Cox House Moving Company: What to Know Before You Hire Them
Who Cox House Moving Company Is and What They Do
Cox House Moving Company is a South Carolina-based moving service that specializes in relocating homes—the actual structures themselves—rather than moving household belongings. The company lifts and transports entire houses to new locations, a service distinct from traditional moving companies that pack and transport your furniture and boxes.
House moving is a specialized trade that requires heavy equipment, engineering knowledge, and permits from multiple agencies. Cox House Moving Company handles the logistics of disconnecting utilities, lifting the structure, transporting it on specialized trailers, and reconnecting it at the new site. This type of work is common in South Carolina when properties are being relocated due to development, preservation efforts, or owner preference.
Key Takeaways
- Cox House Moving Company moves entire house structures, not household contents, using specialized equipment and requiring multiple permits.
- House moving projects involve disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, foundation work, and coordination with local authorities.
- The cost and timeline for a house move depend on distance, the structure's size and condition, and local permitting requirements.
- You will need to contact the company directly for a site visit and quote, as each project is unique.
- South Carolina counties and municipalities each have their own rules about house moving, so permits and approvals vary by location.
What the House Moving Process Typically Involves
A house move begins with an assessment of the structure itself. The company evaluates the building's size, weight, condition, and how it is currently attached to utilities and the foundation. This determines what equipment is needed and whether the structure can be safely moved or requires reinforcement.
Once the assessment is complete, the company works with you and local authorities to secure the necessary permits. South Carolina requires permits from your county or municipality, and some moves also need approval from the state Department of Transportation if the route crosses state highways. The company coordinates these applications, though you as the property owner are typically responsible for the permit fees.
Before the move, utilities—water, sewer, electric, gas, and any others—must be disconnected by the appropriate providers. The foundation is then prepared, and the house is lifted using hydraulic jacks and temporary supports. The structure is loaded onto specialized trailers and transported to the new site, where it is positioned on a new foundation and utilities are reconnected.
Permits and Regulations You Will Encounter
Every house move in South Carolina requires permits from the county or city where the structure will be relocated. The permitting authority reviews the route the house will travel, the new location, and whether the move meets local zoning and safety standards. Some municipalities have restrictions on which roads can accommodate a moving house, and some areas do not permit house moves at all.
If the route crosses a state highway, you will also need approval from the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Local utility companies must be notified and may impose their own requirements, such as temporarily raising power lines or relocating poles. The process can take several weeks or longer, depending on how quickly each agency responds.
You should contact your local county assessor's office or planning and zoning department before reaching out to Cox House Moving Company. They can tell you whether your property and the intended destination are in areas where house moves are permitted, and what the local requirements are.
Cost Factors and What Affects Your Quote
House moving costs vary widely based on several factors. The distance the house travels, the size and weight of the structure, the condition of the building, and the complexity of the route all influence the final price. A house moving 10 miles on rural roads costs significantly less than one traveling 50 miles through populated areas or over bridges with weight restrictions.
Permit fees, utility disconnection and reconnection charges, and foundation preparation at the new site are separate from the moving company's fee and are your responsibility as the property owner. If the structure requires temporary bracing or reinforcement before it can be moved safely, that adds to the cost. Some moves also require temporary road closures or police escorts, which incur additional fees.
Because every house move is unique, Cox House Moving Company will need to visit your property, assess the structure, and review the intended route before providing a quote. You should gather information about the house's dimensions, the distance to the new location, and any known issues with the structure or utilities before that conversation.
How to Contact Cox House Moving Company
To begin the process, you will need to reach out to Cox House Moving Company directly to request a site visit and consultation. The company can be contacted through standard business channels—phone, email, or their website if one is maintained. Have ready the address of the property to be moved, the intended new location, and a general sense of the timeline you are working toward.
During the initial conversation, be prepared to describe the house—its approximate age, size, construction type (wood frame, brick, etc.), and current condition. If you have already spoken with your local permitting office, share what you learned about local restrictions. The company will schedule a time to visit and assess whether the move is feasible and what it will cost.
When House Moving Makes Sense in South Carolina
House moving is most common in South Carolina in a few specific situations. Historic preservation projects sometimes relocate older homes to save them from demolition when their original sites are being developed. Property owners occasionally move houses to new locations on their own land or to nearby parcels they own. Occasionally, a house is moved to make room for a new structure or to relocate it away from environmental hazards.
House moving is expensive and time-consuming, so it is typically chosen only when the alternative—demolition and rebuilding—is either more costly or undesirable for historical or sentimental reasons. If you are considering a house move, it is worth comparing the total cost of moving against the cost of building new at your intended location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a house move take from start to finish?
The timeline depends on permitting, which can take several weeks to several months depending on your locality and whether the route crosses state highways. The actual physical move—disconnecting utilities, lifting, transporting, and reconnecting—typically takes one to three weeks. Plan for the entire project to take two to four months or longer.
Can any house be moved?
Most wood-frame houses can be moved, but brick or stone structures, houses in poor condition, or those with complex utility systems may not be good candidates. The company's site visit will determine whether your house can be safely moved or whether it requires reinforcement first.
What happens to the utilities during a move?
All utilities are disconnected before the move by the respective providers—the water company, electric utility, gas company, and others. At the new site, you will need to arrange for reconnection, which may require new service lines or upgrades depending on the distance and local infrastructure.
Who pays for permits and road closures?
As the property owner, you are responsible for permit fees, utility disconnection and reconnection charges, and any costs associated with road closures or police escorts. These are separate from the moving company's fee and should be factored into your total budget.
What if my local area does not permit house moves?
Some South Carolina municipalities restrict or prohibit house moves entirely. Contact your local planning and zoning office before pursuing this option. If your area does not permit moves, you would need to explore other options, such as demolition and rebuilding or relocating to a different jurisdiction.