We often get asked if it’s possible to move a modular home again once it’s been installed on site – and while it definitely can be done, it’s not all that often that it is.
And while even conventional homes can be dismantled and moved, the more likely choice for a relocatable house is a portable home, also known as a manufactured, transportable or mobile home.
Some people view modular and portable homes as the same thing, but there’s a huge difference between the two, both in their construction, and how they are viewed by the banks.
Modular homes are designed and constructed to be permanent, while portable homes are made to be moved multiple times and are never a truly permanent structure – which is why the banks are often hesitant to provide finance on portable homes.
So, if the possibility of relocation is something you may need to factor in to your new home, read on, as we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of relocating portable and modular homes to help you make an informed choice.
Relocating Portable Homes
As we’ve just mentioned, portable homes are made to be moved, which makes them ideal in situations when housing is needed fast to fill an urgent need, but may not be required long-term.
They are commonly used in remote areas such as mining towns where the demand for accommodation can suddenly jump or decline, and they’re also being used in a project to provide housing for the homeless in Melbourne’s west.
Portable buildings are constructed in an off-site facility onto a steel frame (often called ‘skids’) to be installed and connected on site.
They can be homes, granny flats, classrooms, offices, or any building that is needed in the short term and can be uninstalled and transported to a new site with minimal fuss.
They tend to be higher maintenance and generally don’t age as well as modular homes due to their lightweight construction. This means that while they are often cheaper to purchase, they are not a cost-effective option for a long-term need.
Relocating Modular Homes
Modular homes are also constructed in an off-site facility, and then transported in modules by truck to the site.
They are built with quality materials, installed on footings and fully connected to services, becoming a permanent structure like a conventional house, that is made to last.
However, because they are constructed in modules and delivered by truck originally, they can be uninstalled and relocated if the need arises.
This makes modular homes a great solution in situations where you are looking for quality home to live in for many years to come, but it’s necessary or desirable to have the option to relocate if things change – for example, as a smaller home on your dream rural block while you build the homestead.
Modular homes are also ideal for granny flats, as they meet the requirements of a movable residence (which is mandatory in some areas) while also delivering a stylish, quality and permanent finish.
How Modular Homes are Relocated
If you did need to move your module home, it would be deconstructed down to the original modules, transported by truck to your new site, and reinstalled ready for you to move in.
The cost involved in relocation varies depending on the house, access to site and distance that needs to be travelled, but as a rough guide, it would cost around $10,000 - $20,000.
The timing also varies but generally it would take a few days to uninstall, a day or so to travel and then a couple of weeks to install and connect services at the new location.
In Closing
While portable buildings are great for temporary accommodation needs, where the likelihood of relocation multiple times is high, in situations where you want to build a quality, stylish and permanent home, but would like the option to relocate if needed, a modular home is the perfect choice.
Over to You
Are you considering building a modular home and would like to know more about relocation? We’d love to hear from you – post your questions below.
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