It took eight pyramid builders in ancient Egypt to move one stone block of 5,500 pounds. An average garage of 12’x24′ weighs around 3530 pounds, so in theory, you will need half the manpower to relocate it. But common sense dictates us that this is not that simple. So how to move a garage, and is this even possible?
As you know, the whole idea of relocating a structure is not that uncommon, and many Americans decide to relocate their sheds, garages, and other detached buildings. Still, no matter if you plan to relocate the building a couple of inches, down the street, or to another state, you will have to do good research and a lot of preparations.
If you wonder can you lift and move a garage? The answer is yes. But if you wish to know how you can do it, start by learning some rules, especially if you are relocating to another state. Keep in mind that there are many reasons to move and to bring the outhouse with you. Some people do it because they want to rearrange their yard, others don’t have a place for storage in their home, and don’t want to bother with making another one.
The cost to move a garage depends on many factors. The price can go anywhere between $3000 to $10000, but if you have a detached construction, the price will be lower. So, if you are wondering how much does it cost to move a garage here are some factors that mostly influences the price:
Relocating out of state demands much preparation and paperwork. For starters, you will have to do some house hunting and have all the important documents ready for your real estate agent. Also, if you plan to ship your car, an auto transport company will ask for car insurance and proof of ownership before putting your car on an open trailer. So you can imagine how much additional paperwork you will need to relocate a construction.
You will require two permits, building and relocating, and inspection of the construction and approval. Also, you will have to add to your house blueprints that the construction is detached. Either way, these regulations differ from state to state, so check on your municipality website what your obligations are.
Now that you have decided where to live, you have calculated your costs, got all the permits, it is time to put up sleeves and start working. There is no point in explaining that construction must be empty when moving, so logically, the first thing you must do before packing is get rid of all the things you don’t need.
So if an old project in the form of a totaled car is sitting in your parking lot, now is time to start asking how to sell a vehicle through an auction or just take it to a junkyard. There are probably tons of stuff in your storage room you haven’t used in ages. We all use a car lot as our storage unit, and that is just fine, but there are probably things you keep but don’t use ever. As you realize, there can be many heavy things stored in your carport, from the bad clutch master cylinder to different tools and who knows, maybe even a car battery.
So throw or donate unwanted items, and enjoy one of the best benefits of moving a fresh start without baggage. Also, now is a good time to prepare your car for shipping. Ask the USA Auto Transport company what to keep in the car and what you must throw away.
Once all bulky and junk items are gone, you can start packing. Take extra-strong cardboard boxes or containers for tools. But make sure you don’t get too large containers so you can carry them more easily. Start with things that are stored there, and leave your tools for the last day. Because you will require tools for relocating a construction later on. Make sure to put all small items such as nails and screws in zip lock bags, so you don’t lose them. You will have to clear everything so make sure you start with this on time. Also, consider renting a storage unit to place your belongings there until movers arrive.
Now when your storage room is empty you have to do a thorough inspection to see if it is in condition to be transported. Check if there are any wobbly parts somewhere. If a car stall is made of wood see if there are any signs of rotting. Also, figure out how you can remove the doors and windows and start doing that.
For the most efficient move and safest approach of relocating a construction or anything else is always better to consult professionals. Contact contractors and ask them to inspect your parking lot construction. This is not only for the safety of you and the people that will help you but for everyone on the road. A minor bump can make the construction fall apart in the middle of the road if it is not solid enough. Also, you can hire contractors to relocate your entire thing, they will have much more experience and expertise in this matter.
When doing this massive undertaking, planning is essential. But you will have to make some smart and calculated choices. Will you lift your construction and then place it on a trailer or will you put wills underneath it and drag it this manner? Both ways are good, they just depend on your budget. Also, this is the stage where you will have to reinforce your construction, hire workers and find a truck that will pull the construction.
A really important step you must not forget to do. Measure your construction and the path you plan to transport it across. If there is anything on the path you will have to remove it. When making the calculations and measurements don’t forget to leave enough space for maneuvering of the construction.
You will have to check the rules and laws once again and to see on which roads are allowed constructions this big. Also, plan a trip to the last detail. Roads that lead to the desired location must be wide enough and not so steep. This is important to avoid any accidental detachment of the construction. After all, you don’t want to lose it somewhere on the road.
What is the best way to move a garage? Well, the best would be to hire professionals to do this for you but if you for some reason can’t afford that, you can do it yourself. Just remember, you will require a lot of help, so ask your friends and family to step in. And even if you don’t hire professionals, never skip a step where you ask them for their opinion, approval, advice, and inspection. And before you start lifting, reinforce every wall of the construction with some beams and do the same with a roof.
Just as in ancient Egypt, for relocating a structure you will have to use simple equipment, some logic, and physics. On the other hand, lifting a construction is something else and you will have to rent a truck with a crane so if that fits your budget do it this way. Here are steps for you to follow:
Check this video and see how it is done:
Last but not least you will have to make preparations for a new home as well. As we mentioned above you will require a permit. Well, once you relocate to a new home, you will also require the same permit to put your construction in the yard. There are other things you must consider. For example, is a street wide enough for the construction to pass, you can check this with your car shipping company if you can not get the door-to-door auto transport. This probably means your construction will have trouble passing through. As you know most people take the terminal to terminal car shipping option when the street is not wide enough for a trailer to fit.
Furthermore, you will have to pour foundation on your new location. So make sure when organizing your move to calculate the time needed for cement to dry off and workers to prepare everything. Also one of the things on your moving to-do list must be to get the necessary supplies for this too. Either way, as you can see relocating a construction is possible with little planning and organization.
