House relocation is a cost-effective alternative to demolition and rebuilding in a different location, but it still requires extensive planning. Once your house is removed from the existing site and transported to a new one, you’ll have to clear away any leftover debris and materials.
To help you plan a seamless house removal process, we’ll walk you through the post-removal site works, when you should use house removal, and when it’s better to choose house demolition.
What House Removal Involves
House relocation means preparing an existing house for transport, moving it to a new place, and re-establishing the structure on new foundations. Experts are hired to lift the house onto a large truck and moving it to a vacant block in a different location.
Post-Removal Site Works
Slab Removal
After your house is removed from the site and transported to a new location, the existing slab foundation in the previous site needs to be removed. You’ll have to call in specialists to break up the concrete slab and dispose of the debris using specialised equipment. Hiring licensed professionals ensures that you secure relevant permits and comply with council requirements.
Tree Clearing
Post-house removal, preparing the site involves clearing away existing vegetation, including shrubs and trees. You’ll have to contact a specialist in site clearing to remove any trees on the property. Because trees can get in the way of specialised equipment, this step ensures better access to other post-removal site works, like utility disconnection.
Utility Disconnections
In traditional demolition and rebuild projects, disconnecting utilities is an essential step of the process. When that’s not the case, utilities can be disconnected after the house is removed. For this step, you’ll have to contact your utility company and arrange for a disconnection with the provider.
When House Removal Makes Sense
House removal, while cost-effective and efficient, is only suitable in certain situations. Here are a few examples of when it makes sense:
Type of Home
Traditional Queenslander style homes have a timber-frame and are usually elevated on stilts. This unique design and construction method involving a wraparound verandah makes such homes suitable for removal and relocation.
High Resale Value
It’s not enough for the home to be a certain design. It should be well-maintained, too. If it’s a heritage-style property with visual appeal, it offers a high resale value for future buyers.
Structurally Sound
House removal and relocation can take a toll on a structure, so it needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of being transported to a different space. In some cases, the house may need to be cut into sections for relocation. In this case, the team must consider weather conditions to avoid damaging the interior.
Availability of Removal Company
Most importantly, you need a company willing to remove and relocate your house to a different place. They should have the right equipment and experience in handling removals.
When Demolition Is Simpler
Just as there are cases when house removal is viable, some situations call for a demolition instead. Here’s when demolition is the better option:
- Poor Condition: The property’s structure is in poor condition and poses safety risks, either during relocation or after it’s been installed on a new foundation.
- Limited Site Access: You have limited access to the site, making house removal and relocation too complex of a job.
- Faster Project Timeline: When you want a faster project timeline, demolition and rebuilding proves quicker than arranging a provider for removal and relocation.
- Low Market Value: When the home is in poor condition or doesn’t have any appealing architecture, it can reduce potential market value. In this case, it’s not financially worth relocating the house.
How Contractors Support Either Option
Whichever option you choose, demolition contractors can help with the process by:
- Overseeing site preparation like disconnecting utilities and clearing away debris
- Coordinating permits and managing council requirements
- Handle asbestos testing and removal before starting any work
- Offering services like excavation to prepare the site for future works
For Hassle-Free House Removal, Call Next Gen Demolition
Structural house removals can be a smart alternative to demolition, but they still come with planning, costs, and clean-up. It can mean relocating a house to a new block or clearing a block for something new for a new project. In either case, Next Gen Demolition can support you at every stage.