Common Questions
• What should I consider when deciding whether or not a move is feasible?
Is it physically possible to move the house to the area you are considering? Are there narrow or busy roads, bridges, utility lines, large trees, traffic lights or any other obstructions that would physically prohibit the move? Although it is possible to have some of these things temporarily removed, it may not be financially feasible. Some of our customers have had some utility companies offer to raise lines for free while others have given bids of $50,000 or more. Remember too, that the house will be higher once it is on the beams and ready for relocation. You should also check with your local authorities and find out what permits may be required.
• How much does it cost to get an estimate for raising or moving my building?
Nothing. We provide estimation services for free. If your job is quite a distance from us however, we may request that you e-mail or send us pictures of the site and building so that we can give you a general estimate first.
• How much does it cost to raise or move a house?
There is no set price that covers all houses. Every house is unique in size, shape and weight.
We must also take into consideration the following:
- Is the house presently built on a full foundation, piers or a crawl space?
- If it's built on a crawl space, then how high is it?
- 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?
• Can fireplaces, porches and additions be saved?
Generally yes. We use a unified hydraulic jacking system to raise our buildings. This insures that all parts of the building are raised in a totally unified fashion. It should be considered whether or not fireplaces, porches and additions are worth the extra cost that will be incurred however, since they will add to the price of the move. If it is determined that they should be removed prior to the move, it is the customer's responsibility and removal must be completed prior to our starting work.
• How far can a house be moved?
In some states, it is possible to move a house for miles. On the east coast however, due to narrow roads, bridges, utility lines, trees and traffic control issues, most buildings are normally only moved a few blocks away, across the road, on the same lot or across a field. We have been fortunate enough to move a few houses 1 to 3 miles away, but this is very unusual in this area.
• What is the customer expected to do prior to the home being moved or raised?
Generally speaking, you must have all services 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 should be looked into and permits should be obtained before work commences. You should also make certain that you have permission from neighbors or owners of any surrounding property that may become at all involved in the process.
• Does Dziuba House Movers dig the hole for the new basement?
Yes, we can provide this service.
• Does Dziuba Building Movers construct foundations under the houses they raise or move?
We used to provide this service but no longer do due to a lack of time. Since we work in many different areas, it is also difficult for us to recommend contractors who provide this service. We suggest that you find a reputable, fully insured, local masonry contractor who is comfortable building a foundation under the lifted structure. We like to work closely with your masonry contractor to make certain that they understand all that is involved in the process. We welcome their calls if there are ever any questions.
• Have you ever damaged or dropped a building?
No. We have been putting safety first for over 40 years now. We have never, and will never, cut corners or hurry a job just to save a dollar.
• Will the house develop cracks in the interior walls?
We have moved stone, block, brick and wood frame homes even up and down hills and can honestly say that nearly all of our homes end up virtually crack free after the process. On occasion, a hair line 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 however. 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. Please note that although we are fully insured, we have not ever had an insurance claim filed. Although minor cracking is not covered, any major developments would be covered however. Our track record is clean and we can supply you with references if you would like.
• How long will it be before my house is finished?
Generally the entire process of moving or raising the home and building the new foundation is completed in one month or less. Weather conditions, our schedule and the masonry contractor's schedule must be taken into consideration however.
