Q:What are the reasons for moving a building?
A: Often redundancy in a redeveloping area or an area where its potential was never reached or short-lived produces a surplus of quality homes.

Q: What are the reasons for elevating a building?
A: Sometimes poorly constructed foundations need to be rebuilt. The head height in lower areas was not sufficient or simply another storey needs to be added to create more living or parking area.

Q: Do the houses ever get damaged when moved?
A: It is important to anticipate any potential problems in advance of the move. If a house is going to be too problematic, perhaps a more feasible alternative should be sought.

Q: How far can a building be moved?
A: It's not so much the distance as it is the time constraints. By law we are only allowed to move on the roadways between the hours of 2 AM and 5 AM in BC. At that time, we have to be off the road. Sometimes we can travel great distances, while other times maneuvering around things takes time and cuts down the overall distance you can move that night. In Alberta there are no limitations, however, practicality dictates feasibility - extra costs can apply.

Q: What types of houses are feasible to move?
A: Any house can be moved, but not all houses are feasible to move. The height of the building is also an issue - the higher the building the greater the potential for wire expense.

Q: Do relocated buildings make good revenue properties?
A: Definitely. To build new and rent is often not practical or economically feasible. The appraised value of a rebuilt home is often equal to that of a far more expensive newly and possibly poorly constructed home. Age has proven these homes to be sound.

Q: When and why do fireplaces/chimneys have to be removed?
A: In some cases building codes prohibit the re-use of relocated chimneys - check with local authorities.

Q: Can you move a house anywhere?
A: Not necessarily. That is why it is prudent to have a representative of the moving company inspect your property very early on in this process so not to waste everyone's time later. That first inspection is critical in determining whether the move can even happen or what type of home to be looking for.

Q: What additional costs are involved when moving a house?
A: Wire fees would be the most common of additional costs. These are possible costs from hydro, telephone and cable for preliminary work done prior to the move, or work done during the physical move itself. Sometimes permissions may have to be obtained when crossing a park, loading or unloading a barge or traversing across a neighbour's property. These are all areas that could carry an expense incurred by the house mover. Most of the costs will be passed on to you, the client. Our job is to minimize these expenses.

Q: Who is responsible for obtaining permits?
A: Moving permits are the responsibility of the mover. Building permits are the responsibility of the homeowner. We can help you in that process by providing you with as much detailed information as possible about the house we have sold you, and even supply you with an engineer's report and floor plan of same, but you will still have to do a foundation sketch, elevation plan and site plan to satisfy your building inspector.

Q: Do all municipalities allow recycled houses?
A: No, some municipalities have laws that do not allow the moving in of recycled houses. However, laws can be changed. If you are concerned, simply call up your local building department and ask. You might find it is allowed, but only under certain circumstances.

Q: How do I find out how much a foundation costs?
A: A typical foundation, based on the average house being 1200 sq. ft., should cost you from $5000 to $15,000 - many types and methods are acceptable.

Q: Does the foundation need to be built prior to the house being delivered?
A: This depends upon local practices and the remoteness or extremity of the destination. Ferry, barge, travel, time expense and accommodation dictate whether it is more practical to pre-build rather than place the house and elevate immediately upon arrival onsite and then return some number of weeks later to simply lower.

Q: What types of foundations are acceptable?
A: Poured concrete is the most common while styroblock/concrete or slab foundations should be considered. Concrete block foundations, pressure treated wood, post and pad, skidlog or steel beam, are other alternatives.

Q: Can the foundation be constructed larger than the relocated upper structure?
A: Yes, this can be done creatively and effectively through simple design and engineering. We would be happy to share our ideas and photos of past projects (see Scrapbook) with you.

Q: Can Able House Moving help with design and work with contractors?
A: Yes, you will find us very creative and competent in this department.

Q: What type of preparation is involved to be ready for the house? Do we need to hire a contractor for this?
A: A contractor is a good idea, or at least someone hired to oversee the entire operation. We have lists of client referrals in our office and would gladly pass on names which were passed on to us by satisfied clients. Many purchasers are capable of preparing their own site and organizing their own project, possibly needing no or very little guidance.

Q: Do you have lists of reliable contractors?
A: Yes, we are continually in contact with contractors and are currently identifying competent and reliable contractors in and around Edmonton, AB.

Q: How do I have someone inspect my property to see if it's possible to move a house to?
A: We would be happy to visit your lot to discuss this with you. Often the route is a bigger obstacle in determining the feasibility of a move.

Q: Can utility lines be taken down in order to move a house? How much does this cost?
A: Yes, but costs can add up quickly. If you are considering a multi-level house, you should be prepared for potential utility expenses. Initial site inspection by our rep can answer a lot of questions.

Q: Who reconnects the services?
A: A qualified person. You have hired a qualified company to move your house, do the same when connecting your services. Our client referral list would probably have someone in your area.

Q: Do the banks finance this project?
A: There is not much difference between this and a conventional mortgage. You just start at different points. By recycling a house, your costs are less, but you have more to show for it sooner. Some provinces are more open to this concept and there are always private firms willing to accommodate.

Q: How do I choose a competent mover?
A: Does the member follow criteria of an association? How long in business? Track record?

Q: How and where do I look for a feasible lot?
A: Feel free to contact us with your ideas and we'll share ours with you. We have been extensively researching Central and Northern Alberta, while our knowledge of Central and Northern Vancouver Island is quite comprehensive.

Q: Does anyone do complete set-ups?
A: Yes, there are many competent contractors, and in some cases we would consider providing this service.

Q: Do the appliances come with the houses?
A: In many cases, yes. The last owners have no use for the used appliances. Most can be replaced for about $100 or $200 each.

Q: What does the price of the house include?
A: Our listed price includes the purchase of the house, the moving of it locally, the sales fee and the lowering of the house.

Q: How do you move a house over water? Does this cost extra?
A: Houses moved over water are transported by barge. Barging costs will vary from one job to the next. The possibility of sharing a barge with another job will reduce these expenses.

Q: Can we request a specific type of house and have you contact us when one is available?
A: Yes, in fact we keep a data bank of all our clients' requests and when something specific becomes available, we contact everyone who has expressed an interest in such a structure.