Moving homes preserves heritage and character says Nickel Bros' Adam Knipfel
Moving old homes can be affordable alternative to demolition when planning a new development
The high cost of land in Vancouver often puts older homes in the path of the wrecking ball in favour of a new development, but today a talk sponsored by the Vancouver Heritage Foundation looks at another option — saving the house by moving it to a new location.
"It's amazing how many buildings we're seeing demolished throughout the city. in the Lower Mainland last year there was about 3,000 homes demolished," Adam Knipfel, the business development manager with Nickel Bros — a company that specializes in moving homes — told The Early Edition's Rick Cluff.
Nickel Bros has been involved in many house moves on the South Coast and Washington State, including the move of the "two Dorothies" — two Tudor-style houses that were relocated to a new property a few blocks from the original one last year.
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"In some cases, it's arguably more affordable to save the home," he said.
Knipfel said the cost of a demolition can run from $15,000 to $40,000. Nickel Bros has homes for sale for $22,500 to $850,000, which includes the cost of the move.
To hear the full interview with Adam Knipfel, click the audio labelled: Moving heritage homes.