Restumping and Raising a House: Advice from a Registered and Experienced Architect

July 2025 Update

That iconic image of a classic Queenslander perched on stumps is a familiar sight across Brisbane’s suburban streets and in countless Australian films and TV series. It’s a charming vision, but one that comes with maintenance demands. As a licensed builder and architect with over 35 years of experience restoring Queenslander homes throughout South-East Queensland, I can tell you that those stumps play a much bigger role than most people realise.

We often take them for granted, but stumps are critical to the structural integrity of your home. They should be inspected regularly.

It might not be the most exciting job for a homeowner, but it’s one of the most important.

Whether you’re planning to restump or raise your home, there are several key factors to consider to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.

In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about restumping and raising homes over the past three decades in architecture.

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Top Tips for Giving Your Home a Lift

Evaluate the Condition of Your Stumps

Regular home maintenance is essential, and that includes the stumps that support your home. In South-East Queensland, two of the biggest threats to stump integrity are moisture and pests like termites and borers. Left unchecked, these can quietly destroy timber and compromise your home’s structure.

We often take them for granted, but stumps are critical to the structural integrity of your home. They should be inspected regularly.

It might not be the most exciting job for a homeowner, but it’s one of the most important.

What Causes Stumps to Fail

Don’t wait for rot to take hold before acting.

Before buying an older home or beginning any renovation work, always check the condition of the stumps. If the house has timber floors, there’s a good chance those floors are supported by timber stumps, even if the walls are made of brick.

How to Spot Early Warning Signs

If you’re not experienced in assessing stump condition or structural safety, it’s critical to get professional advice before proceeding. Stumps don’t just hold your home up, they also affect its safety, longevity, and future resale value.

The type of timber used for stumps varies across Australia. Generally speaking, well-maintained timber stumps should last at least 20 years and in the right conditions, they can last much longer. But timber is vulnerable to insects and water damage, so lifespan can vary dramatically.

In many homes, deterioration goes unnoticed because the floors still feel firm. However, subtle warning signs like sloping floors, or door and window frames that are out of alignment, often point to underlying stump issues. A simple spirit level can help detect these problems.

Where accessible, you can dig around the base of the stump to check its condition. If it’s intact, apply a bitumen-based sealant to help prevent future water damage. If pests are present, contact a specialist to treat the area.

Materials Matter: Timber, Steel & Concrete

Remember, timber isn’t the only material that can fail. Concrete stumps can crack, and steel can rust over time, especially in damp or coastal environments. Even the internal reinforcement in concrete can deteriorate. That’s why it’s always wise to get multiple opinions and speak with experienced professionals before committing to any structural work.

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When Should I Replace My Stumps?

Partial vs Full Replacement

If only one or two stumps have cracked or rotted, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace them all. However, this could be a good time to consider raising your home or changing the type of stumps used.

Choosing the Right Replacement Materials

As experienced registered architects, we often recommend upgrading materials rather than replicating the originals. For example, many South-East Queensland homeowners are now choosing steel columns, particularly when raising a home. These can be coated, or better still, hot-dip galvanised to resist corrosion. While galvanised steel is often the most expensive upfront, it offers excellent longevity with minimal maintenance.

Timber remains a popular and cost-effective option, but it is generally more vulnerable to rot and pests. Some varieties are more durable than others, but even the best timber stumps typically won’t last as long as concrete or steel — often only a few decades.

Installation Techniques for Long-Term Performance

In many cases, pine treated with copper chrome arsenate (CCA) is used. Coach screws or bolts are installed to connect these stumps to the floor bearers. If the ground is soft or unstable, a concrete footing may be required first. For areas prone to high winds, anchor bolts should be fixed at four-metre intervals around the perimeter and under brace walls.

When using concrete stumps, a threaded rod can be added to secure the stump to the floor bearers and help minimise movement. This setup is also useful for lowering high spots in uneven floors.

Get Advice from a Trusted Expert

An experienced contractor should be able to assess the condition of your current stumps and advise on the most suitable replacements.

Keep in mind that not all professionals approach this the same way. Building designers may focus primarily on aesthetics, while builders may prioritise function. Even among architects, approaches can vary. That’s why it’s essential to do your research and seek advice from someone who can offer a well-balanced perspective.

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When to Raise Your Home

If most of your stumps are damaged and need replacing, it may be the ideal time to consider raising or lifting your home.

Raising a home is a smart way to reclaim space, and if you’re already investing in new stumps, it often makes sense to extend their height. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, the long-term benefits usually outweigh the expense.

Our experienced architect-led team can help you determine whether raising your home is the right choice. Even if you’re based outside South-East Queensland, it’s important to work with professionals who can guide you through the process and eliminate the guesswork. This is also a great opportunity to enhance your home in other ways — such as adding storage, increasing garage space, or building in underneath to create additional rooms.

Whether you’re planning a guest suite, extra bedrooms, a rumpus room, or even a home bar, raising your home opens the door to smart, functional upgrades.

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Restumping or Raising Your Home

Work With Trusted, Qualified Professionals

When planning to restump or raise your home, it’s essential to work with an experienced, reputable contractor. Always ask for references that you can verify — and when comparing quotes, ensure you’re comparing like-for-like. Without clear details, you risk paying more for less.

Don’t just focus on the lowest price. Make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting. It helps to involve a trusted architect, an experienced friend in the building industry, or a neutral third party who can review the proposal without bias. If you’re located in Brisbane, our team at dion seminara architecture is happy to help and can provide references, case studies, or insights to give you peace of mind.

Understand Stump Requirements for Your Home

The number of stumps your home needs depends on its size and layout. Most homes require two to three stumps per square metre. Contractors will need one jack per stump, so ensure they’re adequately equipped. Also, confirm that all necessary stumps will be replaced — especially if you’re raising the house.
(The only exception is when steel beams are used to span larger distances, reducing the number of stumps required.)

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Review the Contract in Detail

At dion seminara architecture, we also ensure that contractors carry full insurance, including public liability, workers’ compensation, and personal accident cover. We confirm that they’re complying with relevant building regulations and will obtain necessary permits on your behalf. Whomever you choose to work with should follow similar protocols to ensure your project remains safe and legal.

Before you sign a contract, check that it clearly states:

• The type and spacing of stumps to be installed

• The total cost

• Start and completion dates

• Who is responsible for removing existing materials, such as rotten timber or floorboards

This level of detail helps protect you from costly surprises and disputes in the future.

Don’t Finalise Payment Too Soon

Finally, we always advise our clients to hold off on the final payment until the job has been inspected and approved. Confirming that the work meets expectations is an essential step, and one that helps avoid potential disagreements down the line.

Plan With Confidence: Expert Support for Restumping and Raising Projects

At dion seminara architecture, we offer expert support at every stage — from feasibility through to completion. If you’re in the early stages of purchasing a property and evaluating the home’s potential, our Pre-Purchase Design Advice and Pre-Purchase Online Property Analysis services are a great place to start. We’ll assess the property’s condition, constraints, and possibilities so you can make informed decisions from the outset.

Whether you’re looking to raise your home, reclaim space underneath, or improve structural stability — our team is here to help you create a home that’s safe, functional, and future-ready.

Get in touch with us today to take the next step toward lifting your home with confidence.