Hey Guys. I just contracted to build a new pole barn for a customer. Going to finish it like a standard garage though. First though, I need to move an existing post framed shed about 40 x 12 with 8′ sidewalls and a shed roof. I was going to cut the posts off at grade and hire a crane to pick it and move it 30′ due north. I know I will need to brace it well, but have never moved a building before so was wondering if you guys might have any tips. I spoke with the crane operator and he said something about using a four point pick? Thanks for any advice. I will apply the standard disclaimer to any advice given, if she falls apart in mid air it’s my problem.
Thanks
Cole
Cole Dean
Dean Contracting
Replies
I don't know much about moving buildings, but I've been in the crane business for (too) many decades. Before you hire a crane, you and the rental house had better have a clear understanding of who's providing the rigging (they'll charge for use of rigging, especially large spreaders and the like, and possibly loading, transportation, and offloading after the job is done), who will do the rigging (if the operator doesn't like your rigging, s/he will almost certainly not make the pick due to potential damage to the crane if it fails, and still charge you for just showing up with the crane, counterweight trucks, two operators, etc), who is responsible if the building falls apart, what site prep is needed (do they provide the cribbing and mats for the outriggers, and what will they charge you since they'll almost certainly be needed?), who will do the layout (you can't just show up and then decide where to put the crane, hoping the load plus rigging is within the capacity chart for the intended operating radii for that particular crane, and that there's adequate room under the boom for the load, rigging, and hookblock), etc. I don't mean to scare you, and I base my comments on working in NYC and Philly, so you're local crane rental houses may be a bit easier to work with, but hopefully you get my point. The money meter is running.
May I suggest talking to a building mover. Or consider reinforcing the bottom and sliding it along planks, using a pair of winches.
Be seeing you...
Heed TDKPE's last sentence.
The materials for building a pole barn will provide most of what you'll need elevate and slide/roll the shed 30'. House jacks & wenches can be rented (you could probably do it with levers and come-alongs).
Why risk damage, dollars and reputation by lifting?
>> ... wenches can be rented ...
Hoes too, if you're interested in gardening.
bada bing bada boom!!!!
When I was a kid, my family acquired a 14 by 24 garage because a neighbor was going to tear it down. We used wood wedges to lift the sill from the base enough to hacksaw the bolts and slip rope slings made from old water ski ropes under the sill. On moving day, 40-50 neighbors and relatives, 2 to a sling (one inside and one outside the garage), picked it up, carried it to the end of the block, around the corner, down to the next block and around that corner, and into our driveway. We set it down on 6 blocks. It's still there, almost 50 years and three hurricanes later. The actual move took about two hours and cost whatever we had to pay for a few cases each of Bud and Coke back then. We intended to build a slab for it but never got around to it, so it still has a dirt floor.
What a great memory. That is called family and friends.Half of good living is staying out of bad situations.