So, you want to move your modular building? It can be done. Actually, it’s done almost every day but there are some dos-and-don’ts to follow to make the move easier.
But before you make a firm decision to relocate, you might consider an alternative. Often, owners will re-purpose their existing modular building and acquire a new modular for the current need. It’s rare that a good use cannot be found for anexisting building. Of course, leaving an existing building where it is eliminates the cost and inconvenience of moving it. More importantly, moving into a new building provides a lot of advantages. Brand new construction, updated and improved materials, adherence to newer, more demanding building codes, improved value for your investment (slower economic times create competitive pricing),and the ability to tailor the design of your new building to perfectly fit your needs are just a few of the benefits of choosing a new building. Palomar Modular Buildings professionalswould be glad to discuss your options with you.
After due consideration, if you decide relocation is best for you, there is a general roadmap that, if followed, will make your move easier.
- Determine the new site for your modular building. Make sure it is accessible and that all necessary utilities are present. If it is necessary to install electricity, gas, water, sewer or do other site work, it is easier to complete that work before disassembling or moving your building.
- Determine the delivery route for your building. Inspect it for obstructions, access, traffic problems, and other issues. After the building is in transit is not the best time to discover it is necessary to remove low-hanging wires or trees, or to find you can’t get access to that tight turn you though you could make.
- Engage a professional. Early in the process, find and use an experienced, knowledgeable professional to disassemble and reassemble your building. The same professionals may transport your building. Often, however, you will also have to engage a modular building transporter to move the building from the old to the new site. The same advice applies – hire a professional.
- Determine when the relocation will occur and allow enough time for the disassembly, transport and reassembly. Like any project, it usually takes longer than you expect, so plan accordingly.
- If the building is currently occupied, remember that you will have to find alternate “housing” for the occupants throughout the entire moving process.
- Don’t forget the weather. Study the forecast and try to choose a period of dry weather. There will be times your building could be exposed to the elements during the process. Avoiding extreme cold or heat is always desirable.
- Acquire extra or new parts for the installation. Work with your installer to find what new materials will likely be needed to reassemble the building. It is common to need certain electrical and plumbing supplies, as well as some replacement pads, anchors, roof sealant, floor covering materials, etc.. Better to be prepared than to be surprised.
- Last, but most important, is safety. It is imperative that all utilities are safely disconnected, terminated, and disabled before further work occurs. Even though you have hired a professional, don’t leave these decisions to chance. Make sure the building is safe from these hazards. Also, modular building sections are heavy and unstable when in the middle of the disassembly-relocate-assembly process. All unnecessary people should stay off of the site while the process is ongoing. This is not the time for “sidewalk-supervisors”.
If your relocation process adheres to these guidelines, you should expect a safe and efficient relocation and can then look forward to many more years’ use of your modular building.
A few other points to keep in mind: You will probably need to install new access ramps and/or steps. You may even need new sidewalks or parking spaces. And remember that the old site will need some clean-up work. Don’t forget to permanently disable the utilities at the old site.
This brief summary provides you a roadmap to follow to successfully move a modular building. If you prefer more information and a more detailed description of the procedure, your contacts at Palomar Modular Buildings will be glad to help you by providing a comprehensive, step by step disassembly plan.