Yes, a home can be delivered by barge when the road to a lake property is too narrow for a truck to get through. That’s exactly what happened on a recent project on Big Watab Lake in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where the only road leading to the lot couldn’t handle a home delivery. Instead of letting access stand in the way, the home made the final part of its trip across the water.
Why the Road Wouldn’t Work
Modular and manufactured homes arrive by truck in finished sections, so the route to the site must be wide enough to accommodate them. On this Big Watab Lake property, the road leading in was simply too narrow for a home to pass through. Tight roads, sharp turns, and limited clearance come up often with remote, wooded, and lake lots, so this kind of challenge isn’t unusual for lake home buyers.
How the Barge Delivery Came Together
With a more typical road delivery not an option, the plan shifted to the lake. The home was loaded onto a barge, carried across Big Watab Lake, and brought to the property from the shoreline. It took extra planning and coordination to pull off, but our Excelsior Homes crew was up to the task, and the result was a new home set on the lot the owners had chosen.
What This Means If You’re Planning a Lake Home
A tricky site doesn’t automatically rule out a modular or manufactured home. Access is one of the details we look at early, along with setbacks, utilities, and foundation type, because it affects how and when your home can arrive. If your lot has a narrow road or other delivery concerns, bring it up during your first conversation so we can figure out the options for your location.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re thinking about a lake home or cabin, stop by during business hours to tour our model homes in Hutchinson, or contact us to get started. We’re happy to answer your questions and walk with you through the process, from site questions to move-in day. Every property is a little different, and that’s part of what makes each project worth doing right.
