FAQs
We get asked a lot of questions – and we’re always happy to answer them. Below are the ones that come up most often. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, give us a call on 07 4922 7249 and we’ll give you a straight answer.
House Removals & Relocations FAQ's
How much does it cost to relocate a house in Queensland?
The cost of relocating a home varies considerably depending on the size and type of home, the distance between the two sites, access conditions at both ends, ground conditions at the destination, and whether stumping and asbestos work are required. As a rough guide, relocations can range from $15,000 for a straightforward short-distance shift up to $80,000 or more for a large home over a long distance. The best way to get an accurate figure is to contact us for a free assessment – use our cost calculator for a starting estimate, or call us directly on 07 4922 7249.
What types of homes can be relocated?
We can relocate Queenslander homes, timber-framed cottages, transportable and prefabricated homes, site offices, mining accommodation, school classrooms, halls and churches. If you’re not sure whether your home is suitable for relocation, give us a call and we’ll give you an honest assessment.
How long does a house relocation take?
The physical move itself is often completed in a day or two, but the overall process – from initial assessment through to permits, disconnections, transport and re-setting – typically takes several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the project and how quickly permits and approvals are obtained. We’ll give you a realistic timeline as part of your quote.
Do I need council approval to relocate a home?
Yes. Placing a relocated home on a new block requires a development approval (DA) from your local council. Requirements vary between councils, so we recommend contacting your local council early in the process. Busby’s manages all transport permits for the move itself – we’ll guide you on what approvals you’ll need to organise for your site.
Can you relocate a home to a rural or remote property?
Absolutely. We’ve relocated homes to remote and island locations across Queensland and we arrive fully equipped for any unforeseen challenges. Remote access, distance and terrain are all factored into your quote.
What happens to the stumps when a home is relocated?
At the destination site, your home will be re-set onto a new stump system. Busby’s manages the stumping as part of the relocation process. We’ll assess the ground conditions at your site and recommend the most appropriate stumping solution – timber, concrete or screw piles.
Houses For Sale FAQ's
How do I buy a home through Busby's?
Browse our Houses For Sale page to see current listings. When you find a home you’re interested in, contact us to discuss the property’s condition, shift requirements and your site. We’ll provide a full quote covering the purchase price, removal, transport and re-setting at your location.
Can I view a home before I buy it?
Yes – we encourage it. Contact us to arrange an inspection of any listed home. We’ll walk you through the property and give you an honest assessment of its condition and what to expect from the relocation process.
What does the price include?
Listing prices on our Houses For Sale page generally refer to the purchase price of the home only. Removal, transport, stumping and any associated permit costs are quoted separately based on your specific site and location. We’ll give you a clear all-up cost before you commit to anything.
Can I sell my home through Busby's?
Yes. If you have a home on your property that needs to be removed, Busby’s may be able to list it for sale through our network. Contact us with details about the home – size, type, condition and your location – and we’ll assess its suitability and advise on the options available to you.
Asbestos Removal FAQ's
How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
Asbestos was commonly used in Australian homes built before 1990 – in wall claddings, roofing, flooring, insulation and more. If your home was built before 1990, it’s worth having it assessed. The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos is through professional testing. Contact Busby’s to discuss an assessment.
What is the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos removal?
A Class A licence is required for the removal of friable asbestos – the most hazardous type, which can crumble and release fibres into the air. A Class B licence covers non-friable or bonded asbestos, which is in a stable, solid form. Busby’s holds both licences, making us qualified to handle every type of asbestos situation.
Is asbestos removal covered by insurance?
In some cases – particularly where asbestos is discovered as part of an insurance claim following storm or fire damage – removal costs may be covered under your building insurance policy. We recommend checking your policy and speaking with your insurer. Busby’s can provide all necessary documentation to support an insurance claim.
How long does asbestos removal take?
This depends entirely on the scope of work – the type of asbestos, the amount present and the complexity of the removal. A straightforward residential removal might be completed in a day or two. Larger commercial or industrial jobs can take considerably longer. We’ll give you a clear timeframe as part of your quote.
Do you provide documentation after asbestos removal?
Yes. Busby’s provides full documentation on completion of all asbestos removal work, including a clearance certificate and disposal records. This is a legal requirement and something we take seriously on every job.
Demolition FAQ's
Do I need a permit for demolition in Queensland?
Yes. Demolition work in Queensland requires approval from your local council as well as a licensed demolition contractor. Busby’s manages all required permits and approvals as part of our service – you don’t need to navigate the paperwork on your own.
What happens to the materials after demolition?
Wherever possible, Busby’s salvages and recycles demolition materials – timber, steel, bricks and other reusable materials. This reduces waste going to landfill. Any materials that cannot be recycled are disposed of at approved facilities.
Can you proceed with demolition if asbestos is present?
No, you cannot proceed with demolition if asbestos is deemed to be present. We can take a sample and have it tested. If the result if positive, our team is fully trained and equipped to handle it safely. Busby’s are licensed for both demolition and asbestos removal, which means we can manage the full scope of work on a single contract – asbestos identification, safe removal, clearance certification and demolition.
Can you do partial demolition - for example, removing part of a building while keeping the rest?
Yes. Partial demolitions and internal strip-outs are a regular part of our work. We’re experienced at carefully removing specific sections of a structure while preserving what needs to remain intact. This requires precise planning and execution – something our experienced team handles with confidence.
How do I get a demolition quote?
Contact Busby’s with details about your project – the type and size of the structure, its location, whether asbestos is present or suspected, and your timeframe. We’ll arrange a site assessment and provide a clear, itemised quote. Call us on 07 4922 7249 or submit an enquiry online.
General FAQ's
What areas do you service?
Busby’s is based in Rockhampton and services projects across Central Queensland and throughout Queensland more broadly. We also take on interstate projects for the right jobs. If you’re not sure whether we cover your location, give us a call – we’ll let you know.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Busby’s holds all relevant licences for the work we do, including Class A and Class B Asbestos Removal Licences, Demolition Licences and a QBCC Licence for house removal work. We are fully insured and our operations are certified to ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Full details are available on our Accreditation page.
How do I get a quote?
The easiest way is to call us directly on 07 4922 7249 – we’ll have a conversation about your project and arrange a site assessment if needed. You can also submit an enquiry through our Contact page and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Do you offer free quotes?
Yes. All quotes are free and provided with no obligation to proceed.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
We’ll assess your project, explain your options and give you a clear, honest price OR try our interactive calculator to give you an estimate of costs.