How House Moving Can Save You Money

When people imagine building their dream home, they often picture it from scratch—fresh blueprints, a new foundation, and a long timeline with plenty of decisions (and expenses) along the way. But what if we told you there’s a growing trend in Idaho that can give you the home you want without the full cost of new construction? It’s called house moving—and it’s not just for historic preservation or TV shows anymore. For many Idahoans, it’s a practical, cost-saving alternative to traditional builds.

In this blog, we’ll explore how house moving works, why it’s gaining popularity across the Gem State, and how the cost of moving a house can actually save you thousands compared to constructing a new one. If you’re looking for ways to build smart and stay on budget, this is one strategy you won’t want to overlook.

What Is House Moving?

House moving, also known as structural relocation, is the process of lifting an existing home from its foundation and transporting it—either to the same property or to a new location. While it may sound like a massive undertaking, professional house movers in Idaho have the expertise and equipment to make the process safe, efficient, and economical.

Home moving typically involves:

A detailed inspection of the structure
Lifting the house with hydraulic jacks
Securing it onto dollies or flatbeds
Transporting it to a new site
Lowering it onto a new foundation

Whether you’re looking to preserve a farmhouse, relocate a modular home, or move a house to a more desirable lot, the process is more accessible than ever.

The Rising Cost of New Construction in Idaho

Idaho’s real estate market has seen significant growth over the past decade, especially in popular areas like Boise, Meridian, Coeur d’Alene, and Twin Falls. While this boom has been great for property values, it has also driven up construction costs.

According to recent data:

Construction material prices have risen dramatically, especially lumber, concrete, and steel.
Labor shortages have led to delays and increased contractor fees.
Permitting and development impact fees vary widely but can add tens of thousands to a project.
High demand for new homes has driven up the price of buildable land.

These factors can push the average cost of building a new home in Idaho to $150–$250 per square foot or more, depending on customization and location.

House Moving: A Cost-Saving Strategy

Now, let’s compare this with the cost of moving a house. The price will depend on factors like distance, size, weight, permits, and foundation work, but a typical move in Idaho might cost between $15,000 and $60,000.

While that may seem steep at first glance, the math works out when you compare it to new construction. Here’s how house moving can save you money:

1. You’re Paying for Structure, Not Just Empty Land

When you buy a home to relocate, you’re getting the entire structure—walls, roof, plumbing, electrical, floors, kitchen cabinets, and often appliances. In new construction, you’re starting from a bare lot and must invest in everything—foundation, framing, drywall, finishes, fixtures, landscaping, and more.

By moving a house, you get a fully built home ready for finishing touches at a fraction of the cost.

2. You Avoid Some Building Permits and Inspections

While moving a house still requires permits and zoning approval, you may avoid many of the inspections and code requirements associated with brand-new construction. This can translate to quicker timelines and fewer unexpected expenses.

However, keep in mind that updates may still be needed (e.g., electrical, plumbing, or septic systems), especially if the house is older.

3. Lower Material Costs

You’re effectively recycling a structure instead of buying new materials. With the cost of lumber and other construction essentials on the rise, this reuse is not only environmentally friendly—it’s budget-friendly.

In many cases, moving a home also preserves higher-quality materials than you might find in a new build at the same price point. Think solid wood doors, vintage moldings, and real brickwork.

4. Reduced Construction Labor

Labor shortages continue to plague the construction industry in Idaho. With fewer skilled workers available, timelines can stretch and hourly rates rise. A relocated house may only need foundational work and internal updates, saving you time and labor costs.

Case Study: Moving vs. Building in Boise, Idaho

Let’s break down a hypothetical example:

Scenario A: New Construction

2,000 sq. ft. home
$200/sq. ft. average build cost
Total: $400,000 (not including land, permits, or customizations)

Scenario B: House Move

2,000 sq. ft. house purchased for $30,000 (relocation deal)
Moving cost: $45,000
New foundation: $30,000
Updates: $20,000
Total: $125,000

Savings: $275,000

Even if these numbers vary by location and design, it’s easy to see how the cost of moving a house can result in major savings over a new build—especially when land and construction costs are high.

Where to Find Homes to Move in Idaho

Not every house is suitable for relocation, but many are. You can find moveable homes through:

Online classifieds (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace)
Local home moving companies
Auction sites and tax lien sales
Real estate agents familiar with relocation
Government or school district surplus property programs

Some homeowners even give away their homes for free—if you handle the moving and site work. It’s a win-win: they avoid demolition costs, and you get a free house to move.

Idaho’s Ideal Conditions for House Moving

Idaho offers several advantages for home relocation:

Open Land

Many parts of Idaho feature wide-open spaces, fewer obstructions, and more affordable parcels of land—ideal conditions for transporting large structures.

Fewer Urban Obstacles

Compared to urban areas like Seattle or San Francisco, Idaho’s roadways and infrastructure make house transportation easier. There are fewer overhead wires, narrow streets, or underground utilities to worry about.

Lower Land Costs in Rural Areas

By relocating a house to a more rural part of Idaho, you can dramatically reduce your land cost and property tax burden. This can be especially valuable for retirees, off-grid living, or sustainable homesteading.

Things to Consider Before Moving a House

While house moving has many benefits, it’s not a magic bullet. There are still logistical, legal, and practical considerations, including:

Structural Integrity

Not all homes can withstand the move. A professional evaluation is essential to determine if the house is a good candidate.

Zoning and Code Compliance

Check local zoning laws, setback rules, and building codes in the destination city or county. Some areas have strict rules about house relocation.

Utilities and Infrastructure

You’ll need to connect the moved house to utilities—water, sewer or septic, power, and possibly gas. In remote areas, this can add to your total cost.

Insurance

Ensure your insurance covers the home during transit and while under construction or renovation.

Permits

You’ll need both move permits and building permits at the new location. Depending on your municipality, permit fees may be significant.

Is House Moving Right for You?

If you’re considering new construction in Idaho but are daunted by the rising prices, long timelines, and labor shortages, house moving may be the perfect solution. It’s not just a niche option—it’s a growing trend among budget-savvy homebuyers, developers, and DIYers.

Whether you want to move a historic farmhouse to a rural lot in Nampa, save an old craftsman from demolition in Pocatello, or relocate a modular home closer to Twin Falls, the potential savings are substantial.

Just make sure you work with experienced house movers, have a clear plan, and understand the full scope of the project. When done right, the cost of moving a house can open the door to homeownership—or real estate investment—at a fraction of the typical price.

Build Smarter, Not Just New

With real estate prices on the rise and construction delays becoming the norm, Idaho homeowners and investors are turning to creative solutions. House moving is one of the smartest—and most sustainable—alternatives to building from scratch.

By leveraging existing structures and Idaho’s favorable landscape, you can drastically reduce your build costs, avoid supply chain headaches, and create a custom living space without breaking the bank.

So, the next time you ask, “Is it worth it?”—remember this: The cost of moving a house might just be the secret to unlocking the home of your dreams.

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