Frequently Asked Questions



Why move or raise a building?

What are the reasons you move buildings or houses?
Structures are moved for all kinds of reasons.  It may be because they sit on land that is being developed, are historically significant and 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 raise a structure above the flood levels. In addition, homes on crawl spaces can be raised to add a full basement or a whole new first floor for added living spaces.

What kind of buildings can be moved?

What type of buildings do you move?
We move everything from sheds, houses, barns, single-family homes, duplexes, office buildings, churches to historical landmarks – any type of structure! References are available upon request.

Do you move commercial buildings?
Yes. We have worked with some of the largest general contractors in the United States to relocate a variety of commercial structures. This includes office buildings, churches, hotels and warehouses, and large pieces of manufacturing machinery. Again, references are available upon request.

Can a masonry structure, including brick, stone and cement block, be moved or raised?
Absolutely. With fifty years of experience, we are experts in moving or raising masonry structures. We have experience working with brick, double brick, stone and solid masonry, which has given us the expert knowledge to get the job done safely and efficiently. Unlike other companies, we use both unified hydraulic jacking systems and hydraulic dollies, as well as airbags to ensure the least amount of structural damage.

Can porches, additions, decks and attached garages be raised or moved with our home?
Yes. To raise your house for a new foundation, we can lift all of the above with the main house. On a move however, depending on the travel route, it may be necessary to move some of these sections separately.

I was told that my home couldn’t be moved with the fireplace intact. Is this so?
No!  We can move your home with or without the fireplace intact, and we will  provide pricing both ways
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How long does it take to move a house or building?

Most moves can take anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on the size, location, age, and structural limitations.  We take the utmost care and precautions to keep a safe worksite and care for your structure.

What are the benefits of moving a house or building?

Is it cost effective to move a building?
It costs about 40% less of what a newly built building would normally cost.

I would like to subdivide my property but my house is in the middle!
We can move your house to one lot on the property, freeing up the other lot. 

Will the resale value of my house be the same if I move it?
Site location is a very important factor which contributes to a home’s resale value. The relocation site must be carefully considered when planning the move. We recommend getting advice from a professional real estate broker in determining whether there will be a change in value. In most cases the house will be worth more because the building will be moved to a more desirable site that the owner has chosen for that very reason.

Is it necessary to notify my mortgage company before I move my house?
Absolutely. Your mortgage company has financed the purchase of your building, including the land on which it sits. Your mortgage company must be notified of any change that affects the address of your house as it appears on the deed.

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Foundations

Is it possible to put in a new foundation on an existing home?
Yes. Raising an existing home for a new foundation is very common. Homeowners choose to do this for several reasons. The homeowner may want to change a crawl space to a more functional area like a full basement or lower level. Other homeowners may simply want to replace an old stone foundation. We maintain our own excavating equipment specifically to perform these types of jobs.

Will Chase Building Movers build the new foundation?
We do not do foundation work but we have long-standing relationships with reliable, experienced contractors who can help you.  We will work closely with the contractor to insure that they are familiar with the building and its requirements before you engage their services.

Can the foundation be poured prior to the house moving to the new site?
Foundations (basements) can be poured ahead of time, however on most houses the hole is dug prior to moving. The house is placed over the foundation area and raised to an acceptable height, so the concrete contractor can pour the new foundation. Only one day after the foundation is poured, the house is set atop of the new basement and all of our equipment is removed.

How far can a building be moved?
As long as there is a good travel route, a building can be moved practically any distance. When moving a building over 1½ stories high, utility wires become a factor. The wires may have to be raised along the travel route which, depending on the number involved, increases the price of the move. Ranch-style buildings are typically low in height and can be moved in such a way that wires are not a factor.

Are there other moving options when utility wires come into play?
Yes. A two-story house can be moved by separating the second floor from the first floor. Both sections can be moved at the same time, thus avoiding utility wire costs. The upper level is cut away and removed, and is reattached at the new location.

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Costs

There is a quote by astronaut Alan Shephard, Jr. that we believe is very important when considering the cost factor of such a project:

“It’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that one’s safety factor was
determined by the lowest bidder on a government contract.”

How much will it cost to move my house?
There are many variables involved.  The structure’s age (and historical status), size, structural integrity, location and proximity to where it is going, the width of roadway to the new location, and any obstacles, such as street lights, electrical wires, need to be considered. Whether the house is located on a basement, or is going to be moved over a basement at the new location, will affect the price.  Please contact us for an individual house moving estimate.

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.       

If the project is located a long distance from where your company is based, how does that add to the cost?

Distance from our base of operations will not affect our bid.  You will find that  our pricing is very competitive.

Why does it seem that the price can vary so drastically between to different building moving companies?

The first thing to check is whether the company is fully insured.  Chase Building Movers is fully insured.  You can rest assured that you are protected. 

Second, unfortunately you will find that not everyone is telling you the total costs involved, from frame to finish.  You can rest assured we will.  Some will give you an estimate – Chase Building Movers will tell you what it will actually cost – no surprises at the end of the project.

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Permits Needed

What permits are required for moving my house, and who is responsible for getting them?
We obtain all permits in regard to the move of the structure on city and state roads. Relocating buildings requires moving and transportation permits from cities, counties, and/or the State. Wire clearance from utility companies may be needed due to a structure’s height.

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Damages

Have you ever dropped a building?
In 50 years of moving buildings, the answer is “No! We put safety first.”  We have never, and will never, cut corners or hurry a job.

What sort of damage can we expect from raising our home?
Minor stress cracks rarely happen upon elevation, but the degree of cracking depends upon the amount of settling that has occurred in your old foundation. If major damage were to happen, it would be covered by our insurance.

Does moving a building or house reduce its integrity?
As a qualified house and building mover, we know exactly how to position the equipment, gauge the weight, and properly transport your structure from one location to another.  Not only will your house or building’s integrity not be compromised, it will likely be structurally enhanced! 

I am located in a flood zone. Can your services help me?
Absolutely. We have many clients who love their homes or buildings but are constantly flooded by local streams and rivers. By raising the structure of your home or building, you can maintain your property and not worry about the weather forecast.

Will moving an Historic building change its classification?
Possibly.  We highly recommend discussing your planned move with your State Historic Preservation officer prior to your relocation.

Have you ever dropped a building?
In 50 years of moving buildings, the answer is “No! We put safety first.”  We have never, and will never, cut corners or hurry a job.

What sort of damage can we expect from raising our home?
Minor stress cracks rarely happen upon elevation, but the degree of cracking depends upon the amount of settling that has occurred in your old foundation. If major damage were to happen, it would be covered by our insurance.

Does moving a building or house reduce its integrity?
As a qualified house and building mover, we know exactly how to position the equipment, gauge the weight, and properly transport your structure from one location to another.  Not only will your house or building’s integrity not be compromised, it will likely be structurally enhanced! 

I am located in a flood zone. Can your services help me?
Absolutely. We have many clients who love their homes or buildings but are constantly flooded by local streams and rivers. By raising the structure of your home or building, you can maintain your property and not worry about the weather forecast.

Will moving an Historic building change its classification?
Possibly.  We highly recommend discussing your planned move with your State Historic Preservation officer prior to your relocation
.

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Visit our Services page for more information.

 

Call us at (207) 646-7560 or e-mail us for more information
or to obtain a quote on your next project.

 

We keep you moving forward!