You may have encountered flatbed trucks moving a small house somewhere else. But could you imagine a vehicle transporting an entire two or three-story building? It’s a rare occurrence, but yes, this is possible!
This process is called structural relocation. It’s the moving of a whole structure from one place to another. It often involves two steps: disassembling the building and reassembling it at the new location or transporting it whole in one go.
Process of relocation
You might wonder, how do they do it? It’s not easy to move an entire structure from one place to another, but they did it with the statue of Ramesses II in Cairo with no problem.
If you want it transported with everything intact, the movers will raise the building first, then push it on dollies or temporary rails if its new location is nearby. If not, flatbed trucks serve as transport.
Chimneys and other protruding parts may have to be removed first for safety. And sometimes, trees and overhead cables are cut or moved aside along the process.
There might come a time when you’ll need to move an entire structure somewhere. But when exactly do you need to perform this process? Here are a few situations:
1. To Save The Cost Of The Building
Construction of a new building on a bare plot of land can be expensive in the current state of our economy. The cost also depends on what kind of building you’re going to make. Structures made out of stones or bricks are relatively cheaper. Additionally, if your home is made of these materials, it’s most likely stable enough for structural relocation.
Relocating a whole structure also saves materials away from landfills. Older buildings might have toxic elements or materials that are difficult to recycle. Relocation is more practical to keep the materials from ending up in landfills. You can lessen your carbon footprint this way too.
Sometimes, it may not be possible to construct a new building on a plot of land due to municipal codes or current pricing. If you encounter this situation, your only viable option is to relocate. When planning a relocation and house moving, always hire the services of professional movers with up-to-standard equipment for smooth transportation.
2. To Preserve A Structure’s History
Many buildings have stood for decades, sometimes hundreds of years, and are still standing today. However, you might be surprised to know that some of these structures are not in their original locations. Instead, they have been moved via structural relocation.
Historical preservation is possibly the most common reason for the process. The original location may not be suitable for the structure, thus creating a need to move it. Whether your home is an actual piece of history or has a valuable family history, you can preserve the whole building by relocating it. Structural relocation might be somewhat expensive, but it’s one excellent way to retain the integrity of your home. You’ll feel like you’ve never even moved!
3. To Protect The Building From Natural Disasters
Many areas across the country are sadly prone to natural disasters, from intense hurricanes to high floods. If your home happens to be in one of those areas, you might consider structural relocation of your entire house.
Structural relocation will transport your whole house to somewhere safer, with fewer natural dangers. It may cost a lot, but it’ll be all worth it to protect your home and your family.
Moving locations may even allow you to rake through your many belongings. Check out these tips for packing clothes and accessories to prepare for your much-awaited move.
4. To Free Up Land For Commercial Use
Specific properties may catch the eye of contractors. As such, the buildings on future commercial properties are often demolished. Contractors may suggest demolition of your structure if it’s standing in the way of their project.
If you’re allowed to keep the structure as a whole, you may still have it relocated in one piece. Doing this saves you more money since relocating is relatively cheaper than building something from the ground up.
5. For Zoning Changes
A zoning change, also known as urban regeneration, is when improvement projects are done on a residential area. Local officials might want new highways, roads, or bridges built right where your house is.
So, instead of demolishing your home, you can opt to have it relocated within the same area. You get to save your house and keep familiar surroundings simultaneously. Many houses and other historical sites avoid demolition through this process.
6. To Avoid Structural Damage From Faulty Foundations
One of the scariest things to happen to any home or building is to have it crumble out of nowhere. Usually, foundation failure causes this to occur.
Should your foundation begin to weaken, it’s best to relocate your home if you think the building can still stand on its own with a new, stable foundation. With your home in its temporary location, you can either replace or repair the foundation on your original lot.
7. To Sell A Building Without The Land
Some prospective buyers might love the residential or commercial property you’re selling through virtual tours online, just not the land it’s on. In cases like this, relocating the whole structure to another plot of land is your best option. In this process, your client keeps the building and their peace of mind and you get a successful sale. It’s a win-win situation.
Disadvantages to structural relocation
As you’ve read the advantages of moving a whole structure, there, too, are cons to it. In most cases, the building becomes too weak and unstable, requiring repairs after the move. Some parts of a structure may get damaged along the way. Other times, rivers or other natural obstacle inhibits further travel.
It can also become too costly, especially for long-distance moves. The heavy equipment and vehicles used make up that price. So, before considering structural relocation, always think if you can handle the costs and possible need for repairs afterward.
No Place Like Home
Home or property owners might want to go through the process of structural relocation for its benefit. You get to retain the building in its entirety, saving them from demolition. You also preserve the area they were on for other people to use or build new structures in the future. So, if you have the same situation, structural relocation is your best option.