At Raise My House we have always been dedicated to enhancing the safety of homes in flood-prone areas within Brisbane.

We therefore welcome the upgrade for eligible homeowners in these areas to now partake in the Resilient Homes Funding. Whether you are a homeowner or a builder, we would like to acknowledge some of these changes and also advise on the next steps forward for those considering a house raise project.

What are the recent changes?

Based on the feedback from homeowners and the results from the Voluntary Home Buy-Back Program, several enhancements have been made to the fund, which include:

• Expansion of the Home Raise Policy: Previously, to qualify for the $100,000 Home Raise Program, homeowners had to satisfy two criteria concerning their home’s floor level and the flood level. Now, you need to meet just one of these criteria to be eligible. However remember, this funding for this initiative remains capped at $100,000.
• Flexibility with the $50,000 Retrofit Program: Homeowners now have the option to channel these funds towards raising their home or elevating non-habitable areas such as basements or storage areas above the 2022 flood level or the assessed flood level (whichever is higher). 
• Co-contribution specifics: Co-contributions apply only under certain conditions, either when using the $50,000 Retrofit funding for repair/retrofitting (not raising) or when accessing the $100,000 Home Raise funding under specific flooding conditions.

If these changes intrigue you, it’s crucial to check your eligibility first by reaching out directly to the Resilient Homes Fund team. It’s recommended to wait until the amended regulation takes effect before beginning any work to ensure reimbursement.

View more in the official QLD Government Ministers statement here: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98464

Why House Raising is Preferred Over a Retrofit

While retrofitting has its advantages, house raising offers some unique benefits, especially for those who reside in flood prone areas:

• 1) Safety from Flood Waters: By raising your home, you elevate it out of potential flood zones, ensuring that your living spaces remain dry even during severe flooding.
• 2) Additional Space: Raising your home can create usable space underneath, perfect for select storage, parking and more
• 3) Improved Security: A rarely discussed fact is that often elevated homes deter potential intruders, given the added height and visibility.
• 4) Mental Well-being: With the unpredictable nature of climate change and increasing flood risks, having a raised home can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, knowing you’ve taken proactive measures against potential floods.

Unsure on Next Steps? 

Whether you are a builder or approved homeowner, we are more than happy to guide you through the process. We Have been regularly collaborating with the Resilient Homes Fund team, and have even recently spoken at their industry forum as well as provided their assessors with guidance on house raise procedures. 

If you need a full quote from us as a builder or an affected homeowner for QRIDA, or if you’re in the initial stages and require design or engineering guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we can point you in the right direction. We liaise with local designers, engineers and surveyors on a daily basis who have been involved in the Resilient Homes Fund program over the past year and in house raising for the last decade. If you engineering (with a soil test) and building plans are complete, our estimating team can often provide a full and detailed quote back to you within 1-2 weeks.

Secure Funding and Raise Your Home

The revamped Resilient Homes Fund is now giving existing homeowners who were previously only eligible for a Retrofit a brand a new lease on life, as this is a fantastic opportunity to raise their home to a safe and secure level.  Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to kick off your house raising project, now is the right time to inquire about raising your home.

Connect with us at raisemyhouse.com.au or call our team on 07 3087 5325 to start the process of making your house safer, more adaptable, and resilient.