What should I look for when hiring a professional to move my shed?
When looking for a professional to move your shed, be sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: Your pro should have the proper license, such as a commercial license for a flat-bed tow truck. They should also have adequate insurance to cover accidental damage. Some cities and states will also require a permit. Licensing and permit requirements depend on your local area (and the moving location) so be sure to do your research.
Get several estimates: These should be tailored to the size, weight and distance of your shed move. It should also include any fees, permit costs and other charges you are expected to pay.
Read their reviews: Check reviews to see projects they’ve done in the recent past. Focus on the overall tone and prioritize review for similar sheds to yours. Red flags may include a company that only has a few reviews, reports of damage and/or poor communication.
Look at their portfolios: You’ll want to look for similar shed-moving projects showing they can safely and successfully handle your job.
Find out if they have warranties: Reputable moves should offer guarantees or the option to purchase insurance policies for damages.
Ask important questions: Find out how many sheds they have moved, what methods they use to move a shed, and what additional services they include.
For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.
What factors impact the cost of moving a shed?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of hiring shed moving services, including:
Shed size: Larger, heavier sheds often require larger trailers and more powerful trucks and dollies.
Labor: Exceptionally large sheds may need to be taken apart and rebuilt. This may increase the cost of labor.
Distance: You should expect to pay for every mile traveled, but ask your pro how they calculate distance in their pricing. Also, find out if wide loads will require detours and if there’s a chance the cost will increase.
Permit fees: A building moving permit might add hundreds of dollars to the total cost of moving a shed. Prices are set by local governments, so do your research to find out if you’ll need to pay this additional fee.
You might be able to save money on your project with these tips:
Clean up around the shed: Remove brush or trees that are in the way. This can help make the shed more accessible, speeding up the process and reducing labor costs.
Compare quotes: Get estimates from several shed movers to help ensure you’re paying a fair price.
Why should I hire a professional to move my shed?
Some of the biggest benefits of hiring professional shed movers include the following:
Avoiding structural damage: Incorrectly moving a shed can cause cracks and damage. Experts are typically better equipped to protect your shed during the move.
Proper equipment: Professionals often use specialized tools like dollies, winches and skid steers to lift and transport sheds safely. If you don’t have these tools handy, you’ll need to factor in the cost of buying or renting them for your move.
Efficiency and time savings: Shed moving requires planning and manpower. Professionals can often handle work faster than the average homeowner, reducing downtime.
Safety assurance: Moving a heavy shed alone may lead to injuries. Professionals often minimize risk with proper techniques and lifting strategies.
Permits and regulations: Some areas require permits to move large structures. Pros are often familiar with the local regulation and are equipped to meet compliance standards.
How do professionals move sheds?
In most cases, a professional will take the following steps when moving your shed:
Assessment: The movers will assess the shed’s size, weight and condition to determine the best method for moving it.
Preparation: They will prepare the new site for the shed, clearing any obstacles to the location, and leveling the ground where it will sit.
Transportation: Using shed-moving dollies, rollers or hydraulic jacks, the movers will carefully elevate the shed, lift it onto a trailer and secure it with ratchet straps. The structure may need to be reinforced before lifting.
Arrival: On arrival, movers will carefully position the shed in its new location.
Do shed movers offer additional services, like disassembly and leveling?
Some shed movers may offer services like disassembly and leveling, but some do not. For example, some pros that primarily haul furniture and household goods may not offer additional service for sheds. It’s important that you ask your pro to provide a complete list of their services.
If you hire a professionals who advertise themselves as building or shed movers, they will typically offer a variety of services, including:
Disassembly
Site preparation
Loading and unloading
Leveling
Reassembly
Tip: It’s a good idea to hire dedicated shed movers for this job. They can help you secure the oversized-load permits, licensing and equipment required to haul larger sheds on public roads safely.