Moving or lifting a timber frame home is a big job. But with the right contractor on your side and a little knowledge going into the process, you can set yourself up for success. In this article, we talk about timber frame benefits and give you our top 5 tips for moving a timber frame home.
What Is a Timber Frame Home?
Timber homes are built with a frame structure of large posts and beams that are joined together wither pegs or other intricate joinery. No metal fasteners are used in this method, increasing the durability of the structure.
Timber frame construction is strong –– one of the strongest construction methods. The massive beams are sturdy enough to resist mighty winds and strong enough to support the weight of the home, and they require no interior load-bearing walls.
Many older historic structures are timber frame buildings. These buildings, many of which are hundreds of years old, prove that timber frame construction lasts!
If you’re lucky enough to own a timber home and want to lift or move it, you’re in a great position. These sturdy homes are the perfect candidate for a lift or a total relocation.
Moving Timber Frame Homes
Timber frame homes are known for their durability and flexibility. Lifting or moving these houses is a safe option for homeowners who need more space, want to mitigate the potential for flood damage, or desire to relocate the home to a different property.
Below are five tips for lifting or moving a timber frame home.
Check for Insects
Any time old wood is involved, there is a risk for insect damage. As you prepare your timber frame home for a lift or move, inspect your timbers for any signs of infestations, past or present.
If you discover bugs have made their home in your timbers, you’ll potentially need to adjust your project schedule. You will need to treat exposed timber beams to prevent further infestations and kill existing insects.
Plan for a New Foundation
When your home is in the air, you have the perfect opportunity to examine your foundation. Whether you’re lifting a few inches or moving the home 30 miles, you will need to make plans for your foundation.
Communicate with your general contractor to determine the needs for your home. They will work with your lifting contractor and create a plan to build a foundation that works for your needs.
Inspect Timber Integrity
Older timber frame homes are likely constructed with untreated timbers. Maintaining these old timbers provides the key to structural integrity and a house that will last. If you’re not the first owner of a timber frame home, you might not know how previous residents cared for the structure. In this case, we highly recommend hiring an inspector before your lift or move.
Any time you prepare to move a timber frame home, you want an inspection before the lift. An inspector will give your lifting team the ok to commence with your left or relocation. They will check for the structural integrity of your timbers, looking specifically for warp and rotten or weak places in the wood.
After the move, you could also have an inspection to ensure the timbers remained intact during the lifting and moving.
Prepare Your Timber Frame Home for the Move
You must prepare your home for the lift or move. Turn off and detach utilities before your lifting contractor arrives. Secure pipes under your crawlspace and detach them from the water source. Remove your HVAC unit. See that your electricity is off, and your wiring is detached and capped.
Also, consider yard décor and trees. Remove anything that can be moved from around the perimeter of your home. Realize that your lifting contractor will need direct access to the base of your home. If trees, decking, or landscaping are in the way, you need to have them removed. Take care of these details before the day of your lift or relocation, and you’ll help facilitate a smooth project on the day of.
Choose an Experienced Moving Contractor
Choosing your lifting contractor is the most important decision you can make regarding your timber frame home move. Your home is your greatest asset, and you want a contractor with the experience, manpower, and equipment to handle your house with the best care possible.
DeVooght House Lifters combines decades of experience and exceptional service to provide the best timber frame house lifting and moving services in the region. The family-owned business walks you through every step of the process, ensuring you’re informed and comfortable at every juncture. When you’re ready to talk about the next steps for your timber frame home, the team at DeVooght House Lifters is happy to get you started!
Conclusion
Moving or lifting your timber frame home can increase living space and storage, protect from flooding, and add value to your home. Contact DeVooght House Lifters today to talk to a team member about what we can do for your home.