Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 1/22/2004

Question
My husband and I are considering buying a farm in Vermont with a small farmhouse built in 1840.  The house needs some work, and we don't yet know how structurally sound it is.  It's too close to the road and we're considering getting it checked out, and if it seems to be sound, moving it further back on the property.

What is your opinion about moving older houses?  Our other option would be to leave the house there and build a new one (possibly a log-frame house).  

Any general thoughts about this?  Thank you very much.

Vivien

Answer
Vivien:

Thanks for your question!

Part of a house-mover's job is to secure the house so that it survives the move.  Most homes that are moved are quite old, so there won't be any surprises if you work with an experienced reputable mover.  Moving it further back on the same property will make that even easier.

You have two other concerns, however.  One is cost; you'll spend quite a bit of money preparing the house to move, building a new foundation; moving and reinstalling utilities, and finally restoring and reparing the house after the move.  If you are planning on restoring/remodeling the house anyway, then cost is less of an issue.

The other issue regards the historic integrity of the house.  1840 makes it one of America's older homes - including the foundation and the location close to the road.  You might check with your local historical society and find out if the house is considered historic, and therefore may have some additional value.

If you have compelling reasons for moving the house, and if it has historic value, then you may find funds available from preservation organizations to help pay for the move.  Your local historical society would know more about that.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtaylorarchitects.com