If your home is at risk from shoreline erosion or bluff collapse, relocating your structure inland may be the most effective and permanent way to safeguard your property and your peace of mind. At DeVooght House Lifters/House & Building Movers, we specialize in helping homeowners and contractors move structures safely away from unstable, receding shorelines. Over the past several years, shorelines and bluffs across the country—not just along the Great Lakes—have been eroding at an alarming pace. Climate change, rising water levels, and increasingly severe precipitation events have accelerated the loss of land along inland lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways. This isn’t just a coastal issue—it affects homes on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior, as well as those located near rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio, and inland lakes and waterways from the Carolinas to the Ozarks. Erosion and flood risks are forcing many homeowners to make urgent decisions about protecting their homes. For some, relocating the structure away from the water’s edge is not only the safest option—it’s the only one that offers long-term peace of mind. While seawalls, riprap, and other erosion control measures can help in some cases, relocation is often the most reliable, long-term solution—especially for properties on high-risk or rapidly eroding sites. Moving your home back from the edge protects your investment, avoids future disaster, and gives your family peace of mind. DeVooght has safely lifted and relocated homes for decades—many due to flooding, rising waters, and coastal deterioration. We understand what’s at stake: your home, your history, and your security. With proven equipment, expert crews, and deep experience in shoreline and water-adjacent conditions, we help homeowners: Whether you’re on the Great Lakes, a riverbank, or a remote inland lake, our team is ready to help. If your home is at risk, time is critical. Contact DeVooght House Lifters to schedule a site evaluation and learn whether structural relocation is right for your situation. How do I know if my home is at risk of shoreline erosion or flooding? Visible signs include bluff instability, soil slumping, foundation cracking, or a rapidly receding shoreline. If your home is near a lake, river, or erodible slope, a site evaluation can help determine your risk. Is moving the house really better than installing a seawall or riprap? In many high-risk areas, relocation offers the most reliable long-term protection. Shoreline barriers can slow erosion but often fail over time, especially with increasing storm intensity. Moving the structure inland removes it from the danger zone entirely. Can any home be moved? Most wood-framed homes and cottages—especially those on crawlspaces, piers, or basements—can be moved. Our team will assess your structure and site to determine feasibility. What’s the process for moving a house away from the shoreline? We start with a site evaluation. From there, the home is lifted using a hydraulic jacking system and moved to a new, safer foundation location on your property. How long does the relocation process take? Every project is different, but many shoreline relocations are completed in just a few weeks from permitting to final placement. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during the initial assessment. What Cities and Beach Towns Do You Help Call DeVooght today to talk about moving your home landward, away from the actively eroding shoreline or bluff wall.
Protect Your Home from Erosion or Flooding —Move It Safely with DeVooght
The Shoreline Crisis Is Real
Why Move Your Home?
Experienced, Award-Winning Structural Movers You Can Trust
Frequently Asked Questions: Shoreline Relocation