Structure Moving in Lake Charles, LA

Safe and Reliable Structure Moving Services

The DeVillier Group provides professional structure moving services in Lake Charles for homes, historic buildings, and qualifying commercial structures. Every relocation is carefully planned to protect the structure from start to finish.
With more than 30 years of experience and specialized hydraulic equipment, we safely lift, transport, reposition, and place structures throughout Southwest Louisiana.

email-icon

Call 337-546-0255 today to request a free structure-moving estimate.

What Is Structure Moving?

Structure moving, also known as house moving or building relocation, is the process of lifting an existing structure from its foundation and relocating it to a new location or repositioning it on the same property.
The building is supported with steel beams and hydraulic lifting equipment, carefully moved from its foundation, transported or repositioned, and placed on a prepared foundation at the destination.

The DeVillier Group evaluates each project based on the structure’s condition, site access, transportation requirements, and destination needs to determine the safest relocation approach.

When Structure Moving May Be the Right Solution

Property owners consider structure moving for different reasons, from preserving valuable buildings to improving property use.

Preserving a Valued Home

A family home or older Louisiana residence may have personal or architectural value worth preserving when relocation is more practical than demolition.

Moving a Purchased House to a New Property

Some houses are purchased separately from the land. Structure moving allows the building to be relocated to a prepared lot that meets project requirements.

Making Space for Redevelopment

A building may need to be relocated to allow new construction, commercial development, property improvements, or updated site plans.

Preserving Historic Structures

Moving a historic or architecturally significant building can provide an alternative to demolition when the structure remains suitable for relocation.

Responding to Site Changes

Road improvements, drainage concerns, flooding issues, utility projects, or other property changes may make relocation a practical option.

Repositioning a Structure on the Same Property

Some projects involve shifting, rotating, or relocating a building to another area of the same lot to improve property use.

Can a House or Building Be Moved?

Many homes and buildings can be relocated, but every project requires a professional feasibility assessment before work begins. Our team evaluates factors such as:
  • Structural condition
  • Building size and weight
  • Foundation and framing
  • Attached additions
  • Site accessibility
  • Transportation route
  • Destination requirements
Every structure-moving project is different. Before recommending relocation, The DeVillier Group evaluates the building, current site, destination, and transportation requirements to determine the safest and most practical solution.

Types of Structures We Evaluate for Relocation

Residential homes

Single-family homes and other residential structures may be suitable for relocation when their framing, foundation, and overall condition can safely support the move.

Historic Buildings

Historic and older buildings can often be relocated to preserve their architectural character and extend their usefulness.

Commercial Buildings

Selected offices, retail buildings, and qualifying commercial structures may be evaluated based on their size, construction, condition, and transportation requirements.

Churches and Community Buildings

Churches, schools, and other community buildings may be considered when relocation supports preservation or redevelopment goals.

Agricultural and Accessory Buildings

Barns, cabins, workshops, garages, and other detached structures may qualify depending on their construction and site accessibility.

Every project begins with a professional assessment to determine whether the structure can be safely lifted, transported, and placed at its new location.

Same-Property Moves in Lake Charles

Not every structure-moving project requires transportation over public roads. Moving a building on the same property can improve site layout while preserving the existing structure.
A same-property move may involve:
  • Repositioning the structure
  • Rotating the building
  • Moving it onto a new foundation
  • Creating space for future construction
  • Improving property access
  • Meeting updated site plans
Before work begins, our team evaluates ground conditions, equipment access, utilities, elevation changes, foundation readiness, and any site obstacles to ensure the relocation can be completed safely and efficiently.

Moving a Structure Over Public Roads

Relocating a building to another property requires detailed planning and coordination before transportation begins. Our team evaluates:
  • Building dimensions
  • Road and bridge clearances
  • Turning space
  • Overhead utility lines
  • Traffic-control requirements
  • Required permits
Every route is reviewed to identify the safest path for the structure and moving equipment. The final route depends on the building dimensions, site conditions, and transportation requirements.

Our Lake Charles Structure-Moving Process

Consultation and Feasibility Assessment

1. Consultation and Feasibility Assessment

Every project begins with a consultation to understand your building, relocation goals, destination, and timeline. We then perform an on-site assessment to determine whether the structure can be safely relocated.

Structural and Site Evaluation

2. Structural and Site Evaluation

Our team evaluates the building, foundation, framing, utilities, site access, and destination property to determine the safest lifting and relocation method.

Planning, Engineering, and Permitting

3. Planning, Engineering, and Permitting

Once the project is approved, we coordinate engineering, route planning, permits, utility scheduling, and other project requirements to prepare for the move.

Structure Preparation and Lifting

4. Structure Preparation and Lifting

Before relocation, utilities are disconnected and the structure is prepared for lifting. Steel beams and specialized hydraulic equipment are installed to safely separate the building from its foundation and raise it in a controlled manner.

Transportation and Placement

5. Transportation and Placement

Whether moving the structure on the same property or to a new location, we carefully transport it, position it over the prepared foundation, and lower it into place.

Final Leveling and Completion

6. Final Leveling and Project Completion

After placement, we complete final leveling and verify the structure is properly positioned. Depending on the project scope, remaining work may include utility reconnections, foundation completion, grading, inspections, or coordination with other contractors.

How Much Does Structure Moving Cost in Lake Charles?

Every structure-moving project is unique, so there is no standard cost for relocating a house or building. Pricing depends on factors such as:
  • Building size and weight
  • Structural condition
  • Relocation distance
  • Route complexity
  • Foundation requirements
  • Site accessibility
  • Utility coordination
  • Permit requirements
A same-property move may be less complex than transporting a structure over public roads, but access, foundation work, and project requirements can still affect the overall cost.
After evaluating the building, destination, and relocation route, The DeVillier Group provides a project-specific estimate based on your needs.

Is Moving a House Cheaper Than Building a New One?

Moving an existing house can sometimes be more practical than new construction, but it is not always the less expensive option.

Relocation may make sense when:

  • The building remains structurally suitable
  • It has historic or personal value
  • The relocation distance is manageable
  • The route is practical
  • Limited preparation is required
  • The destination is accessible

Building new may be more practical when:

  • Major repairs are needed
  • Transportation presents significant challenges
  • Extensive modifications are required
  • The structure no longer meets the owner’s needs
Property owners should compare relocation costs with demolition, new construction, foundation work, and renovation expenses before making a decision.

How Long Does a Structure Move Take?

The physical transportation may happen within a limited period, but the complete relocation project usually requires planning and preparation.
The timeline may depend on:
  • Structural evaluation
  • Engineering and permits
  • Route planning
  • Utility coordination
  • Foundation preparation
  • Weather and scheduling
A project-specific timeline can be developed after evaluating the structure, destination, and relocation requirements.

Why Choose The Devillier Group?

More Than 30 Years of Experience

With more than three decades of experience, we have safely lifted, moved, leveled, and repaired structures throughout Louisiana.

Complete Structure Moving Solutions

From assessment and planning to lifting, transportation, and final placement, we manage every stage of your relocation project.

Specialized Hydraulic Equipment

Our hydraulic lifting systems provide controlled support throughout the relocation process.

Residential, Historic, and Commercial Projects

We evaluate homes, historic buildings, and qualifying commercial structures based on their condition and relocation requirements.

Licensed and Insured Professionals

Our licensed and insured crews provide dependable structure-moving services backed by cargo, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage.

Serving Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana

From our Eunice headquarters, we provide structure-moving services throughout Lake Charles and surrounding Southwest Louisiana communities.

We've partnered with

international association of structural movers
BBB Logo
Texas association of structural movers logo
licensed contractor state of louisiana
fema logo

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Recent Structure-Moving Projects

Explore completed structure-moving projects from across Louisiana. Every relocation is planned according to the building, site conditions, destination, and transportation requirements.

Structure Moving Near Lake Charles

The DeVillier Group serves Lake Charles and surrounding Southwest Louisiana communities from its Eunice location, including:
maps-and-flags

Sulphur

maps-and-flags

Moss Bluff

maps-and-flags

Westlake

maps-and-flags

Iowa

maps-and-flags

DeQuincy

maps-and-flags

Vinton

maps-and-flags

Lake Arthur

maps-and-flags

Jennings

maps-and-flags

Welsh

Because every relocation depends on the building condition, destination, route, and project requirements, each structure-moving request is evaluated individually.

Call 337-546-0255 to discuss your building, proposed destination, and confirm service availability in your area.

Request a Free Structure-Moving Estimate in Lake Charles

Every successful structure-moving project begins with a professional feasibility assessment. The DeVillier Group evaluates your building, destination property, and proposed relocation route to determine the safest and most practical relocation solution.
Based on the assessment, we provide a project-specific recommendation covering planning, lifting, transportation, permitting, and final placement.
With more than 30 years of experience and specialized hydraulic lifting equipment, The DeVillier Group has helped relocate homes, historic buildings, and qualifying commercial structures throughout Louisiana.

Call 337-546-0255 today to request your free structure-moving estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between house moving and structure moving?

House moving refers specifically to relocating a residential home. Structure moving is a broader service that can include homes, historic buildings, commercial buildings, churches, and other qualifying structures.
Not always. Feasibility depends on the building’s structural condition, size, construction, foundation, site access, destination, and transportation route. Every project requires a professional assessment before relocation can be confirmed.
Yes, in many cases. A building can often be repositioned, rotated, or relocated to another foundation on the same property when there is sufficient space and site access.
Yes, when a suitable transportation route can be planned. Road width, bridges, utility lines, permits, and traffic-control requirements all influence whether a roadway move is possible.
Yes. Depending on the project, permits may be required for the building relocation, transportation, foundation work, utility coordination, and other project activities.
Yes. We assist with permit coordination, route planning, and utility scheduling as part of the structure-moving process.
Some brick homes and buildings with masonry components can be relocated, but they require an individual structural evaluation before the move.
Utility services such as electricity, plumbing, gas, water, sewer, HVAC, and communications are safely disconnected before lifting and coordinated for reconnection after the structure is placed on its new foundation.
Professional lifting and relocation methods are designed to minimize structural stress. However, the age, condition, and construction of the building all influence how it responds during relocation.
Pricing depends on factors such as the building’s size, condition, relocation distance, route complexity, foundation requirements, site access, and permit needs. We provide a project-specific estimate after completing a feasibility assessment.
Every project is different. The timeline depends on engineering, permits, foundation preparation, route planning, utility coordination, weather, and the complexity of the relocation.
Yes. The DeVillier Group provides professional structure-moving services throughout Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, and communities across the state.