Make a Smooth Move

By Demetra Aposporos

If you've ever wondered what it takes to move a house, here's a crash course. According to Sean Bolen, who is featured in this month's Old-House Living, it requires moving power, cable, and phone lines, and that's the easy part. The new land needs to be prepped, and footers poured, before move day. Afterwards, the foundation must be put in place pronto in order for the building to remain insured. There are also permits involved. In Sean's case, he needed one, but nobody knew how to issue it for the better part of a day. The most difficult part, Sean says, was coordinating all the people to be in the same place at one time.

Of course, there are also professional building movers who can help. We found this handy house-moving checklist on the website of Expert House Movers, who have offices in three states—Missouri, Virginia, and Maryland. According to owner John Matyiko, prices for moving a timber frame building in the Midwest average between $12 and $20 per square foot (masonry buildings cost more,; so do moves on either coast).



Photo and checklist provided by Expert House Movers, Inc.

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