If you’re a long-time Brisbane dweller, chances are you’re familiar with the process of house raising. 

Lifting your house, particularly in the Brisbane area, is extremely beneficial when it comes to protection against flooding, termites and rot. With a house raise, you can easily create more living space without compromising your yard, strengthen the foundations of your home and get the full benefit of those cityscape views or suburban greenery.  

While the house raising process is generally straightforward (we lift your house, place it on temporary stumps, confirm the desired height and lower it onto its new foundations), it is still a massive undertaking and it’s important that you are aware of any restrictions. That’s why it’s always best to have a thorough consultation with a house raising specialist. 

When it comes to lifting a house in Brisbane, whether it’s a quintessential Queenslander or a more contemporary home, the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is the height limitations. To offer better flood immunity and greater flexibility in design, the Brisbane City Council raised the maximum house height to 9.5 meters — set at the highest point of your house. How high you can lift your Brisbane home may still depend on the regulations set by your local city council, although most areas do abide by this maximum height restriction of 9.5 meters and two storeys.

Anyone planning on raising their house less than 9.5 meters will not need any development permits, as this is considered a minor building project. You will, however, need building approval from a qualified building certifier. 

If you are intending to raise your home higher than 9.5 meters, you must apply for Council approval. Due to safety considerations, costs and other associated difficulties, we don’t recommend houses be raised above 9.5 meters. In fact, our team of house raising experts have found the most success raising houses 2.7 to 2.8 meters above the natural ground level, with an extra 0.5 meters to conceal beams, wiring, plumbing or insulation. 

If you’re looking to raise your Brisbane home for renovation purposes, to fix a damaged foundation or to protect your house from flooding, our team are more than happy to help. With a site survey, a look at your local council guidelines and a consideration of any structural plans, Raise My House will offer expert advice and guidance on how high you should lift your Brisbane home. Get in touch with us today.