What You Need to Know about Raising & Moving Your House
What do I need to know before I get started?
How do you know what can be moved or raised and what can’t be?
Who does the excavation for the raise?
Are there any additional costs that could be incurred?
What kind of site prep is required for a raise?
Can we live in a raised house?
Can additions and porches be raised as well?
Does the distance of the move affect the cost?
How long does it take to move a building?
What damage can be expected when a building is lifted or moved?
Would my building move be insured against excess damage or liability claims?
What do I need to know before I get started?
Your first step is to assess what your needs are. Do you need a building raised or moved, or are you waiting to buy a building? Next, find out what your local municipality regulations are regarding the work you need to have done. You can then contact Blackwell Building Movers and we will provide you with some preliminary information and pricing. Once you've reviewed the information, you can then assess whether this is a project you want to continue with. At this point, Blackwell Building Movers will set up a time to meet with you to discuss exactly what your needs are and quote you a firm price.
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Do we need a building permit?
There are a few physical limitations to what can be moved or raised. Almost any building can be moved or raised, but not all of them are feasible to move. The best answer in this case is to contact Blackwell Building Movers for our professional opinion.
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How do you know what can be moved or raised and what can’t be?
There are a few physical limitations to what can be moved or raised. Almost any building can be moved or raised, but not all of them are feasible to move. The best answer in this case is to contact Blackwell Building Movers for our professional opinion.
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Who does the excavation for the raise?
The owner is responsible for the excavation; however, Blackwell Building Movers has the equipment to provide this service to you. Dump trucks can also be arranged for the removal of materials. Generally, it's easier and cheaper to have Blackwell Building Movers excavate under the building because blocking often needs to be relocated during the process. For the safety and care of the building, Blackwell Building Movers knows where and when to excavate the areas underneath. This service may prevent Blackwell Building Movers from having to return to the site to move blocking and charge you additional fees for standby time. Blackwell Building Movers' insurance does not cover any work done on-site that has not been done by Blackwell employees.
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Are there any additional costs that could be incurred?
Yes. The most common is line raising expenses. It may become necessary for the power, telephone and cable companies to become involved if the building is over approximately 17’ 8” loaded. Each move is assessed and you will be informed of any costs over and above the move price.
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What kind of site prep is required for a raise?
The basement or crawl space must be stripped to the floor joists and all debris must be removed. The furnace and water tank may have to be placed upstairs. Chimneys are very hard to recertify. With a signed waiver, and determined on a case by case basis, Blackwell Building Movers will consider raising the chimney with the building. Overhead services can be left connected, but the utility company may have to adjust the tension. Water, sewer and natural gas lines need to be disconnected; however, the gas can be reconnected if a new foundation is going to be put in. If a new foundation is needed, the landscaping will have to be moved. For the addition of a pony wall or crawl space, very little prep work is required.
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Can we live in a raised house?
Yes; however, Blackwell Building Movers is not liable for any temporary stairs or railings. Your building contractor should supply a safety fence around the site.
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Can additions and porches be raised as well?
The hydraulic jacking systems that Blackwell Building Movers uses are the most advanced in the industry. This allows Blackwell Building Movers to raise any wing or addition of a building symmetrically with the main building.
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Does the distance of the move affect the cost?
Not always. The majority of the work is in the loading and unloading of the building.
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How long does it take to move a building?
An average building of 1,200 square feet will usually take 2 – 6 days from start to finish, depending on accessibility and the size of the lot.
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What damage can be expected when a building is lifted or moved?
There will be minor cracks in the drywall. If there is lathe and plaster in the building, it will probably crack more than drywall.
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Would my building move be insured against excess damage or liability claims?
Yes. Blackwell Building Movers does carry liability insurance, as well as cargo and vehicle insurance. At your request, Blackwell Building Movers will provide you with a certificate of insurance which shows Blackwell Building Movers' coverage and limits.
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