Moving a house is anything but cheap, costing anywhere from $18,000 to $100,000, with the average price around $40,000.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to move a house, the answer is between $18,000 and $100,000, depending on the specifics of your move. The average cost of moving an entire house is $40,000. When you think about moving homes, you likely picture packing the contents of your home and moving them to a new home. However, some people are choosing to move their entire homes—walls and all—to a brand new location. There are a number of reasons to choose to relocate your home entirely, and it’s often a cost-effective way to stay in your dream home, even when you need to move somewhere else.
Yes, it's possible to move an entire house, but it's a complicated and expensive process requiring specialized equipment and expertise. The process usually involves hiring moving professionals to raise the house onto a hydraulic jacking system, move it onto a set of wheels or a trailer, and then transport it to a new location.
However, it's important to note that not all houses are structurally capable or suitable for moving, and there may be legal and logistical challenges to consider. It's recommended to consult with a professional house-moving company to determine if moving your house is feasible and cost-effective.
Because every home is different, the cost to move a home will vary considerably depending on a number of factors. While the cost of moving a mobile home is generally straightforward, the cost of moving a traditional site-built home is determined based on a complex set of considerations.
Check out estimated pricing for this type of move based on home size.
| Home Size in Square Feet | Average Costs |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $12,000–$16,000 |
| 1,500 | $18,000–$24,000 |
| 2,000 | $24,000–$32,000 |
| 2,500 | $30,000–$40,000 |
In general, moving a home can cost anywhere from $12 to $16 per square foot. Larger homes also require additional considerations and may even need to be moved in separate pieces and reassembled at the new site. A home’s layout will factor into the cost, as homes with a larger or more complex footprint will be more difficult to move.
When it comes to moving a house, it may surprise you that one of the most important factors is the route between the original site and the new one. Moving companies need to take into account the hills, turns, and narrow roads along the route, as well as the logistics of avoiding utility wires, bridges, weight limits, and other obstacles that may prevent a smooth move.
Some homeowners may only move their home elsewhere on their existing lot, whether to gain more distance from property lines for privacy or to deal with foundation problems or a change in the lot’s terrain. This type of move will be far less expensive than one across town or farther away, but will still require most of the same preparation and moving steps.
The foundation that a house is being removed from is as much of a consideration as the one it’s moving to. The height and construction of the existing foundation will dictate how much work needs to be done to properly lift the house. Houses with full basements or taller crawl spaces will be easier to move, while houses on slab foundations or with wooden or brick piers and pilings will require more extensive (and expensive) preparation.
In most locations, permits will be required at multiple stages while moving a home, including permits for removing the home, pouring the new foundation, and for using roads to transport the home. Make sure your contractors have secured all necessary permits before beginning the transition.
Before your house is moved, your new site will need a new foundation that’s made to fit your existing home. In addition, you’ll need utility connections, access to the lot, and more, all of which will add to your bottom-line cost.
If your home has a deck, porch, garage, balcony, or chimney, you can expect that to cause additional moving charges. Sometimes, you can move these accessories while still attached to the house, but in many cases, they need to be separated before moving and reattached at the new site. You may also want to look into how to move a shed when determining whether to take outbuildings to the new location or leave them at the old site.
Moving a house involves no shortage of risks, so you’ll need to make sure that your homeowners insurance coverage is up to the task to cover any damages or mishaps along the way.
You won’t be able to live in your house during the relocation process, which can often take months to complete. Ensure you’re accounting for other living arrangements when you build your budget.
Moving a house involves four main steps:
Site prep: House-moving professionals will assess the surrounding environment of the current home and the new location, obtain permits, and coordinate with utility companies.
Building prep: The appropriate pros will disconnect utilities, remove fixtures, raise the house, and place it on a temporary foundation.
Moving day: Your moving team will transport the house to the new location cautiously, which may take several hours or even days.
Setting home in new location: Level and secure the house on its new foundation, reconnect utilities and fixtures, and complete any finishing touches.
Relocating a house is a complicated and often costly endeavor. How do you know if moving your existing house is the right choice? If you’re staying relatively local and aren’t looking to relocate halfway across the country or move to another country, it’s worth considering.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| May be more cost-effective | Risks damage to home |
| Keep a sentimental home | Unexpected expenses can add up |
| Preserve a historic home | Complicated logistics |
Cost: Moving your existing home may be more cost-effective than buying a new one.
Sentiment: You can stay in your dream home or family home even in a new location.
Preservation: Moving a historic home can keep it protected and preserved for years to come.
Unexpected expenses: Costs can quickly add up if things don’t go according to plan, such as unexpected route blocks or new foundation expenses.
Complicated logistics: Coordinating a move can be complex and may require constant adjustments, especially when transporting a large home.
Potential risk: Damage to your home or its contents is a significant risk during this process.
While moving a house is always a job for trained house-moving professionals, there are ways homeowners can contribute to the preparation, saving time and money during the relocation process:
Clear access to the house by removing landscaping and fencing
Empty out crawl spaces
Disconnect utilities
Detach decks, porches, or stairs
Since moving an entire house is a very complex process requiring many different types of experts, qualified contractors must perform most of the work to ensure a safe and structurally sound relocation. Contact local moving companies that specialize in this type of move, compare quotes, and consider the companies' experience and qualifications. Be sure to provide your house-moving company with the specifics of your move, including its square footage, current condition, and the distance to its destination.
Rachel Hoffman contributed to this article.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how far you can move your house. Interstate moves will involve additional permits and regulations, with some states having different requirements than others. The most important factor relating to the distance you can move a house is the route that has to be taken to get there. In areas with narrow, winding roads, hilly terrain, and low-clearance bridges, it can be very difficult and expensive to move a home long distances.
There are different types of moving companies, and you’ll want to look for one that has experience moving houses. Ask them how many houses they’ve moved, how long they’ve been in business, whether they coordinate all of the labor, permits, and subcontractors needed, and what their liability is for any damages incurred.
Surprisingly, no! For most house moves, you can keep everything inside as is, although we’d recommend taking out any sentimental or extremely fragile items. You’ll need to fully empty your basement or crawl space, but otherwise, your home can be moved with everything intact. Your movers will also be able to provide you with further guidance.
It’s typically more cost-effective to move a building along with its accessories than to demolish and rebuild it from scratch. However, that’s only if you can move the accessories without damaging them. However, if you plan to demolish the accessories anyway, it is advisable to do so before the move to save costs.
Moving a house is a complex and labor-intensive process, which is why it can get so pricey, particularly if it’s a large home. In some cases, the house may need to be dismantled, moved in sections, and then reassembled at the new location, which can add significantly to the cost of the move. However, it’s typically less costly than building a new home.
