If you own a house in Brisbane, especially a traditional Queenslander or older home, you’ve likely heard the terms “house raising” and “restumping.” These processes are essential to maintaining and upgrading homes in the region, but many homeowners aren’t sure which option they need or how these services differ. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between house raising and restumping, and help you determine which solution might be the best fit for your property.

What Is House Raising?

House raising is the process of lifting your entire house off its foundations. This might sound dramatic, but it’s a common solution in Brisbane, especially for homeowners who need to:

• Add extra living space: Raising your house allows you to create an entirely new level below, doubling your living area without expanding outward. This is perfect for increasing property value and accommodating growing families.
• Increase flood protection: Many homes in low-lying areas of Brisbane are prone to flooding. By raising your house, you can protect your home from floodwaters, making it a crucial investment for long-term safety.
• Improve ventilation: Raising a home off the ground improves airflow underneath, which can help prevent issues like rising dampness or termite infestations.

The process involves lifting the house, building new stumps or columns to support the elevated structure, and ensuring everything is level and secure.

What Is Restumping?

Restumping refers to the replacement of your home’s stumps, which form part of the foundation. Over time, stumps can become worn, rotten, or damaged due to factors like soil movement, termite activity, or moisture. Restumping involves:

• Assessing the condition of existing stumps to see if they need replacement.
• Lifting the house slightly (though not as dramatically as in house raising) to access and replace the damaged stumps.
• Installing new stumps made from materials like concrete, steel, or treated timber, to provide a stable, secure foundation for your home.

Restumping is critical to maintain structural integrity and prevent issues like uneven floors, cracking walls, or sagging door frames.

When Should You Choose House Raising?

• You need more space: Raising your home gives you the opportunity to create an entirely new floor without changing the original footprint of the house.
• You’re in a flood zone: If your home is in an area prone to flooding, raising it can help you avoid costly water damage and keep your home safe.
• You’re planning a major renovation: House raising is ideal if you’re renovating and want to make significant changes to your home’s structure and layout.

When Should You Choose Restumping?

• Your home is showing signs of foundation damage: Cracking walls, uneven floors, and doors that won’t close properly are common signs that your stumps need attention.
• You want to avoid larger renovations: Restumping focuses solely on the foundation, so it’s a quicker and more cost-effective option if you’re not looking to raise the house or expand.
• Your stumps are outdated or damaged: If your stumps are made from untreated timber or are severely damaged by termites, moisture, or soil movement, restumping will provide a fresh, sturdy foundation.

Combining House Raising and Restumping

In some cases, you may need both services. If you’re planning to raise your home, it often makes sense to restump it at the same time. After all, you’ll already be lifting the structure, so it’s an ideal opportunity to inspect and upgrade your stumps to ensure your home’s foundation is in top condition.

Both house raising and restumping are crucial services for maintaining and improving homes in Brisbane. Whether you’re looking to create more space, protect against floods, or simply ensure your house is safe and stable, understanding these processes will help you make the best choice for your property.

At Raise My House®, we specialize in both house raising and restumping services across Queensland. With over 15 years of experience, we’re here to provide expert advice and top-notch service tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options!