Embarking on a house raise journey is no small feat. It’s a transformative undertaking that not only enhances the aesthetic value of your home but also offers functional benefits like flood protection or creating additional living space. However, navigating the labyrinth of planning, approvals, and construction can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process.

Fortunately, our detailed 10 step guide breaks down this intricate task into manageable stages, ensuring that homeowners are well-prepared and informed every step of the way. From initial evaluations of your property’s suitability for raising to the final stages of securing certifications and planning your temporary relocation, this guide offers a holistic overview of what to expect.

Step 1: Can You Raise Your Home?

• First, examine your local surroundings. Are many houses in your neighborhood raised? Is there a reason for this?
• Assess your home’s foundation. Brick foundations are generally not suitable for house raising or deemend too expensive.
• Contact your local council for permissions. Most areas in Brisbane and Ipswich allow house raising, but it’s always good to double-check.

Step 2: Source Professional Building & House Raise Plans

• Engage a local building designer with experience in house raising.
• Request both concept plans and full construction drawings to ensure full clarity and detail.

Step 3: Get a Site Survey

• A site survey is crucial to determine the heights, boundaries, and contours of your land.
• It will also help in understanding the precise position of your house.
• This survey is essential before finalising your house raise plans.

Step 4: Structural and Footing Drawings

• Hire a qualified engineer to provide drawings that address the structural integrity of the raise.
• These drawings should include details about footings, steel, bracing, and other essential components.

Step 5: Get a Soil Test Completed

• Soil conditions play a vital role in the stability of the footings, especially in areas with high moisture content.
• A thorough soil test will guide the construction of the correct and most suitable footings for your property.

Step 6: Building and Development Applications

• Consult your building designer about the necessary Building Approval (BA) or Development Approval (DA) applications needed for your project.

Step 7: Request a Quote from Raise My House

• Submit your full construction drawings, soil test results, and structural plans to us for an accurate quote.
• We generally turn around quotes within 10-14 days and we got into a lot of detail – unlike other house raisers who provide 1 or 2 page quotes, we leave no stone unturned, which often saves our clients ‘thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands’ of dollars in savings over the duration of their project

Step 8: Engage a House Raise Builder for Additional Services

• Obtain quotes for other essential parts of the project, such as:
  • Stairs installation
  • Demolition and excavation work
  • Connection and disconnection of services including plumbing and mechanical tasks
  • Any slab work
  • Fencing
  • Additional renovation or extension requirements

Step 9: Hire a Certifier for Council Approvals

• Engage a qualified certifier to help navigate the council approval process.
• Once all the necessary certifications (either development or building) are in place, you can commence the construction work.
• Remember: a certificate of compliance is essential not only to start construction but can also be beneficial when selling the property in the future.

Step 10: Plan Your Temporary Relocation

• Organise the dates when you’ll need to vacate your property during the house raise.
• Typically, our team at Raise My House requires a window of 4-6 weeks for the raising process, but consulting your builder will provide a more accurate timeline.

Some Additional House Raise Tips:

• Budgeting: Ensure you have a detailed budget in place. House raising can have unforeseen expenses; it’s always good to have a contingency fund.
• Insurance: Check with your home insurance provider about coverage during the house raising process. Some policies might not cover damages that occur during construction.
• Communication: Keep an open line of communication with all parties involved. Regular updates can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth process.

By following this updated comprehensive guide and checklist, homeowners can navigate the house raising process with confidence and clarity.