What Every Homeowner Should Know About House Restumping

 

House restumping in Melbourne can be a headache if you don’t know how to go about it. Luckily enough, with the right information, restumping will be less stressful.

Although it may be intimidating to go through a restumping project for the first time, knowing its basics will make the process smoother and more fulfilling.

 

To get a restumping project done successfully and stress-free, you’ll need to understand what it takes to get a reliable and qualified restumping contractor.

 

Does your home need restumping?

First, you need to know whether your home requires restumping. There are certain signs to check out for. For instance, check whether there are cracks in the plaster walls and whether the floor looks and feels uneven.

Also, sticking windows and doors when opening or closing them and glassware that is clinking when walking past the shelf are signs of possible failure of the existing stumps. In this case, it might be time to contact the professionals.

Many older homes are constructed on treated timber stumps. However, timber stumps fail over time depending on several factors.

Thus, the stumps may require replacement upon showing signs of failure. In case you’re planning for a major home renovation, ensure the existing stumps can stand any structural changes.

If you’re in doubt about their condition, then consider having them replaced before the renovation project to save yourself from headaches later on. Besides, you’ll save your home from more damage.

 

What is restumping?

The process of restumping, sometimes known as reblocking, involves lifting a house, removing old timber stumps, and installing new replacement stumps.

During a restumping project, the floor levels are reset. Also, the movement involved may cause tile damage, cracked plaster, warped door frames, and other issues.

Today, concrete stumps are the most preferred replacement stumps. They last quite longer than timber stumps.

If only a few stumps are damaged, then partial restumping would be the most affordable solution. However, if at least half of the stumps are damaged, it’s likely that the rest of the stumps will also get damaged sooner.

In this case, the best thing to do is a full replacement. You can also seek advice from a building inspector or restumping expert about the best solutions for your situation.

 

What’s the cost of restumping?

There’s no definite cost of restumping. The rate depends on several factors including your location, the number of stumps supporting the house, and the available space beneath the floor.

The current state of the joists, bearers, and soil will also determine the final cost of the project. Nevertheless, restumping is a highly competitive business.

Thus, you’ll get several different quotes. It’s advisable to compare several quotes and settle on the best company.

 

Finding the Right Restumping Company

One of the best ways to find a reliable restumping company is through recommendations. In case you know a friend or neighbor who has recently had their home restumped, get their advice. Ensure the company you go for has the much-needed experience and is insured.

When choosing a restumping company, ask them about the projects they’ve done in the past. Find out from their previous clients whether the leveling of their restumped home has changed or not.

If the company isn’t willing to let you know about their past jobs, then you should be wary of their services. You can also search for restumping companies online and check their reviews.

Also, ensure they have been offering restumping services with the same business name for several years.

 

Ask Crucial Questions

Before signing a contract, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the work that will be done. Ask a potential company the following questions?

• Will all the stumps be replaced?
• Is the cost of replacing damaged or rotten joists and bearers included in their quote?
• Is the current floor height going to be maintained or it will be higher?
• What internal damages are likely to occur when restumping?
• Is leveling the floors guaranteed?
• If floorboards will be pulled up, who will reinstate them and what happens to the carpet?
• Will the opening condition of the windows and doors get restored?
• Are the removed stumps and any other waste going to be removed?

 

Also, you’ll require a permit from the local council for such a project. Although it may sound like a huge hassle to get the permit, it means that the work is going to be inspected independently.

Find out whether the restumping contractor will get the permits or you’ll have to obtain them yourself.

In most situations, you can continue living in your home during the restumping project. A standard home can be restumped with a week or so.

 

Read: How to Protect Your Valuables During a House Raising and Levelling Project