Lifting or relocating your home is one of the most significant investments you can make to preserve the value of your property and protect it from flood damage. However, this is no small endeavor and requires much preparation and planning to ensure it is done correctly.
During a lift or relocation, homeowners must find a temporary. Read on to learn what to expect and what variables affect how long you will be out of the house.
Good News: You Will Not Be out of Your Home for the Entire Process
The whole process for a lift or relocation can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. The good news is that you do not need to be out of your house for that entire time.
Several steps must occur before the contracting work can be done. This involves filling out the necessary paperwork and working with contractors and inspectors to ensure your home is in good shape and prevent significant damage during the moving or lifting.
The amount of time you will need to be out of your house can range between one and eight weeks, depending on the size of your home, the distance it is being moved, the material it is made out of, and any additional repairs that must be made once the project is complete.
Factors that Can Affect Your Timeline
Many variables affect the time you’re displaced during your home’s lift or relocation:
- Paperwork
Sometimes the paperwork can be the longest part of the process. However, as a homeowner, you must know what needs to be done to be proactive in your paperwork.
- Your Mortgage Company
If you do not fully own your home, you must contact the mortgage company before any significant changes are made so they can approve it.
- Weather
Another factor to consider is the weather. Heavy rainfall or storms can cause delays in the construction process.
- Home Repairs
Lastly, minor repairs are commonly needed once the moving or lifting process is over. You can expect different outcomes depending on the material of your house. For example, wood-framed homes may experience more structural shifts that can lead to cracking, while steel stud homes may have issues with alignment and modification. Knowing your home’s repair needs can make for a more accurate timeline estimate.
Preparing Your Home Before It is Lifted or Moved
Much preparation for a home lift or relocation can be done while you still live there. However, before any changes can be made, you’ll have many conversations with contractors and inspectors to ensure your home is free of rot and any other structural issues.
If you relocate your home, it is essential to note that you will need a new foundation before moving it.
The following steps in prep work involve emptying basements and crawlspaces and removing or securing all small or fragile items. Most of the time, you can leave your furniture inside your home. Once the inside of the home is secure, it is time to start disconnecting utilities and removing exterior furnishings and fixtures, which include anything near or attached to the house.
After utilities are disconnected, families usually move out of their homes and into temporary living spaces.
Be Flexible When Planning Your Time and Budget
While you should be able to trust the estimates of the professionals you are working with, it is always a good idea to be prepared for external obstacles to arise. For example, after the project is complete, there is a risk that you’ll encounter difficulties reconnecting plumbing, electricity, and even appliances, like your HVAC. Moving your home can also affect the alignment of doors and windows.
Some homeowners may plan additional construction projects or remodeling during this time. It may not always be necessary, but some will find it convenient to remain out of their house for extended periods to allow rooms to be remodeled, appliances replaced, walls painted, etc. If the home is securely on its foundation and there are no severe issues, the homeowners can choose when to move back in. However, preparing to go over budget on time and money is advised for more critical repairs.
Conclusion
The process of lifting or relocating is almost as unique as the home itself. The duration depends on many factors, including the size, age, and material of the house; inspections before and after; mortgage approval; and even weather. This is why you must work with professionals to ensure the best results. The experts at DeVooght have been building more robust and safer communities for over 55 years. Contact us today to quickly and efficiently get your home on stable footing.