Chavis Mobile Home Movers: What to Know Before You Hire
Chavis Mobile Home Movers handles relocations across South Carolina
Chavis Mobile Home Movers is a South Carolina-based company that specializes in moving mobile homes within the state. They transport single-wides and double-wides, handle the logistics of disconnection and reconnection at both the old and new locations, and manage the permits and inspections required by South Carolina's Department of Housing, Finance and Development Authority (DHFA).
The company operates primarily in the Lowcountry and Midlands regions, though they work across the state. If you own a mobile home and need to relocate it to a different lot or community, Chavis handles the physical move, utility coordination, and the paperwork that comes with it.
Key Takeaways
- Chavis Mobile Home Movers transports both single-wide and double-wide mobile homes and manages disconnection and reconnection of utilities.
- South Carolina requires a moving permit from the DHFA and an inspection before and after relocation, which Chavis coordinates as part of the move.
- The cost of a mobile home move varies based on distance, the size of the home, and local lot conditions at both locations.
- You should contact Chavis directly for a quote and timeline, as moving schedules depend on permit approval and inspector availability.
What Chavis Mobile Home Movers actually does
A mobile home move is not the same as moving a house or apartment. The home must be disconnected from its foundation, utilities, and septic or sewer lines at the current location. It is then transported on a specialized trailer, positioned on blocks or a new foundation at the destination, and reconnected to water, electric, and waste systems. Chavis handles all of these steps.
The company also manages the South Carolina permits required before the move can happen. The DHFA issues a moving permit, and the home must pass an inspection before it leaves its current location and again after it arrives at the new one. These inspections check that the home is safe to move and that it meets code at its new location. Chavis coordinates with inspectors and the DHFA on your behalf, which saves you from making multiple phone calls to state offices.
How much a move costs and what affects the price
Mobile home moving costs depend on several factors: the distance the home travels, whether it is a single-wide or double-wide, the condition of the roads and terrain at both locations, and whether the new lot already has utilities stubbed in or if new connections must be run. A move across town costs less than a move across the state. A double-wide costs more to move than a single-wide because it requires a wider transport route and more equipment.
Site conditions matter too. If the new lot is on a steep hill, has poor road access, or requires extensive grading, the move takes longer and costs more. If utilities are already in place, reconnection is faster. You should contact Chavis directly with details about both locations—the current address and the new address, the size of your home, and any site challenges—to receive an accurate quote.
The permit and inspection process in South Carolina
Before your mobile home can move, the DHFA must issue a moving permit. This is a state requirement and cannot be skipped. The permit application includes information about the home (serial number, dimensions, current location) and the destination. Chavis can help you gather this information and submit the application, or you can submit it yourself through the DHFA office in Columbia.
Once the permit is approved, an DHFA inspector visits the home at its current location to verify it is safe to move. After the move is complete and the home is set up at the new location, another inspection confirms that it meets code and is properly connected. Both inspections must pass before the move is considered complete. The timeline for permits and inspections varies—it can take several weeks—so plan accordingly if you have a move-in date in mind.
Preparing your home and lot for the move
Before Chavis arrives, you need to remove or secure anything inside the home that could shift or break during transport: dishes, furniture, decorations, and anything loose in cabinets. Some movers require you to empty the home entirely; others allow you to leave built-in furniture. Ask Chavis what their policy is when you get your quote.
At the current location, make sure the lot is accessible for the moving equipment. Trees, power lines, or structures that overhang the home may need to be trimmed or removed. At the new location, confirm that the lot is level or can be leveled, that utilities are ready or will be ready by move day, and that the new community or lot owner has approved the move. Some mobile home communities require advance notice and may have their own rules about moving in.
Utilities and reconnection at the new location
Your water, electric, gas, and sewer or septic systems must be disconnected before the move and reconnected after. Chavis coordinates this work, but you are responsible for notifying your current utility providers that you are moving and for setting up service at the new location. Contact your water department, electric company, and gas provider at least two weeks before the move to schedule disconnection.
At the new location, you will need to contact the same providers to schedule reconnection. If the new lot does not have utilities run to it, you may need to hire a separate contractor to install water lines, electric service, or septic systems. Chavis can tell you what utilities are already in place and what still needs to be done, but the actual installation of new utility lines is usually not part of their service.
Questions to ask Chavis before you hire them
When you contact Chavis for a quote, ask these questions: What is included in the moving fee? Do they handle the DHFA permit and inspections, or do you? What is their timeline from quote to move day? Do they require the home to be empty, and if so, where can you store your belongings? What happens if the inspection fails—do they re-move the home at no charge, or is that an additional cost?
Also ask whether they handle utility disconnection and reconnection or if you need to hire separate contractors. Ask if there are any site conditions at your current or new location that might delay the move or increase the cost. The more specific you are about your situation, the more accurate their quote will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mobile home move take from start to finish?
The entire process—permit approval, inspections, and the physical move—typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly the DHFA processes the permit and inspector availability. The actual transport usually takes one to three days. Contact Chavis with your timeline to see if they can meet your move-in date.
Can I move a mobile home that is financed or has a lien on it?
Yes, but you must notify your lender before the move. The lender may require proof of insurance during transport and confirmation that the home will be properly set up at the new location. Some lenders have specific requirements, so contact them early in the process.
What if the new location does not have utilities ready?
Chavis can move the home, but utilities must be in place or ready to connect before the final inspection. If water, electric, or sewer lines are not yet installed, you will need to hire a contractor to run them. The move can proceed once those are done and inspected by the county or utility provider.
Do I need to be present during the move?
It is a good idea to be present at both the old and new locations on move day so you can answer questions and confirm that utilities are disconnected and reconnected correctly. However, ask Chavis what their policy is—some movers require the owner to be there, while others do not.
What happens if the home fails the pre-move or post-move inspection?
If the pre-move inspection finds problems, those must be fixed before the move can happen. If the post-move inspection finds issues, they usually relate to how the home is set up at the new location. Ask Chavis upfront whether they cover the cost of re-inspection if repairs are needed.