Moving a mobile home is a complex logistical undertaking that involves preparation, transport, and setup. The total expense for a full-service relocation typically falls within a wide range of $5,000 to over $20,000. This variability is due to the unique nature of each move, requiring specialized equipment, licensed professionals, and adherence to local regulations. Understanding the breakdown of these costs is the first step in budgeting for the relocation of a manufactured home.
Base Transportation Cost Factors
The fee charged by the moving company for physical transport is the most straightforward component of the total expense. Distance heavily influences this cost, often starting with a flat rate for short distances (under 50 miles) before switching to a per-mile charge. Long-distance moves, especially those crossing state lines, incur higher costs due to increased fuel consumption, labor hours, and the need for interstate operating authority and permits.
The size of the mobile home is another major determinant of the base transportation cost. Moving a single-wide home is less expensive, often costing between $4,000 and $8,000 for a full-service move, because it can be transported in one piece. A double-wide home must be separated into two sections, requiring two separate trips, more specialized labor, and additional equipment, raising the cost to between $8,000 and $15,000. The moving company’s fee covers the specialized heavy-duty truck, transport axles, and the crew required to safely tow the oversized load.
Preparation and Disconnection Fees
Preparation steps must be completed at the original site before the home can be moved. Utility disconnection is a mandatory step, requiring licensed professionals to safely sever connections for water, sewer, gas, and electricity. These service providers charge fees for professional disconnection to ensure safety and compliance with local codes, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on system complexity.
The home must also be stripped of any attached structures that would impede transport, such as skirting, decks, porches, and awnings. The moving company may charge a fee for the removal of these items or require the homeowner to hire a separate contractor. Additionally, the home’s undercarriage must be prepared for the road. This includes ensuring the original tires and axles are roadworthy or installing temporary transport axles, especially for older homes.
Reinstallation and Setup Fees
The most complex and variable costs occur during the reinstallation and setup phase at the new location. The home must be precisely leveled and secured, involving placement on concrete blocks or piers and securing it with tie-downs and anchors to meet safety requirements. This leveling and anchoring process is crucial for structural integrity and can cost between $450 and $1,000, with double-wide homes requiring more materials and labor.
Utility hookups at the new site require licensed contractors to reconnect the water, sewer, electric, and gas lines. This can be expensive if the new site lacks existing infrastructure. If the home is a double-wide, the two sections must be joined together, a specialized process known as seaming. Seaming involves bolting the halves together and completing interior and exterior finish work along the marriage line. Finally, installing new skirting and constructing steps or porches adds material and labor costs to the final setup.
Regulatory and Unexpected Expenses
Administrative and legal requirements introduce regulatory costs often overlooked in initial budgeting. The moving company typically handles the necessary road permits for transporting an oversized load, passing the cost, which may include fees for pilot cars or police escorts, onto the homeowner. Local building and zoning permits, along with mandatory inspections at the new site, are required to ensure the home’s setup complies with all local codes.
Insurance is another necessary expense; transit insurance protects the home against damage during the move, and liability insurance covers potential accidents. Unexpected costs can arise from site accessibility issues, such as needing to clear trees or perform temporary road construction to get the home onto the new lot. It is prudent to allocate an additional 10% to 15% of the total estimated cost as a contingency fund to cover unforeseen repairs or issues discovered during preparation or setup.