In recent years the Modular houses They have become an increasingly visible alternative in the real estate market. Their appeal lies in the speed of construction, the predictability of costs and the ability, at least in theory, to move them from one property to another. But what happens when a family decides to move their modular home to another province? The answer opens up a series of questions technical, legal and economic questions which are a far cry from the romantic notion of “hooking the house on a truck and hitting the road.”
A modular home is essentially a home built in a factory standardized modules that are then assembled on site. This industrialized system allows for shorter construction times: while a traditional build can take between eight and nine months, a modular build is delivered in just 120 days. Additionally, costs are typically closed, with budgets ranging in between $1,300 and $1,800 per square meterdepending on the endings. The logic behind this model is clear: less exposure to unforeseen events, greater quality control and the possibility of the house arriving virtually finished at the location where it is to be installed.
However, move an already installed modular house It’s a completely different challenge. In Argentina, specialized companies warn It is not a traditional stepbut rather a company that transports oversized loads. Crane trucks, special transit permits and technical personnel capable of dismantling and reassembling the structure are required. The cost depends on several factors: the size of the house, the travel distance, access conditions at the origin and destination, and the need to reconnect basic services such as water, electricity and gas.
According to industry estimates Moving a small, one-story modular home can cost between $5,000 and $8,000 within a 50-mile radius.. If the home is larger, the price rises quickly: a two-story home can cost between $10,000 and $13,000, while more complex structures cost more than $20,000. These values include permits, transportation and reconnection of services, but do not take into account possible complications such as roads in poor condition, narrow driveways or the need to dismantle part of the house so that it can drive on public roads.
Interprovincial transfer adds another layer of complexity. Each jurisdiction has specific regulations regarding the transportation of oversized loads.which forces you to manage permits in more than one province. In addition, the costs of fuel, tolls and sometimes mandatory police escort increase the final budget. A specialized company is usually responsible for the entire process: from the initial evaluation of the house and the target property to the logistics of transportation and final assembly. Trying to do it on your own is not only risky but also illegal in most cases.
In this context, moving a modular home to another province is a decision that must be well evaluated because, apart from the promise of mobility that comes with the “Modular” concept, the reality shows that moving an entire home is an expensive, complex and highly regulated process.
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