Historic Home Moving in Volusia County: Where Antique Charm Meets Modern Precision
Volusia County, Florida, is home to a remarkable collection of historic properties that tell the story of our region’s rich architectural heritage. With 109 properties and districts listed on the National Register in the county, including 2 National Historic Landmarks, preserving these treasures during relocations requires specialized expertise and careful attention to detail. Whether you’re moving a century-old Victorian home or a mid-century architectural gem, the process demands a unique blend of historical preservation knowledge and modern moving techniques.
The Art and Science of Historic Home Relocation
Moving historic homes is far more complex than standard residential relocations. The modern building lifting techniques and specialty transportation technologies we use are ideal for moving delicate historic structures with meticulous care and precision. These moves require careful planning to preserve not only the structure itself but also its historical significance and antique features that make each property unique.
One of the easiest methods is to simply raise the house by inserting steel beams under the house to provide a platform so the house can be lifted. For some larger houses, they’ll need to be cut into pieces and then reassembled once they’re moved. The method chosen depends entirely on the structure’s age, condition, and architectural features that must be preserved.
Preserving Antique Features During the Move
The most critical aspect of historic home moving lies in protecting irreplaceable antique features. Since many historic homes have brick chimneys, the chimneys also need to be supported during the move. Original hardwood floors, ornate moldings, stained glass windows, and period fixtures all require specialized handling techniques to prevent damage during transport.
By hiring a preservation consultant, you’re ensuring that your building doesn’t lose its historic value during the move, and if any part of the structure is damaged, you can have it repaired to retain its historical value and accuracy. This collaboration between moving professionals and preservation experts ensures that every decorative element, from hand-carved banisters to original plaster work, remains intact throughout the relocation process.
Volusia County’s Historic Moving Challenges
Volusia County presents unique challenges for historic home relocations. This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located in the vibrant and historic community of DeLand, Florida boasts a modern touch while maintaining the charm of its surroundings. The county’s coastal location means dealing with sandy soils, potential flooding concerns, and navigating narrow historic district streets that weren’t designed for modern moving equipment.
The region’s climate also plays a crucial role in timing these delicate operations. High humidity can affect wood expansion, while seasonal weather patterns must be considered when planning multi-day moves for larger historic structures.
Professional Expertise Makes the Difference
When it comes to historic home moving in Volusia County, working with experienced professionals is essential. Since 1970, we’ve helped preserve and protect hundreds of historic buildings throughout the United States. Homeowners, developers, and historic preservation groups have relied on us to raise, lift, and move hotels, mansions, historic homes, train stations, churches, and other unique structures.
For residents seeking reliable moving services in the area, choosing a Residential Moving Company Volusia, FL with experience in handling delicate and valuable items is crucial. Safe Hands Relocations, a family and veteran-owned company based in South Daytona Beach, understands the unique requirements of moving historic properties. Whether you’re planning a local or long-distance move, whether it’s residential or commercial, our family-owned and veteran-led company is here to handle the task, making it a seamless and stress-free experience for you. We guarantee a full-service move and the safe transport of your belongings.
Planning Your Historic Home Move
Successful historic home relocation begins with thorough planning. Before moving a historic house, there are some very important considerations. Obviously, you need to know where it is going, and you also need to have a new foundation in place—or at least part of one to put the house on. This preparation phase is critical for preserving both the structural integrity and historical value of the property.
Most historic buildings aren’t perfectly square. Because of the unique dimensions, it’s easier to build a foundation once the building is on its new property. This process typically involves moving a building from its original location and keeping it raised while the new foundation is laid. This approach ensures that the foundation perfectly matches the home’s unique dimensions and settling patterns.
Maintaining Historic Value Through Professional Care
One of the biggest concerns homeowners face is whether moving will affect their property’s historic designation. How you move the house might affect whether it can still meet qualifications as a historic building. This is important if Historic Tax Credits (HTC) are funding the project. If a building is moved horizontally from its original foundation, its qualification may be jeopardized.
However, with proper planning and execution, many moves can preserve historic status. Because the house was only moved vertically, its historic status was preserved allowing the owners to receive Historic Tax Credits. This demonstrates that with the right approach, homeowners can relocate their historic properties while maintaining their valuable designations.
The Future of Historic Preservation in Volusia County
As Volusia County continues to grow and develop, the need for historic home relocation services will only increase. House relocation not only preserves the architectural heritage but also its layers of history. This approach preserves architectural heritage while providing much-needed housing—blending restoration with renewal. By choosing professional movers who understand the delicate balance between preservation and progress, homeowners can ensure that Volusia County’s architectural treasures continue to tell their stories for generations to come.
Whether you’re relocating a historic cottage in New Smyrna Beach or moving a grand Victorian mansion in DeLand, the key to success lies in partnering with professionals who combine modern moving expertise with deep respect for historical preservation. With careful planning, specialized equipment, and experienced hands, your historic home’s antique features can be preserved while beginning a new chapter in a new location.