Understanding the Costs Involved in House Relocation

Relocating a house is a unique and complex process that can be a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to building a new home. However, like any significant project, it involves various expenses that homeowners need to understand and budget for.

Queensland House Removals, a leading company in moving houses in Southeast Queensland, provides insight into the different costs associated with house relocation and tips on how to budget for them effectively.

1. Initial Assessment and Planning

The first step in any house relocation project is a thorough assessment and planning phase. This involves:

• Site Inspection and Feasibility Study: Professionals need to inspect the current and new locations to determine if the move is feasible. This includes checking for accessibility and potential obstacles. If you are purchasing one of our homes we can have an assessor check you site within 48 hours, only if it is within a 100 km radius form our main depot, this service is free. Sites that exceed the more than 100km radius will take longer to check. There may be a extra cost if works are required on your site.
• Building Approval: You will need to engage a private certifier, we have a team of certifiers, draftsman and engineers who will take control of your building approval. Building plans will need to be drawn up, plans/engineering lodged with council, they will help you through the process of your application.  Full Building approval can cost anywhere from $7000 – $15000 depending on the job, it includes Soil test, plans certifier and council fees, and QBCC insurance.

• There may be extra costs required such as:

• Council bond or infrastructure change – This can vary depending on the council
• Surveyor $800 to $2000
• Septic System $8000 to $15000
• Bush fire Assessment $500 to $1000
• Asbestos Removal for certain councils
• Permits and Approvals:  Once your building approval has been issued, we can then obtain all permits required for shifting your house. We organise police escorts and pilot vehicles for the relocation, this service is free.  There may be Extra costs required for your home relocation such as
• Barges to the Redland Bay island $8000 to $15000
• Additional km $120 for house cut or $60 for a single shift.

2. Preparation Costs

Once the planning phase is complete, the house needs to be prepared for the move:

• Disconnection of Utilities: This involves safely disconnecting all utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and sewage. Depending on the number of services, this can cost between $500 and $2,000.
• Structural Reinforcement: The house may need additional reinforcement to ensure it remains intact during the move. This can include bracing walls, floors, and roofs, with costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
• Foundation Removal: The existing foundation must be carefully removed or altered to allow for the lifting process. This process is free.

3. The Move Itself

The actual process of moving the house involves several key expenses:

• Raising a House: Specialised equipment and skilled labour are required to raise the house off its foundation. This is one of the most critical parts of the process, with costs typically ranging from $10,000 to $30,000.
• Transportation: Transporting the house to its new location is another significant expense. The distance of the move, the complexity of the route, and the need for road closures or escorts can all impact the cost. Generally, transportation costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more for long or complicated moves.
• Re-establishing the House on the New Site: Once the house arrives at its new location, it needs to be placed on a new foundation. This involves lowering the house onto new foundations (Stumps) and ensuring it is level and stable. These costs can range from $10,000 to $25,000. There may be extra costs for stumping your home, such as
• High set stumping $10000 to $25000
• Concrete Pump $700 to $1500
• Steel Beams (price variers on size of beams)
• Galvanizing of stumps $2000 to $10000

4. Post-Move Expenses

After the house has been relocated, there are additional expenses to consider:

• Electrical Reconnections: this can cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
• Plumbing reconnections: this can cost between $7000 to $15,000
• Stairs $1500 to $5000

5. Unexpected Costs and Contingencies

Every house relocation project can encounter unexpected costs. It’s wise to budget an additional 10-20% of the total project cost for contingencies. This buffer can help cover any unforeseen issues that arise, such as unexpected structural repairs, delays, or additional permits.

6. Cost Breakdown Example

To give a clearer picture, here is an example of a cost breakdown for a typical house relocation project:

• Building Approval: $13,500
• Lifting the House: $15,000
• Transportation: $20,000
• Connection of Utilities: $20,000
• Post-Move Expenses: $20,000
• Contingencies (15%): $12,675

Total Estimated Cost: $81,175*

*Pricing and costs are an indication only, as no two homes or moves are the same. Please contact us for a quote to see what your expenses may be.

Tips for Budgeting

1. Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from several house removal companies to compare prices and services. Ensure each quote includes a detailed breakdown of costs.
2. Plan Thoroughly: Detailed planning can help avoid unexpected costs. Ensure all assessments and reports are thorough and accurate.
3. Include Contingency Funds: Always include a contingency fund in your budget to handle any unforeseen expenses.
4. Monitor Progress: Regularly monitor the progress of the project to ensure it stays on track and within budget.

Understanding the costs involved in house relocation is crucial for effective budgeting and successful project execution. While the expenses can be significant, relocating a house can be a more sustainable and sometimes cost-effective alternative to building a new home.

By breaking down the costs and planning thoroughly, homeowners can navigate the complexities of house relocation with confidence.

Queensland House Removals is dedicated to making the house relocation process as smooth and cost-effective as possible. With a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, they provide detailed cost breakdowns and expert guidance to help homeowners make informed decisions.

If you’re considering relocating your house in Southeast Queensland, reach out to Queensland House Removals for a comprehensive consultation and cost estimate.