Relocating a brick house is a common practice, but it can be risky without a house moving company. “This Old House” author Tom Silva says it’s better to move a brick house part-by-part, rather than the whole house. Even if the move is successful, the bricks might be damaged. In order to avoid this problem, plan carefully, and check if you can find matching bricks before you move.
Table of Contents
Preparing a suitable site
In order to construct a brick house on a site, there are several steps that need to be taken before the construction can begin. The first step is to assess the site. Make sure it is suitable for the construction project and that it meets local zoning regulations. It is also crucial to perform a geotechnical site investigation. This will provide information about the soil, rock, and groundwater conditions. The information gathered will help the construction team evaluate the conditions of the site and avoid problems.
Moving a brick house
When moving a brick house, extreme care is required to avoid any cracking or other damage. It’s important to hire a structural moving company that is familiar with brick structures. Structural movers also have an acute sense of detail, which will help them avoid unnecessary damage to the bricks.
Previously, a brick house couldn’t be moved in its entirety, so the best option was to demolish it and start anew. However, moving a brick house can be a lot less costly than the cost of new construction. The brick exterior may have to be removed before the structure can be relocated, and the buyer may wish to use it for the exterior wall cover. If that’s not an option, new brick or other exterior wall covering materials can be used.
While moving a brick house can be less expensive than moving a wooden one, it’s still an expensive process. You need to hire a qualified moving company and arrange for alternative housing while the work is being done. You’ll also need to get a new foundation and insurance riders if you’re moving a brick house. This can cost upwards of $30,000.
Fortunately, most brick houses are sturdy, but it’s also possible to experience brick wall movement. This may be an indication of a larger structural problem. For example, the walls may be cracked on a section, while another section may be protruding outward. While it is unlikely that your entire brick house will move, it may be a sign of a deteriorating brick wall.
Cost of moving a brick house
Moving a brick house can be expensive. Bricks are more difficult to handle than wooden ones and must be handled with extra care. It is also essential to consult an architect and general contractor prior to beginning any work. The architect and general contractor will help you determine the necessary permits and requirements. Then, you’ll need to determine how much the entire process will cost, as well as how much you’ll be charged to move your home.
If you’re moving a brick house, you’ll need to pay about $14 to $30 per square foot to relocate it to a new lot. You’ll also need to pay for a new foundation and insurance riders. Nevertheless, moving a brick house is less expensive than moving a wooden one.
In order to get an accurate cost estimate, you’ll need to evaluate the house’s structural foundation. In some cases, a structural engineer is needed to assess the home’s structural integrity. This may add up to a few thousand dollars, so be prepared to pay for these extras.
Another factor that contributes to the cost of moving a brick house is its size. Larger homes require more labor from contractors and heavy-duty equipment. A luxury four thousand-square-foot home will cost more than a smaller three hundred-fifty-square-foot house. Moreover, brick homes can be very heavy and require specialized equipment to move them.
During the moving process, the company that moved the brick house will disconnect all utilities, ducts, and appliances from the old location. They will also install lifting steel and dollies to move the house. Then, they will drive the house over the new footers. Once the house is safely moved, they will install a new foundation and complete interior work.
Moving a brick house versus finding a new home
One of the biggest advantages of a brick home is its durability. Brick is a tough material that can withstand high temperature changes and strong impacts. It also has a lot of aesthetic appeal compared to other types of homes. Its distinctive appearance can be a huge selling point for a home. However, brick homes are often more expensive than other kinds of homes. For this reason, moving a brick house can be a challenge.
Brick homes may require repointing or other costly repairs. Some bricks have crumbling mortar, which may require repainting. You should also check the lintels of windows and doors, which can be indicators of cracks or other issues. Another thing to check is the foundation. If the walls are bowing outwards, it could mean the house is on an unstable foundation.
Despite these disadvantages, moving a brick house is not impossible. It costs more but requires more planning and care during the transport. To move a brick house, you should start by hiring a general contractor to help you plan the move. Your architect, engineer, and general contractor will work together to determine the details of the move. You’ll also need to apply for the necessary permits before moving your house.
