FAQ

Q: Does your building raising and moving contractor have the reputation of quality workmanship, honesty, and dependability?

A: Payne Building Movers has been helping customers since 1974, and during this time we have gained a reputation for delivering quality work and always meeting deadlines. Always check references on house-raising firms to make sure you are working with a professional building raising company.

Q: Is your building moving company currently licensed, and does the moving company carry workers’ compensation on its employees?

A: It is very important to make sure you select a structural mover that is properly licensed within the state in which the job occurs. Equally as important is workers’ compensation. If a worker is injured on your property, the homeowner is responsible for liability and medical bills if the company does not carry insurance. Always remember to ask about your building mover’s state license and contractor’s insurance.

Q: Does Payne Construction have the proper equipment to complete my move, along with the backup equipment so my building or structural move will be completed on schedule?

A: Payne Building Movers is on the cutting edge of technology in our industry. We currently use new trucks with remote-control hydraulics. We also have air ride dollies that help to reduce unwanted damage to structures. Our skid steers are also outfitted with remote controls to help lift structures. We also employ a full-time mechanic to maintain all of our structural moving equipment. This ensures that your house raising and or building moving project will go smoothly and be completed on time.

Q: Is the owner of Payne Building Movers directly involved in the move?

A: Payne Building Movers is family-owned and operated. We are a licensed contractor and do not bring subcontractors on our jobs. This ensures you are always working with a professionally licensed and experienced building moving firm.

Q: What are some of the reasons people choose to hire building lifters?

A: As the strength of ocean storms and storm surge increases along the coastline, it may be necessary to raise or move your home or building. Other reasons include adding living space or replacing crumbling foundations and concrete slabs.

Q: Can a brick block or stone building be raised?

A: Yes, we certainly can move masonry structures. We use a unified hydraulic jacking system which enables us 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. This system can accommodate from one to thirty-eight 100 ton rams in unison. This system is essential when making large, irregular lifts during structure moving.

Q: What is the process of raising a home?

A: First, the structure is excavated 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 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 has set, the home is then lowered back down and the beams are removed. The house lifting is officially complete.

Q: What are the reasons to move buildings or houses?

A: Buildings of all kinds are moved because they sit on land that is more valuable without the structure or because they are in the path of highways, railroads, reservoirs, or urban renewal. In some cases, the intent is to actually rescue the structure by relocating it to an area where its value is increased. House moving is also done in order to move a house from a flood-prone area.

Q: How far can a building be moved?

A: This depends on the type of building and where the building is located in the state. In almost all cases, after a permit is obtained the building can be moved with proper supervision and stand-by equipment. Depending on the height of the structure, utility wires may have to be raised. In some areas, it is possible to move a house a great distance.

Q: How long does it take to move a house?

A: Generally the entire process of moving or raising the home and building the new foundation is completed in one or two weeks. Weather conditions must be taken into consideration.

Q: How do you charge for a house move?

A: House moves are charged by the size of the house and degree of difficulty. In general, we look at the following when determining the project’s complexity and cost:

-Is the house presently built on a full foundation, piers, or a crawl space?
-What type of material was used for the original foundation?

-Does the house have additions, porches, or fireplaces?
-How much exterior working space is available?
-If the house is being moved, what is the terrain between the place it now rests and its intended resting place?

Q: Does the moving company require a percentage of payment in advance, and if so, what specific expenses are necessary before the moving company begins the project?

A: Payne Building Movers only requires a nominal deposit to hold the date of your building raising or house moving project.

Q: What damage can be expected during the move?

A: Minor sheetrock cracking and shifting is to be expected. We have moved stone, block, brick, and wood frame homes and nearly all of our homes end up virtually crack-free after the process. On occasion, a hairline crack may develop over a door or window. It is possible that some cracks may appear after the house is set on its new foundation. This is because the old foundation may not have been as level as the new one and has nothing to do with the house moving process at all. At times it is possible to foresee this as a potential problem ahead of time though and take steps to prevent it from happening. The track record of Payne Building Movers is exceptional and we will provide references from other structural move customers for your review.

Q: What is the customer expected to do prior to the home being moved or raised?

A: All services must be disconnected and the basement or crawlspace totally cleaned and stripped down. If fireplaces, chimneys, or porches are being removed, this must also be completed. Some excavation may also be required beforehand. Local building code requirements and permits need to be obtained before work commences. Your local utility provider should remove the meter and disconnect the service. We will remove wires and pipes necessary to install our steel beams.

Q: What type of foundations are available?

A: Poured concrete grade beams with poured concrete piers or block walls, timber pile foundations with no concrete, and helical micro pull-down piles are all available. In poor soil areas we could use a combination of all of the above.

Q: Can fireplaces, porches, and additions be saved?

A: It should be considered whether or not fireplaces, porches, and additions are worth the extra cost that will be incurred, since they will add to the price of the move.


No matter whether you need house lifting, building moving, crumbling foundation repair, or heavy machinery moved, Payne is the company you’re looking for. Contact us here to get a quote.

GET A QUOTE