully managed. The home is moved at a controlled speed, following the planned route and coordinated with local authorities if necessary.
Depending on distance and terrain, the move may take several hours or span multiple days. Crews continuously monitor the structure, road conditions, and equipment to ensure everything remains stable. This step requires patience, coordination, and expertise to ensure the home arrives safely at its destination.
Step 6: Constructing the New Foundation and Setting the House
While the home is in transit, or sometimes beforehand, the new foundation is prepared. This foundation must meet current building codes and be designed to properly support the structure.
Once the house arrives, it is carefully aligned over the new foundation and lowered using hydraulic jacks. Crews make precise adjustments to ensure the home is level and properly seated. After placement, utilities are reconnected, and final structural checks are completed.
This step marks the transition from relocation to settling into a new chapter.
Is Moving a House Worth the Cost? Factors to Consider
Whether moving a house is worth the cost depends on several factors. The condition and value of the home play a major role, as well as the distance of the move and the complexity of the route. In many cases, relocating an existing home can be more affordable than building new, especially when preserving architectural features or avoiding demolition costs.
Other considerations include emotional value, zoning restrictions, and land availability. Homeowners who love their current house but want a better location often find that moving the structure offers the best of both worlds.
An experienced house-moving contractor can help evaluate these factors and provide clarity on whether the investment makes sense for your situation.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Moving a house is a detailed process, but with the right team, it becomes a structured and manageable project rather than a risky gamble. At GAW Builders, we guide homeowners through each step with transparency, experience, and care. From early planning to final placement, our focus is on protecting your home and your peace of mind.
If you’re considering a house move and want expert guidance you can trust, we’re here to help you explore your options and move forward with confidence!
