What is the cost of moving a manufactured home?

It’s no secret that moving will cost you. Relocating a mobile home will cost money, time, energy and perhaps other negative consequences.

If you’re considering moving a manufactured home, the costs involved can include much more than just money. In fact, the headache of the moving process is a price all of its own. And moving a mobile home involves much more than calling a local tow truck company and hitching up.

There are several factors that go into moving a mobile home that you will want to know before taking on this difficult task. That being said, we do it all the time so it does have its benefits, obviously. The question is: Do you want to take this task on by yourself?

Besides knowing the value of your mobile home, here are some of the main things to consider before moving your mobile home.

Monetary Costs.

The money you spend on moving your mobile homes depends on the distance of the move. Short distance moves can cost between $1,000–$5,000, while longer trips can cost as much as $15,000 or more. You can determine your cost using this good rule-of-thumb: Estimate about $5–$10 per mile for your move.

You will also need to factor in the cost of permits and a minimum charge for short moves. The best way to get an estimate is to call a moving business near you to find out their rates, but we’ll cover this next. You don’t need to be a mathematician to understand the rising expenses of such a move. And because moving takes so much effort and cost, mobile home parks often scoff at those who threaten to move their homes.

Get A Sales Quote Today!                   Get A moving Quote Now!

Here are the main things to consider before looking at cost.

Hiring a Mover

You will need to hire a professional who specializes in relocating large homes. Choosing a mover can be a difficult task, especially when thinking of the costs involved.  It can be very tempting to base your decision on the price quoted.  However, this may not be the best approach.  Of course, you’re going to be price conscious, but be aware that there are shady people in every industry, and the mobile home industry is no different.  Be sure to do your due diligence before selecting the company you’re going to use.  It’s wise to ask for references or check the Better Business Bureau for any complaints that may have been filed against them.

Be sure to look into what is actually being quoted.  Are they guaranteeing that the lot will be cleaned when they’re finished?  Mobile home parks hold you responsible for messy lots left by movers.  Make sure they include this service in the quote or you could be left dealing with an angry park.  Also, check to see what they’re going to do with sheds and decks.  This should be determined prior to the move so that there are no miscommunications during the moving process.

 By choosing a good moving company, you get:

Licensed & Insured Transportation Company.

This is very important since most mobile home insurance companies do not cover the home while in transit.  Be sure to ask the mover about the coverages they carry prior to your agreement.

Moving Permits.

They also inspect your home to determine if the home’s current condition allows for transportation.  If so, many moving companies will get the permits for you.  Make sure to verify this or you may have to get the permits needed.  They are not typically hard to get, but if you don’t know what you’re doing it can add to your frustration.

Moving Preparation.

The professional moving company will disconnect plumbing and anything else necessary for transportation purposes. They will disconnect at the marriage line and get the mobile home prepped for the road.

Here are some of the varying moving costs for a mobile home:

Foundation.

What is the existing foundation of the home? Is it on a slab? If so, the moving cost could be lower. However, if the home is sitting on a block foundation the cost could be considerably higher.

Weight.

How much does the mobile home weigh? This will affect the price since it determines the size of equipment needed for the haul.

Distance.

As discussed above, the distance of the move is a huge factor in determining the cost.

Permits.

Permits need to be collected for each state that the mobile home enters.

Size.

What is the size of the home? Double-wides, being bigger, will cost more, and traffic on roads and highways might need to be altered during transport. Also, if the home is split into sections, it could be double the travel expense.

Getting to the Destination.

Where is the home being moved? Is it easy to reach? Can the roads along the way accommodate the size of the load? Remember: the more difficult the trip, the more costly the move.

Other associated costs:

Age.

If you have an older home, it might need new wheels. Ask yourself, is the home in good condition to withstand a move?

Repairs.

Repairs to the home after it has been moved. In a perfect world, any move would be flawless. But in reality, anything can happen, like having an accident during transport. The moving company should have insurance but you should check with their policy to see what is actually covered during the process.

Consider unexpected repairs after the home has reached its destination, Ie. Shingles, Siding, etc…

More things to consider before deciding to pursue a move…

• Contacting several companies to get bids can save you thousands of dollars.
• DON’T use a company that doesn’t offer adequate insurance. Do your homework and ask questions in advance before settling on a mover.
• Think about the costs of moving and compare those with the actual value of the home right now. Is it worth the move or would it be more cost effective to just buy another home?
• Your mobile home park could try to prevent your move. Although this is never a good reason to stay put, it pays to be prepared. Parks have put vehicles in front of homes before to keep owners from moving; this is ILLEGAL so don’t let it deter you! Instead, seek legal representation or law enforcement to help.
• Know that you are responsible for removing the skirting, decks, steps and landscaping around your home.
• Keep in mind that, as with most things in life, things could go wrong. Prepare for the unexpected!

Rather just sell your home? See what we’ll give you for the home now.  We can give you a free, no-obligation quote today. Just click on the link below, fill out our short form and you could have cash in hand within 24 hours.