Can the home be moved?
Not every manufactured home should be moved. Age, condition, roof type, width, and the cost of disconnection and setup all matter. A home that has been enlarged, modified, or poorly installed may not survive a move safely. A professional mover should inspect it before you commit.
The distance matters too. Moving across town is different from moving across the state. Transport permits, route restrictions, escort vehicles, and utility clearances can change the cost and schedule.
TDHCA and the Statement of Ownership
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) regulates manufactured housing in Texas, including titling and installation standards. The Statement of Ownership is the state's ownership record and shows recorded liens. Before a move, confirm the title is clear and the home's information matches the record.
A licensed retailer or installer can help you understand the current requirements. Rules and forms can change, so verify the current process with TDHCA and your local jurisdiction rather than relying on an old article or a neighbor's experience.
Local permits and site requirements
Cities and counties handle siting, utility connections, inspections, and permits differently. A parcel in an unincorporated area may have county requirements; a lot inside a city may have zoning, setback, and utility rules. A park may have its own approval process and placement rules.
Before you move a home onto a property, ask: Is the zoning or land use compatible? What permits are required? Who inspects the installation? What are the utility connection requirements? Are there setbacks, floodplain rules, or homeowner association restrictions? Get the answers for your specific address.
Transport and setup
A move usually involves disconnecting utilities, removing skirting and steps, preparing the home for transport, securing the load, obtaining any required permits, moving the home, and setting it on the new site. Setup includes leveling, foundation or pier work, tie-downs, skirting, steps, and utility connections.
Ask for a written scope and a schedule. Confirm who handles permits, who is licensed and insured, and what happens if the home is damaged in transit. Do not pay the full amount upfront.
A trade-in can eliminate the move
If you are replacing a home on the same lot, you may not need to move the old home to a new property — you need it removed and the site prepared for the replacement. A trade-in coordinates that removal with the new-home delivery and setup. If you are moving to a new property, the trade-in conversation can include the transport and installation plan.
Either way, start with the property and the home details. The more we know about access, utilities, and the site, the more accurate the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to move a mobile home in Texas?
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the type of move. Verify the current TDHCA and local requirements for your specific route and destination before moving.
Who can move a manufactured home?
Use a licensed and insured transporter. Ask for proof of insurance and confirm who is responsible for permits and damage.
How much does it cost to move a mobile home?
It depends on distance, size, route, disconnection, site prep, and setup. Get a written quote with a clear scope rather than a phone estimate.
Can I trade in my home instead of moving it?
Yes, if you are buying a replacement. The trade-in can include removal of the old home and setup of the new one.
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