Relocate: move a building

Moving buildings is an old tradition in Nova Scotia. Today however, demolition is the first option for removing buildings and moving them is a nearly forgotten art.

While more common at a time when there were fewer power lines, and when the labour and materials invested in buildings was more highly valued, there are still professional movers scattered across the province. Often these are family businesses that have generations of experience.

Relocating a building takes good planning but is an excellent option for waste conscious, creative contractors and their clients. An experienced building mover can provide estimates and insurance, and address details around moving a variety of structures. For example multiple storey buildings with balloon framing and buildings with brick structural walls would be more difficult and expensive to move than an uninsulated cottage.

Some things to think about if considering moving a building:

• Identify an experienced moving professional.
• Obtain permits for the new site and for the move.
• Secure insurance with the municipality for the period of the move.
• Contact Nova Scotia Power about the move route to determine if wires need to be lifted.
• Determine if a police escort is required.
• Remove masonry chimneys prior to moving.
• Buildings, or building sections cannot be wider than 24 feet and height restrictions may apply.

A minimum of three months is recommended to prepare for negotiations and permits. Municipal offices have information on local moving regulations.

Building relocation case studies:

	Charles Morris Building
	Chanterelle Inn and Cottages
	Bass River Heritage Museum
	NSCC Student Project Home This case study is available only on the web!
	Glebe House This case study is available only on the web!

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