How Do You Know When Your Property Needs to Be Restumped?

Jun 05, 2024

Restumping, or reblocking, is essential for keeping your property structurally sound. But how do you know when it’s time to consider this crucial service? Here are some common signs that your property might need restumping:

• Uneven Floors : If you notice your floors are starting to slope or feel uneven, it could be a sign that your stumps are deteriorating and need some attention.
• Cracks in Walls : Check for cracks in your walls, especially around door frames and windows. These can indicate that your foundation is shifting and might need restumping.
• Doors and Windows Not Closing Properly : Are your doors and windows sticking or not closing as they should? This could mean your foundation is moving, causing misalignment.
• Visible Rot or Damage : Take a look at the stumps under your house. If you see signs of rot, rust, or damage, particularly in timber stumps, it’s likely time to restump.

Costs Associated with Restumping

How We Estimate Costs

We base our costs on the number of concrete or steel stumps we install. Concrete stumps generally range from $200 to $380 each, while steel stumps can range from $580 to $980 each. The price can vary based on factors like stump depth. If you find a cheaper quote, we’ll beat it by 5%, as long as it’s a like-for-like comparison and you can provide the quote. We only charge for the number of stumps we actually install.

Requirements

• Projects Under $20,000 : A 10% deposit is required.
• Projects Over $20,000 : A 5% deposit is required.
• Projects Over $10,000 : A building contract is necessary to outline the scope of work and terms.
• Domestic Building Insurance : For any domestic building projects over $16,000, we need to purchase Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) on behalf of the homeowner.

Can You Stay in the Property During Restumping?

Yes, you can stay in your home during the restumping process, as long as there’s access under the subfloor. However, to ensure safety and efficiency, access to the work area will be limited to the builder and technicians.

Duration of Restumping

Restumping a typical three-bedroom house usually takes between 6 to 8 working days, including initial pad inspections.

Job Oversight

A building surveyor ensures that our work meets all necessary standards.

They will engage a building inspector to conduct two routine checks:

• Prior to Placing a Footing (Stump Holes) : We inspect the holes to ensure they meet the required minimum of 350mm in circumference and 450mm in depth. Approval is needed before hanging the stumps and pouring concrete.
• Final Completion Inspection : We ensure the stumps are filled with a minimum of 150mm of concrete and backfilled with compacted soil.

Will My Property Be Levelled After Restumping?

Achieving a perfectly level property depends on several factors, including the type of property and its construction. While restumping aims to get as close to level as possible, some minor variances might remain.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at Vic Metro Underpinning and Restumping. We’re here to ensure your property stands on a solid foundation.