If you’re looking at moving or lifting your Non-combustible Type II building, you have quite the project. Many components must work in harmony to ensure a safe, successful lift or move. Thankfully, you can efficiently execute your project without a hitch when you have the right team and have prepared beforehand.
In this article, the experts at DeVooght House Lifters give you our top five tips for moving and lifting a Non-combustible Type II building.
- Planning Your Move – You can imagine that a move or lift for a Non-combustible Type II building requires planning that begins months –– or even upwards of a year –– out. Therefore, as you meet with your moving contractor, you’ll want to ensure they have the paperwork and information to create a moving or lifting plan. Below are three sets of information you need to present to your contractor early in the planning stage:
- Building blueprints – Your moving contractor needs access to your building’s blueprints to determine the best places to put their lifting jacks. The careful placement allows your contractor to lift your building safely, maintaining its structural integrity.
- New location – Consult with your contractor to make sure they can move your Non-combustible Type II building to its new location. Are there any roadblocks, hazardous terrain, or other obstacles to moving your building?
- Moving plan – Will you be adding new construction to your building post-lift or post-move? Are you taking preexisting additions to your building? Know the answers to these questions to discuss with your lifting and general contractors.
Meeting Non-combustible Type II Regulations
Both Non-combustible Type II buildings (IIA and IIB) must meet standards and regulations to earn those designations. Therefore, when you lift or move your building, you need to ensure any construction meets the requirements of Type II buildings.
For example, Type IIB construction doesn’t require any additional fire-resistance rating. Non-combustible building elements can be exposed, and the structure will still be rated as a Type IIB building. However, Type IIA buildings require the application of fire-resistant materials on the same elements. Non-combustible Type II buildings don’t prevent the spread of fire, but they provide greater resistance than traditional building materials like wood.
Whether you decide to lift or move your building, some general construction will need to occur. When it does, ensure your contractor uses the appropriate materials so your structure maintains its non-combustible designation and fire-safety measures already in place.
Securing Permits
Many Non-combustible Type II structures are commercial. Therefore, making changes like raising your foundation or relocating your building necessitates obtaining the proper permits before the project begins.
In addition to construction permits for both old and new locations, your move might require temporarily shutting down a road or moving powerlines or any number of actions that you’ll need permission for. Again, your general contractor or your moving contractor can guide you on which permits you need to acquire. In some cases, they will take care of this aspect of your project.
Preparing the New Lot
If you’re relocating your Non-combustible Type II building to a new property, some prep work must be done. For example, you might have to cut trees or move utility poles depending on the lot.
You will need to have a new foundation constructed for your building. Make sure your contractor builds the foundation to meet Non-combustible Type II standards. In addition, they will need to replicate the foundation to ensure your building can fit securely and not incur or develop structural damage.
Partner with the Right Moving Contractor
Most Non-combustible Type II buildings are newly constructed commercial buildings. For example, many newer school buildings are built using this type of construction. Most of these structures are huge, and moving them requires expertise.
There’s no room for error when lifting or moving your Non-combustible Type II building. And because these buildings typically aren’t personally owned, you’ve got to jump through red tape to lift or move them in the first place.
Hiring a professional lifting contractor will be the best possible outcome for a move or lift for your building. DeVooght House Lifters has been leading the structural relocation industry for years. With over five decades of experience, our family-owned team will safely and successfully execute your Non-combustible Type II projects with unmatched integrity and professionalism.
DeVooght moves and raises more than houses. We have seen and done it all and can provide customized relocation services for any structure, including your Non-combustible Type II buildings. Too much is at stake to compromise on your relocation contractor. We bring experience, equipment, manpower, and know-how to each project, taking every precaution to execute your lift or move to the highest standards.
If you’re ready to consult our team for your project or simply want to discuss your options, call us. We’ll gladly walk you through the process and get you started today.