You have a steel building that you need moved. Maybe you’ve sold your property but want to take your building. Or you’ve purchased a building off of someone else’s property. Regardless of why you need your steel building moved, getting it done can feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Below are five tips that will help you prepare for and organize the relocation of your steel constructed building.
Consider the Size of Your Structure
Steel buildings of different sizes will require different methods to ensure a successful relocation. If you’re moving a smaller structure, like a small shop, across your property, the moving company you’re working with may opt to slide it instead of lift and move it to the new location. Much like towing a vehicle, your movers will place supports under the base of your building and pull it to its resting spot.
If your building is larger or traveling a far distance, this may not be an option. In this case, your mover will likely lift the structure onto a trailer and transport it that way. You might find that many sources are telling you that in order to move your steel building, you’ll need to take the entire thing apart, transport the pieces, and reconstruct it at the new property. However, if you find a qualified structural mover, you might find that transporting the entire structure in one piece is doable. This will save you loads of time, energy, and sweat. Find a mover who will discuss all of your options so you can choose what works best for your timeline and your budget.
Provide Extra Support
Depending on the age and integrity of your steel building, you might need to take extra precaution for your move. For instance, if your steel building has been serving as a barn for a few decades, it’s probably rusted and breaking down in some parts, and maybe the nuts and bolts holding everything together have become loose.
In order to execute a safe and successful move for your steel constructed building, you’ll want to make sure everything is as tight as possible. Additionally, you should consider providing extra support in the form of a temporary steel framework or wooden supports. This will help ensure everything stays in place during the move.
If you aren’t sure if your building relocation project warrants this kind of precaution, we advise you to consult an inspector. They’ll be able to give you a clear idea of the shape your building is in and suggest support measures to keep your structure in one piece as it’s being transported.
Factor in Costs at Your New Location and Old Site
The costs of moving your steel building don’t stop at the transportation fees. Any time you move a building, you’ll need to prep the new site, plus you’ll have to take care of the leftover materials at the old site.
At your new location, you will need to lay a foundation for your steel building’s structure. If your steel building was a pole structure with the support poles buried in the ground, be prepared to have them dug out or cut off at the base. You’ll also need to have your contractor dig holes at the new site for the poles to go in. If the poles were cut at their base, they’ll need to be bolted or bracketed to the new foundation.
Stay Compliant with Codes
No matter where you are moving your steel building, you need to be aware of the property codes and regulations at your new location. The best way to do this is to get in touch with your local government body and have them walk you through the codes for your property.
If your steel building will serve as a barn, a living space, or a retail shop, they will have different building standards to meet. In order to legally utilize your buildings, go over every detail of structural codes for your property. This will save you time, money, and stress after the move is complete.
Choose the Safest Path and Get Clearance
When you choose to move your steel building, it’s not just the fastest and most convenient route you need to think about. As you plan to relocate, you should consider the safest path to take. And these precautions don’t apply only to steel buildings that are moving across town. If your steel structure is serving as a barn or agricultural storage space, and you’re simply moving it from one side of your property to the other, survey the terrain your movers will have to navigate when transporting it. Are there ditches or streams that need to be worked around? Is the ground solid enough for lifting or sliding your building? Think about these things when planning out your route with the mover.
Whichever path you work out with your structural movers, make sure you do everything you need to do on your end to get clearance with all of the right entities: neighbors, police, electric companies, and whoever else you need to inform of a move that will shut down roads.
Wrapping Up
Moving your steel constructed building might seem like a big task. The reality is that steel buildings are safely and securely moved every day, but finding a mover who will work with you to move your building in one piece and within your budget will make all the difference in your experience. With these five tips, you have a good idea of what it will take to make your move happen. Good luck!