SERVICE SUBPAGE
House Moving Services
(House Movers, Building moving company, Structural movers)
WHY
House Moving Services
Breithaupt & Sons House Moving specializes in full-service house moving and building relocation from initial feasibility to foundation set and final tie-in. Based at 1614 N Felts Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99206, we serve homeowners, developers, preservationists, and municipalities across Eastern Washington. Call (509) 413-7771 for a detailed assessment or to request a free estimate.
Why House Moving Services Matter
House moving preserves value, character, and embodied energy. For owners and communities, moving a structure instead of demolishing it provides:
Historic preservation
Protects architectural details and cultural heritage.
Cost-effectiveness
In many cases, moving and setting a building on a new foundation is less expensive than a full rebuild.
Development flexibility
Enables site redevelopment without losing usable square footage.
Environmental benefits
Reduces demolition waste and conserves building materials.
Quick reoccupation
In certain scenarios, moving a building enables faster re-use than full reconstruction.
Regulatory and insurance matters
We secure all required permits and verify load limits, roadway restrictions, and municipal approvals. We carry liability insurance and can provide certificates of insurance to municipalities or project partners.
Key benefits of choosing professional house movers
Minimized structural damage
Engineered rigging and synchronized jacking minimize stress to framing and finishes.
Efficient logistics
We manage route planning, traffic control permits, and utility coordination.
Comprehensive scope
Foundation work, basement underpinning, and final set-in-place tie-ins are all handled.
Safety and liability control
Proper insurance, staged lifts, and traffic protection limit exposure and risk.
Preservation of materials
We use cushioned cribbing and vibration-controlled transport to avoid damage to historic millwork and finishes.
How Breithaupt & Sons House Moving handles a house moving project
We begin with a detailed site visit: measuring building dimensions, identifying structural condition, examining foundation and soil, and assessing access routes. Photographs and drone imagery (when helpful) capture clearance constraints.
Initial consultation and feasibility survey
Engineering and lift plan development
We coordinate with licensed structural engineers to produce lift and transport plans that account for building loads, shear points, and temporary bracing to protect finishes. The engineer’s calculations define jack point locations, cribbing specifications, and transport axle loads.
Permitting and municipal coordination
We secure local building permits, DOT permits for highway or arterial moves, and coordinate utility companies for overhead line lifts or temporary disconnections. We obtain required road-use permits and plan for pilot car and police escort as needed.
Site preparation and foundation work
Whether you are moving to a new lot or temporarily relocating during site work, we prepare footings and foundations to match the building’s support points. For new foundations, we pour or repair footings to engineered specs and ensure accurate grade transitions.
Lifting and rigging
We use multi-point hydraulic jacking systems and synchronized controllers to raise the building evenly. Cribbing is installed incrementally to support the structure while we cut and remove the existing foundation or prepare for transport load transfer.
Transport and route management
For short-distance moves, specialized dollies and trailers carry the load with pilot vehicles to manage traffic disruptions. For longer distance transports, we coordinate state DOT permitting, bridge capacity checks, and alternate routing to avoid low-clearance obstacles.
Typical project scenarios
Local lot-to-lot relocation: Moving a single-family home within city limits to make way for a new build.
Long-distance relocation: Transporting a structure across counties or states for historic preservation or buyer relocation.
Modular or sectional moves: When a building is too large for a single transport, we coordinate disassembly into sections and reassembly on-site.
Commercial building moves: Transporting small commercial buildings for redevelopment or use continuity.
Common challenges and our solutions
Narrow streets and tight turns: We perform route surveys and may remove/reinstall utility poles, trim trees, or partially disassemble porches.
Overhead utilities: We coordinate power companies for temporary service drop removal or line raising.
Bridge and weight limits: We perform structural weight calculations and choose alternate routes or lighter transport systems as needed.
Historic finishes: We use padded cribbing, custom bracing, and vibration-control to protect fine finishes.
Cost considerations
House moving costs depend on:
Building size, weight, and condition
Distance and complexity of route
Permitting, escort, and utility coordination fees
Foundation work at destination
Need for crane and specialized lifting equipment
We provide detailed, itemized estimates so owners can compare moving vs. demolition/rebuild costs.
Case study — sample project (illustrative)
Project: 1920s bungalow relocation within Spokane city
Challenge
Narrow street, overhead utility lines, and proximity to existing structures.
Solution
Engineering analysis of timber framing, phased jacking using synchronized hydraulic cylinders, route planning with utility coordination, and final foundation set with tie-downs and new frost-protected shallow foundation.
Outcome
Historic home preserved, minimal neighbor disruption, and a successful reuse of the structure by new owners.
Frequently Asked Questions — House Moving Services
How do you determine if a house is moveable?
We assess structural integrity, framing, roof overhangs, foundation type, and access. The feasibility study, along with an engineer’s review, establishes moveability.
Do you remove the chimney or porch before moving?
Sometimes. Chimneys and delicate features may be braced or removed and later restored for safety and to reduce transport height.
How long does a move take?
The actual move is often completed in a day for local routes, but permitting, prepping, and foundation work extend the project timeline.
Will my utilities be disconnected?
Yes — we coordinate with utility companies to safely disconnect and reconnect services as required.
What happens to landscaping?
We advise on temporary protective measures; some landscaping may need removal depending on route and staging areas.
Contact us
House moving is a specialized, high-value service that saves buildings and supports sustainable development. Breithaupt & Sons House Moving brings the engineering, permitting, equipment, and contractor experience to move projects from concept to completion with integrity, safety, and respect for historic fabric and neighborhood impact.