Move a house—lifting it from its foundation and relocating it—sounds like a big task. It is. But it’s often done to save historic homes, avoid property issues, or move to a better location. Costs typically range from $18,000 to $100,000, depending on size, distance, and other factors. This blog post breaks down the costs, process, and tips for moving a house in 2025. Written in clear, simple English, it’s designed to help you understand what to expect and make smart choices.
What Is House Moving?
House moving, or structural relocation, means picking up a house and transporting it to a new spot. It’s not about moving your belongings—it’s about moving the entire structure. People choose this for several reasons:
- To preserve historic or sentimental homes.
- To fix property line disputes.
- To relocate away from hazards like eroding shorelines.
- To save money compared to building a new house.
The process involves heavy equipment, skilled workers, and careful planning. For example, in 2019, Detroit’s Mackenzie House, a 3,000 sq ft historic home, was moved to save it from demolition. That move cost $750,000, showing how costs can vary for special cases.
How Much Does It Cost to Move a House?
The cost to move a house depends on many factors, but here’s a general range based on 2025 data:
- Average Cost: $18,000 to $40,000 for a 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft home (moving only).
- Total Cost with Extras: $40,000 to $100,000, including permits, new foundations, and utilities.
- High-End Examples: Large or historic homes, like Detroit’s Gem Theatre, moved in 1997 for $5.5 million.
Here’s a breakdown by house size for moving costs alone:
| House Size (sq ft) | Cost Range (Moving Only) |
|---|---|
| 500 | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| 1,000 | $12,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 | $18,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,000 | $24,000 – $32,000 |
| 2,500 | $30,000 – $40,000 |
| 3,000 | $36,000 – $48,000 |
Additional costs include:
- New Foundation: $5,100 to $19,400.
- Utility Reconnection: $9,000 to $34,500.
- Permits: $400 to $5,000.
These numbers come from trusted sources like HomeGuide and Angi, updated for 2025.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors drive the cost of moving a house. Understanding them helps you plan better:
- Size and Weight: Bigger houses need more equipment and workers, raising costs.
- Shape: Simple rectangular homes are easier to move than sprawling ones with porches.
- Foundation Type: Crawl spaces are easier than slab foundations, which may need costly changes.
- Distance: Moving across the same lot is cheaper than crossing town or state lines.
- Accessibility: Narrow roads, power lines, or trees can complicate things, adding fees.
- Permits: Local rules may require costly approvals or architectural plans.
- Utilities: Disconnecting and reconnecting water, electricity, and gas adds up.
For example, moving a house in a city like Detroit, with tight streets and power lines, can cost more than in open areas like rural Texas.
The House Moving Process
Moving a house follows a clear process, but it’s complex. Here are the steps:
- Planning: Map the route and get permits. Check for obstacles like bridges or traffic.
- Preparation: Disconnect utilities and clear the path. Assess the house’s structure.
- Lifting: Use hydraulic jacks to lift the house, often with steel beams for support.
- Transport: Load the house onto a trailer or dollies and move it slowly to the new site.
- Placement: Lower the house onto a new foundation, ensuring it’s stable.
- Reconnection: Hook up utilities and fix any minor damage.
This can take one day for a small move or months for a big one. Weather, size, and distance all affect timing.
Pros and Cons of Moving a House
Before deciding, weigh the benefits and challenges:
- Pros:
- Saves money compared to building new—sometimes 50% less.
- Keeps historic or loved homes intact.
- Solves issues like property disputes or flood risks.
- Cons:
- High upfront costs, with possible surprise expenses.
- Risk of damage during the move.
- Complex process with potential delays.
For instance, moving a house up a hill or away from a crumbling coast can be worth it, but it’s not simple.
How to Choose a Moving Company
Picking the right company is key. Follow these tips:
- Check Experience: Look for firms with years of house-moving projects.
- Ask for References: Talk to past clients and read reviews.
- Verify Insurance: Ensure they’re licensed and insured for damages or injuries.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare detailed estimates from at least three companies.
- Sign a Contract: Get a clear agreement on scope, timeline, and payment.
Ask questions like, “How many houses have you moved?” or “Who handles permits?” to gauge their expertise.
Ways to Save Money
You can’t DIY a house move, but you can cut costs:
- Compare Quotes: Get itemized bids to find the best deal.
- Plan Carefully: A solid plan avoids costly delays or route issues.
- Budget Extra: Set aside 10-20% for unexpected costs, like repairs.
- Move Short Distances: Stay within the same lot to save on transport.
- Prep the House: Clear obstacles and disconnect utilities early.
For example, thorough planning saved one homeowner thousands when moving a small house across their property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions, based on what people search for:
- How long does it take to move a house? From one day to two months, depending on size and distance.
- Can any house be moved? Most can, but the foundation and structure must be checked first.
- Is it worth it? It depends on cost, sentimental value, and your goals, like preserving a historic home.
- How do I find a good company? Look for experience, check reviews, and compare detailed quotes.
Real-World Examples
Costs vary by project. Here are two examples:
- Mackenzie House, Detroit (2019): A 3,000 sq ft historic home moved a short distance for $750,000 to preserve it.
- Gem Theatre, Detroit (1997): A 2,750-ton building moved five blocks for $5.5 million, a record-setting project.
These show that while most moves cost less, special cases can be pricey.
Conclusion
Moving a house in 2025 costs $18,000 to $100,000, depending on size, distance, and extras like permits. It’s a big project, but it can save money compared to building new or preserve a home you love. By understanding costs, planning carefully, and hiring a skilled company, you can make it work. This guide, based on the latest data, gives you the tools to decide if moving a house is right for you.