Guy Davis-Moving the Houses of The Hamptons

Chatmosa Session - Guy Davis: Moving the Houses of THE HAMPTONS

In this episode of "Beyond the Blueprint," host Nick Zappola welcomes Guy Davis of Davis House Moving, delving into the intricate and often awe-inspiring world of house relocation in the Hamptons. With a legacy spanning over a century in the industry, Guy provides a captivating glimpse into the nuances of moving homes, steeped in tradition yet underpinned by modern technology.

The conversation opens with Guy’s rich family history in house moving, tracing back to his great-grandfather's pioneering use of horses to transport homes on Long Island since 1890. Nick and Guy share a light-hearted moment reflecting on the fascinating practices of their ancestors, like hanging gas lanterns on partially moved houses overnight—an image that seems almost fantastical today.

As they explore Guy's current operations, it quickly becomes apparent that moving houses in the Hamptons is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative engineering. Guy shares how he employs a unified jacking system, where hydraulic fluid powers custom jacks to ensure a steady and controlled lift. "Everything is placed purposely," Guy notes, revealing his meticulous approach that stems from years of apprenticeship and experience. For him, each job is an intricate puzzle that he carefully plans even in his dreams.

Guy recounts stormy nights spent keeping moved houses secure against the encroaching tides. "There were times in moonlight where we would be out there with shovels trying to keep the sand around our cribbing," he recalls. This dedication to safety and precision underscores the high-stress nature of house moving—an endeavor that, at times, requires the juggling of multiple stress points, especially when working under precarious conditions like during Hurricane Gloria.

Nick poses questions that reveal the technical aspects of the work, such as how Guy determines the weight of a house during lifting. Guy explains his measured approach: Everything is calculated in his head, relying on years of experience rather than engineering manuals. He elaborates on how he assesses the building’s weight visually while adjusting pressure on the jacks—a practice that demands both skill and intuition.

Among the many anecdotes shared, one of the most delightful is about moving the iconic Big Duck in Long Island, where Guy's daughters even got to control the remote for the project—a touching nod to family legacy and fatherhood intertwined with work.

The session also touches upon the whimsical memories found in the craziness of their profession. For instance, Guy recalls a particularly hectic house move in Smithtown where he had to interrupt a church service to ask parishioners to move their cars—a humorous yet relatable account that showcases the real-world challenges of his trade.

As they conclude, Guy reflects on the importance of safety in his work, attributing his impeccable safety record to careful supervision and a proactive mindset, instilling confidence in those who work alongside him. Nick wraps up the engaging discussion with a lightning round, pulling in quick questions that reveal Guy's personal preferences and favorites around the Hamptons.

This session with Guy Davis not only highlights the technical expertise that goes into moving houses, particularly in a place as unique as the Hamptons, but also the rich history and community stories that these structures carry with them. For both seasoned builders and curious listeners, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at a niche but vital aspect of construction that beautifully marries heritage with innovation. Tune in to "Beyond the Blueprint" for more fascinating conversations with industry professionals like Guy Davis, who remind us that every building has a story waiting to be told.