How Bradley A Company Moves Historic Houses in South Carolina

What Bradley A Company Does

Bradley A Company specializes in moving entire structures—houses, barns, and other buildings—rather than moving the contents inside them. The company physically relocates buildings from one location to another, a service that preserves structures that might otherwise be demolished. This work is common in South Carolina when a property is being redeveloped, when a historic building needs to be saved, or when a building must be moved to make room for new construction.

The company operates primarily in South Carolina and has handled moves ranging from modest residential homes to larger commercial structures. House moving requires specialized equipment, detailed planning, and coordination with local authorities—it is not a service most general moving companies offer.

Key Takeaways

• Bradley A Company moves entire buildings to new locations, not household goods, and serves clients across South Carolina.
• A house move requires permits from your city or county, utility disconnection and reconnection, and foundation preparation at the new site.
• The cost and timeline depend on the building's size, the distance it travels, and the complexity of the new foundation.
• You will need to contact the company directly for a site visit and estimate, as each move is custom work.

When a Building Move Makes Sense

House moving in South Carolina typically happens in a few situations. A historic home may be threatened by demolition when a property is sold for development, and moving it to a new lot preserves the structure. A property owner might relocate a building to consolidate land use or to move a structure away from flooding or erosion. Developers sometimes move existing buildings to clear a site for new construction while saving the original structure from waste.

The decision to move a building rather than demolish it usually comes down to the building's historical value, the cost of moving versus demolition, and whether a suitable new location exists. Bradley A Company works with property owners, developers, and preservation organizations to assess whether a move is practical.

Permits and Local Coordination

Moving a house requires permits from your city or county before the work begins. The permitting process typically involves submitting plans showing the building's current location, its destination, the route the move will take, and details about the new foundation. Local authorities review these plans to ensure the move will not damage roads, utilities, or other infrastructure.

South Carolina counties and municipalities handle permits differently, so the timeline and requirements vary by location. Some areas require a structural engineer's certification that the building can safely withstand the move. Others require notification to utility companies and road departments along the planned route. Bradley A Company handles much of this coordination, but you will need to work with your local government to obtain the necessary approvals before the move date is set.

Utility Disconnection and Reconnection

Before a building can be moved, all utilities must be safely disconnected. This includes electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and any other services connected to the structure. The utility companies serving your area handle this work, and disconnection typically takes a few days to schedule.

Once the building reaches its new location and the foundation is ready, utilities must be reconnected. If the new site does not have existing utility lines, new connections may need to be installed, which can add time and cost to the project. You will need to contact each utility company to arrange disconnection before the move and reconnection afterward.

Foundation Preparation at the New Site

The new location must have a prepared foundation before the building arrives. This foundation must be engineered to support the structure's weight and must match the building's dimensions. Foundation work typically includes excavation, concrete pouring, and installation of support piers or a full basement, depending on what the building requires.

The foundation must be completed and inspected before the building is moved onto it. This is one of the longest parts of the process and often takes several weeks. Bradley A Company can advise on foundation requirements based on the building's size and condition, but you will typically hire a local contractor to prepare the site.

Timeline and Cost Considerations

A house move in South Carolina typically takes two to four months from start to finish, though this varies widely. Permitting alone can take four to eight weeks depending on your locality. Foundation preparation usually takes four to six weeks. The actual moving day might take one to three days depending on the distance and complexity.

Cost depends on the building's size, the distance it travels, the condition of the structure, and the complexity of the new foundation. A move of a few miles costs less than a move across the county. A building that requires structural reinforcement before moving costs more than one that is already sound. Because each move is unique, Bradley A Company provides estimates only after a site visit and detailed assessment.

Getting Started with Bradley A Company

Contact Bradley A Company directly to discuss your project. The company will want to know the building's size and condition, its current location, where you want it moved, and your timeline. A representative will typically visit the site to assess the structure and the proposed route.

After the site visit, the company can provide a preliminary estimate and timeline. From there, you will work with Bradley A Company and your local government to obtain permits, arrange utility disconnection, and coordinate foundation work at the new site. The company can also recommend structural engineers, foundation contractors, and other specialists you may need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any building be moved?

Most wood-frame houses and barns can be moved, but very large buildings, those in poor structural condition, or buildings with complex systems may not be candidates. A site visit is the only way to know for certain. Masonry buildings and those with extensive damage require more careful assessment.

What happens to the original foundation?

The original foundation is left behind at the old site. Depending on local requirements, it may need to be removed or filled in. Your local government can tell you what is required for your property.

How much does a house move cost?

Cost varies widely based on the building's size, distance, and site conditions. A short move of a modest house might cost several thousand dollars, while a longer move or larger structure can cost significantly more. Bradley A Company provides estimates after a site visit.

Do I need a new foundation at the new location?

Yes. The new site must have a prepared foundation engineered for the building's weight and dimensions. This is typically the most time-consuming part of the project and is usually handled by a local contractor you hire separately.

How long does the actual move take?

The day the building is physically moved typically takes one to three days depending on distance and obstacles along the route. However, the entire project from permits to utility reconnection usually takes two to four months.