A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.
This saying captures a truth many of us hold dear.
But sometimes, there’s a need to bring that beloved home elsewhere.
Moving a house from one spot to another can be incredibly meaningful, but not without its challenges and expenses.
If you have ever wondered about the cost of such a feat, you’re not alone.
Moving an entire house, rather than simply relocating yourself, isn't something many people think about daily.
However, the number of house moves has been climbing, particularly as environmental awareness and historical preservation have become more popular.
According to a recent report, the average cost to move a house within a town is around $12,000 to $16,000 for a smaller, single-story home.
Yet, if you are planning a long-distance move, those numbers can skyrocket, and costs can reach $100,000 or more for larger or more complex moves across the country.
Why the high costs?
Moving a house requires skilled labor, specialized equipment, and careful planning to handle obstacles like and even legal regulations.
It's more than just lifting the home; it’s carefully deconstructing, transporting, and reconstructing it on a new site.
And with all these factors, it’s easy to see why this kind of move requires more than just a traditional moving truck.
Today, we are going to explore exactly what it takes to move a house.
From house moving costs and relocation expenses to per-mile moving rates, we will cover every angle to help you understand just what goes into such a unique project.
Why Would Someone Move a House?
You might wonder why anyone would want to move a house instead of simply selling it.
People choose to move a house for various reasons:
Historical Preservation: Many older homes with historical significance get relocated to preserve their structure and character.
Environmental Impact: Moving a house instead of demolishing it saves tons of materials from ending up in landfills.
Personal Attachment: Some families have deep sentimental attachments to their homes and would rather take them to a new location than leave them behind.
What is the Average Cost to Move a House?
The average cost to move a house can range from $15,000 to over $200,000.
Why the wide range?
The final price depends on factors such as the size and weight of the house, the distance to the move, and the specific structural challenges.
Breaking Down the House Moving Cost
Structural Moving Cost
The cost to move a house structurally usually starts around $12,000 for a small, single-story home moved a short distance.
Larger homes can cost up to $100,000 or more.
Foundation Construction
Once you’ve moved the house, you’ll need a new foundation at the new site.
Depending on whether you want a full basement, crawlspace, or slab, the average cost to relocate a house and set it on a new foundation ranges from $8,000 to $40,000.
Permits and Legal Fees
Permit costs range from $1,000 to $5,000, but they can be higher in urban areas with stricter regulations.
Utility Disconnections and Reconnections
Moving a house means disconnecting water, gas, electricity, and other utilities and reconnecting them at the new location.
This typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000.
Additional Site Prep and Landscaping
You may need landscaping work done after the house is moved.
Clearing trees or leveling the land could add another $1,000 to $10,000.
Cost Summary
Here's a table summarizing these costs:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural Moving | $12,000 – $100,000 |
| New Foundation | $8,000 – $40,000 |
| Permits and Inspections | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Utility Disconnections/Reconnections | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Site Preparation | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $23,000 – $158,000 |
Note: These costs can vary depending on location, house size, and distance.
Cost to Move a House per Mile
For long-distance moves, it is essential to calculate the cost to move a house per mile.
The rate per mile often adds between $12 to $16 to the overall cost,
Local Move: Moving a house within 100 miles can cost around $25,000 to $40,000 for a standard 1,500 sq. ft. home.
Long-Distance Move: Moving cross-country can quickly add up to $150,000 or more.
House Moving Cost by Distance and Location
To give you a more granular idea, here are examples of what you might expect depending on distance and location type:
| Move Distance | Example Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local (under 100 miles) | Moving a house across town | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Regional (100-300 miles) | Moving to a nearby city | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Cross-country (300+ miles) | Moving from the East Coast to the Midwest | $100,000+ |
Factors That Affect the Cost to Move a House
Size and Weight of the Home: Larger homes, especially multi-story ones, are harder to move and cost more.
Distance of the Move: If you are moving a house across town, that’s one thing. Moving it across the country? That’s a different story altogether.
Structural Complexity: Houses with complex structures, such as additions or unique architectural features, take more work to prepare and stabilize for the move.
Obstacles on the Route: Trees, power lines, narrow roads, or bridges along the route require special preparations or permits.
Permits and Regulations: Moving a house isn’t a casual affair, and you will need multiple permits from local governments.
How to Reduce House Moving Cost
Moving a house can be costly, but there are some effective ways to reduce expenses without compromising on quality or safety.
Plan for an Off-Season Move
Moving during off-peak seasons, like late fall or winter, can reduce costs by 20-30% due to lower demand.
Moving companies are often more flexible and may offer discounts during these months.
Downsize and Simplify
Reducing the size or complexity of your home by removing additions like decks, garages, or non-essential structures can cut costs.
A lighter load simplifies the move and reduces expenses, potentially saving thousands.
Get Multiple Quotes
Request estimates from multiple reputable moving companies.
Price differences can vary by as much as $5,000 to $10,000. Hence, comparing options helps you find the best rate without compromising on service quality.
Choose a Shorter Distance
Since the cost to move a house per mile adds up, staying close to the original site can save a significant amount.
A short-distance move within town typically costs less and may avoid complex permits or additional transportation fees.
Negotiate Permits and Utilities
Permit and utility disconnection fees can add up quickly.
Check if your local municipality or utility provider offers any discounts or flexibility on these fees. Even small reductions can save you hundreds.
