How Much Does it Cost to Move a 2,000 Sq Ft House?

Moving to a new house is exciting but also costly. Before moving to a 2000 sq. ft. home, you must know the cost. It may fluctuate based on where you’re moving, how many possessions you’re moving, and what the movers are including or excluding. Knowing the cost will allow you to prepare and not be surprised.

 

It usually costs between $450 and $1,700 to move a 2,000-square-foot home locally. However, if you’re driving long distances, the cost will be much higher, ranging from $1,750 to more than $5,000. Therefore, it is necessary to get quotes from various moving companies to compare services and prices and get the best deal for your requirements.

What Is Involved in Moving a House?

 

It is not like shifting furniture or objects. When a house is moved, the entire building is lifted. Special machines, including hydraulic jacks, are needed to lift the house. The house is then positioned on a massive transport truck and transported to another site.

 

After the house arrives at its new location, it is set on a foundation. The new foundation might have to be constructed or modified. The house might also need to be connected to water, electricity, and gas services. This is a time-consuming, labour intensive, and specialized process.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Moving a 2,000 Sq Ft House

Several factors influence how much the house will be transferred. Parting away with $24,000-$32,000 in space for a 2,000 sq. ft. home can cost. The ultimate price, however, can differ by such things as:

1. House-moving cost factors

At the very least, raising and moving a house would involve lifting and transporting a house, which is one of the bigger expenses to be incurred. This section of the move might include the equipment cost and the labour for doing the job. The lifting and moving a house could cost anywhere from $18,000 to $40,000. 

You listed some factors affecting house-shifting costs. Here is a rundown of each of them.

1. Distance: The price increases with longer distances and difficult terrain. Moving on the same plot is cheaper than moving over a long distance, especially if there are obstacles involved, such as narrow roads or bridges.
2. Weight and type of house: Lighter houses, such as mobile homes or tiny houses, are typically less expensive to transport than heavier, conventional houses. One fact is that multi-story houses take up a smaller footprint and thus are cheaper to transport than large, single-story houses.
3. Accessories: Houses that include accessories like balconies, porches, or decks will generally command high transport charges, given the extra weight and added complexity.
4. Permits: Depending on your area, permits required for the transportation and groundwork, such as constructing a new foundation, could add extensively to the cost, with prices ranging from $400 to $5,000.
5. Temporary Housing: That temporary housing cost will add up to your bill while you wait for up to two months because the house cannot be lived in.
6. Foundation: Building a new foundation costs from $6 to $50 per square foot. When relocating a house, a new foundation is inevitable, and this will depend on the type of new foundation required.
7. Utilities: Electrical, water, and gas installations may prove to be heavy, especially for remote or unbuilt connections. The cost could be in the range of 9,000 to 34,500.
8. Lifting: This involves raising the house to build a basement or to modify an existing basement, which costs around $10,000 to $40,000. Generally, these works can be done while remaining on the same lot but modifying structurally.

2. Labor Costs

Hiring labour is another heavy expenditure while relocating a house. The labour hired for house relocation are trained professionals. They will operate heavy equipment and precision work. The cost of their service will vary depending on the professionals hired. 

Examples of labour costs are:

• General contractors: These specialists organize the entire transfer. They charge an hourly rate of $50 to $150. 
• Electricians: You will need an electrician to connect the new site to all previous electrical connections. The charge will vary between $50 and $130 per hour. 
• Engineers: Structural engineers help to ensure that the house moves safely. They are charged between $100 and $220 an hour. 

Labour costs can quickly increase, especially if the project takes longer than expected.

3. Temporary Housing

You will not be able to stay in the house during their relocation. You may need to quarter yourself somewhere else. Depending on whether you stay at a hotel, rent a temporary apartment, or quarter yourself at a relative’s place, temporary accommodation costs mount. Temporary accommodations range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how fast the relocation gets accomplished.

 

This will be determined by how long the move will take. Moving some residences will take only a few days, while others will take several weeks or even months.

4. Moving Accessories and Features

Some homes also have features such as decks, balconies, or intricate roof structures. Before moving a house, all the works or features can be removed and reattached. The cost will, therefore, depend on both the removal and reattachment of these features in the process of relocation. 

 

For example, porch or balcony demolition takes place before the house is lifted. The balcony or porch needs to be rebuilt after the house is moved. This ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending upon the specifics of the construction.

Is It Cheaper to Build a New House?

Building a new home could cost less than relocating an old one. But it is all circumstantial. Building a new house will cost between $200,000 and $450,000, more than relocating a 2,000 sq ft house.

Here’s why relocating a house could cost less than constructing a new one:

• You don’t need to purchase new materials.
• You don’t have to tear down the old home.
• It is often quicker to relocate a house than to construct one.

Pros

• This is cheaper than getting a new house built.
• They get to keep their home.
• It might take less time than the building of a new house.
• Now, one does not have to search for a new property.

Cons

• It is a complicated and dangerous task. 
• There may be unexpected costs during the moving process. 
• The house may be damaged while being transported from one location to another. 
• The process may take longer than expected.

Conclusion

Moving a 2,000-square-foot home is a serious and costly undertaking. The typical price is $24,000 to $32,000, depending on distance, foundation work, and permits. While house moving may cost less than new construction, it’s a complex process that involves time, money, and careful planning.

 

Before you proceed to move your home, you must consider the cost and the advantages. Procure moving quotes from moving companies and be ready for all the costs. If you plan adequately, house relocation may be a fulfilling experience.

 

FAQS

1. What factors affect the cost of moving a 2,000 sq ft house?

It depends on labour, distance, equipment, and complexity of the move. Other variables are weather, terrain, and duration of the move.

 

2. How many days does it take to move a 2,000 sq ft house?

It can be anywhere from several days to weeks. The duration is dependent upon distance, weather, and move complexity.

 

3. Is there any hidden expense in moving a 2,000 sq ft house?

Yes, there might be additional charges for permits, utility shut-offs, or maintenance work. Always request the moving company to provide a complete estimate.

 

4. How do I minimize labour expenses when relocating a home?

To save money, plan the move, request multiple estimates, and employ skilled contractors. This will prevent delays and errors.

 

5. Can I relocate to a 2,000 sq ft residence myself?

You shouldn’t relocate the house on your own. Professional movers possess the equipment and expertise to accomplish the task safely and effectively.