Can You Move Your Metal Building?

In uncertain times, you and your business needs to be adaptable. Having a prefabricated steel building from CDMG Metal Building Systems gives you the versatility you need to expand or contract your business with the ever changing times.

The people and businesses who can adapt and change with the time are the ones who come out on top.

Getting the metal building likely a significant change for you, and should've been one that has benefited you greatly.

Maybe now it's time for another change.

Maybe you're thinking of moving your metal building.

Can that even be done? Why would you move a meal building in the first place?

Continue reading below, and we'll answer all of these questions and more.

Why Move?
What Equipment Do You Need To Move Your Building?
Moving Small Buildings
Moving Large Buildings
- Breaking It Down
- Putting It Together
Hire A Mover
Make The Move

Why Move?

First thing first; why would you want to move a metal building?

Every year many buildings and structures are moved for a variety of reasons.

- For one, your building might be in the middle of an area undergoing redevelopment. With heavy construction, or a congested area it can prevent your customers or employees from getting to you.
  Moving your building, while a big step, might be in your best interest if you know that the area will be congested for a long time, hurting your business.
- Another reason you may need to move is that you own your building but rent the land, and the landowner has decided to sell. You want to keep your building, so you move it to a new location.
- Your building could be in danger. Maybe last hurricane season you dodged a bullet, but don't want to press your luck again and move to a safer area.

No matter what the reason, moving something the size of a metal building takes a great deal of planning and coordination.

Depending on the size of your building, it could take numerous 18-wheelers to complete the move.

Older buildings might need openings cut for steel beam installation. Newer buildings with pre-welded clips will make things a lot easier.

To help avoid moving your building, check out our article, Avoid These 7 Mistakes When Constructing Your Metal Building.

What Equipment Do You Need To Move Your Building?

To move your building, you will need a few essential tools and pieces of equipment to complete the job.

Depending on the type of metal building you're moving, it might be necessary to use a temporary steel framework to provide extra support.

That makes sure that everything stays in place and isn't damaged during the move.

When you raise the structure, there will be other materials like wood beams, called box cribs, stacked underneath it that brings it up to the correct height.

Then a flatbed truck will be moved right underneath the building so the building can be put on the back of the truck.

It's very important that you use the right equipment to be sure the building stays level during this process so the building gets put onto the flatbed truck smoothly.

You can also place the building on hydraulic jacks or manual jackscrews to keep it level.

Push jacks can be used to move the building horizontally if necessary.

Moving Small Buildings

Moving smaller buildings may be easier, but it still requires a high degree of effort and planning to make sure the move goes smoothly.

You can typically move a small metal building as a complete unit, especially if you're only moving it a short distance.

Picture a small storage shed or a one-car metal garage.

All you'd need to do is place wooden skids underneath the wall units on both sides of the structure.

If it's necessary, you can cut 2x4s to the width of the building and attach them to the skids to create a frame.

Now you attach a tow rope and slide the building to its new location.

Remove the skids, lower the building to the ground, and you have relocated your building.

Moving Large Buildings

Breaking It Down

Now it's time to move your large metal building.

Steel buildings are constructed in pieces so that they can be taken apart.

It's a fairly simple process, but it's not necessarily easy, so it has to be done carefully to be sure it's done correctly.

Step 1. Remove the trim and accessories.
Step 2. Remove the roof panels.
Step 3. Take down the walls.
Step 4. Disassemble the frame.

That's it for the deconstruction process. Seems simple, but once you get started, you'll quickly realize that it isn't easy.

Once you've finished breaking it down, everything can be easily transported to your new location.

Once everything makes it to the new location, you reverse the process and put it all back together.

Putting It Together

The first thing you'll need to do once everything has arrived at the new location is to give everything a thorough inspection.

You want to be sure nothing was damaged or compromised during transport.

Check the panels to be sure none of the paint or coating has been removed because this could cause corrosion in the very near future.

If you find any problems, get them fixed as soon as possible to be sure you maintain the integrity of your building after the move.

Your metal building should be carefully disassembled and reassembled.

Hire A Mover

Now that you know exactly what goes into moving a large metal building, the best option is still going to be to hire a mover.

You want to put the move of your metal building into the hands of the experts to be sure everything goes according to plan.

And just like hiring any other service, you want to do your research before you hire the company to complete your move.

Don't just pick a random moving company, you'll want to do your due diligence.

A few things you'll want to look for are:

Is the company licensed to move in your area?
Will they give you a detailed contract that outlines everyone's obligations before they begin work?
Ask them for a written estimate
Ask them to visit your building to see it during operations.
Does the company have insurance like general liability, workers comp, and cargo?
Are they part of a trade group?
Will they allow you to pay in increments as milestones are completed?
How long as the company been in operation, and how experienced are they?
Does the company have good references and reviews?
Do they have their own equipment or will they be renting?

Once you've settled on a moving company you're ready to go.