Although a dwelling typically remains on its original foundation after it’s built, circumstances arise where a home, outbuilding or commercial property must be relocated. These circumstances may include rezoning, land reacquisition, flooding, wind hazards and more. If you want to preserve your residence but are at risk of a natural disaster, your home can be carefully moved to safety. While house and building relocation is no easy task, it can be done satisfactorily with the help of a professional structural moving company.
Before your home can be safely moved, it has to be supported and lifted. The proper permits must be obtained, utilities must be disconnected and the structure must be separated from its foundation. Hydraulic dollies, also called hydraulic jacks, are used to lift the home, but interior reinforcements must be made first to preserve its structural integrity. This can be accomplished using steel beams to support the weight of the structure and using interlocking posts to build wooden cribs that support both interior and exterior walls.
Once a structure has been reinforced, its foundation can be cut. Excavation is often necessary to unearth the foundation, and movers need both adequate room and suitable terrain on which to work. If necessary, they can use steel plates to support heavy equipment on soft ground, and they can build bridges with steel beams. These factors will likely be considered when a professional contractor gives you a bid.
When your home is ready to move, it will be lifted using equipment like a unified hydraulic jacking system. This kind of system is used to keep the structure level. Then, specially trained and licensed structural moving professionals will use a preestablished route to transport your home to its new location. Once it arrives, your home can be securely placed on its new foundation safe—sound and better protected from hazards.