Know the considerations, reasons and benefits concerning House Raising from articles by Black & White restumping services in Brisbane, Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

Soil Erosion Effects And Prevention

Jimi Hendrix sang about castles made of sand falling into the sea eventually, but soil erosion does not only affect castles made out of sand. Soil erosion can occur anywhere, and for any number of reasons but the most common is water, which is ever flowing, continuing its way to the sea.

Three of the best ways to prevent erosion are to use land according to its capabilities, protect the surface soil with a cover of some sort, and manage water run-off to prevent it from eroding away at the soil. By doing the appropriate soil testing you will be able to determine a lot about the soil and surrounding conditions, giving you are clearer picture of how to prevent further erosion. It can also give you an indication about what is required with building, relocating or raising a house.

Capability of Land

The position of land, its slope and soil type are important factors, which determine what the land can be used for. Different soil types are best for different types of land use, as the various types of soils have different strengths. Land that is good for crops and grazing may not be the best choice for building a house. A house that has been built on soil that is not strong enough, could cause the house to crack, sag or even fall down.

Run-off and Surface Cover

A major cause of erosion is through the natural elements of wind and water. Surface cover is important to prevent rain from eroding bare soils and wind eroding the soil particles, which can cause erosion problems. Water run-off, if not appropriately deviated, can cause extreme erosion in some cases, which can massively deteriorate a land mass over time. Before building a house, the area needs to be thoroughly assessed by a soil expert to determine these factors of wind and water, and how to prevent them from causing soil erosion around the foundations.

House Foundations

Black and White Houseraising and Restumping assess all aspects of the land when planning and working on raising or restumping a house. Knowing the quality of the soil will determine what preparations are required for carrying out the work, as well as which materials will be the best to use for the foundation of the building. Proper assessment of the soil and land capability, leads to a ‘best case scenario’ with house raising and restumping, preventing erosion of the soil around the foundations of the house, and minimising the impact of the elements.

Things To Consider Before Choosing Professional Restumping

When tackling a home renovation project, the first thing you will want to consider is whether to restump the house. The foundation of the house is the most important part, as without a strong foundation, it would be a complete waste of time to do any other work to a house. The best thing you can do when renovating is to work from the bottom up, and deal with the most important part first, the foundation, and go from there. Here are some things to consider before choosing to engage the services of a professional restumper.

Is the House Worth Restumping?

One glaringly obvious question to ask is whether the house is worth going to the trouble of restumping. If the house itself has issues such as termite damage, dry rot throughout, or has been badly constructed to begin with, then restumping it will mean that you are throwing your money away. If the house itself is not in good order, it might be a better idea to take the whole house down and start afresh.

Restump or Raise?

If you have had the building inspected and deemed it worth saving, the next thing you might want to think about it is, how high? If you are planning on raising the house to restump it, you might want to go the extra mile and have it raised enough to build extra rooms underneath. This would often mean a bit more of a long-term financial investment but creating more space could really change the house significantly and increase its resale value.

Choice of Stumps

So once you have made your decision about what you want to do with the house, you will need to choose which materials you want to use for your restumping project. Most of the older stumps were timber, which need to be replaced anywhere from 15 years to 80 years, depending on other factors such as wood used, soil conditions and other external factors. Most new stumps are made of concrete with galvanised steel inside, which will last a lot longer than the average timber stumps.

Building Permits and Relevant Paperwork

Before you can go ahead and get the restumping underway you will also need to organise building permits and other relevant paperwork. If you are choosing the services of a professional such as Black and White Houseraising and Restumping, they will provide information to you about what is needed and the costs involved.

Stump Damage – How It Affects The Overall Appearance Of The House

If the stumps of your house are damaged, the signs will become evident quite quickly over time, negatively affecting the overall appearance of your home. While the state of the actual stumps may not be easily seen from the outside, due to their position under the house, if left unrepaired they can damage the rest of the house considerably. This could lead to them greatly affecting the aesthetic value of your house as well as causing it to become structurally unsound and it could end up being a job that costs a lot more money.

Cracks in the Brick and Paintwork

One of the first signs of damaged stumps is visible cracks in the brick work and paintwork of the house. Some people think they need to go for the quick fix of repairing the cracks and paintwork with plaster, but this will not fix the problem for very long if the cause of the problem is not repaired properly. Fixing the paintwork and brickwork will become a lifelong task as your house falls down around your ears.

Uneven Floors

When wooden stumps have deteriorated considerably you may start to notice that the floors of your house are uneven and sloping down-hill in one direction or more. There is nothing you can do to fix this issue other than fixing the cause of the problem, which is repairing or replacing the stumps of your home. One way that you could fix the problem is to have the house raised and new foundations put in place with galvanised steel stumps. While this might seem like a big job, it is the better alternative to the long term problem of leaving rotting stumps deteriorating rapidly underneath your home.

Leaning and Sagging

Over time, as the failing wooden stumps break down it can cause the house to start to sag in places and eventually the weight of the house may cause it to lean to one side. If particular stumps are more damaged than others they can not only make the house structurally unsound but can become a real eyesore. The longer that you leave damaged stumps unrepaired the more your house will begin to show visible signs of decay. If you have any suspicions that there may be damage, be sure to phone Black and White Houseraising and Restumping and have your home inspected today.

House raising icon

What is House Raising or Lifting, and Why Do It?

House raising or house lifting refers to the practice of putting in place the infrastructure to raise a house from its current foundations to a greater height than it was previously. This is usually done by using hydraulics or screw jacks and as you can imagine, is a huge exercise that requires experience and an understanding about all aspects of building.

It is only done by professional businesses such as Black and White Houseraising and Restumping, and can only be done on certain types of houses, because if things go wrong the consequences can be fatal. There are different reasons why people might do this, so read on for a greater understanding about this interesting work.

Relocation of the House

At some point, we may have all been driving along the freeway late at night and noticed a house coming along on a truck in the other lane, or ahead of us. The first step in actually getting that house off its foundations and onto the truck would have involved it being lifted or raised, using hydraulics, and placed onto the truck for removal or relocation. As you can imagine, a house is not the lightest of dwellings, so lifting the whole structure in one piece can be a very involved process, and requires skill and planning.

Renovations

Often when people choose to renovate their house they are doing so for the purpose of gaining extra space or adding more rooms. Often, if they are financially able, and their house is the appropriate kind of house, they will opt to have it lifted or raised up, to create more rooms downstairs, thereby extending the size of their house. Once it has been lifted, new foundations are put into the house to secure it in its new position, which require the assistance of an engineer to ensure that it is safe and that the new foundations can hold the weight of the dwelling. Doing so can mean a lot of work, but can change people’s lives dramatically with more space to spread out and enjoy in their home.

Raising the House Above Flood Waters

Another important reason that many people will have their house raised is to lift it up and away from flood waters. If a house has been built on low-lying ground, or the natural waterways have deviated and changed their course, it could be at risk of flooding. Rather than watching as their house slowly sinks into swampland, people choose to employ a company such as Black and White Houseraising and Restumping to lift them high and dry, thereby putting them away from rising waters and damp, and adding extra rooms.

family reading a book

Dreaming of More Space for you and the Family?

Are you daydreaming of living with more space? Perhaps it’s a separate living area for the kids to go make noise, watch television and play computer games. Maybe its room for that pool table you have been dreaming of playing on when your mates come round. Perhaps you have the in-laws coming to stay and you want to give them their own space thus allowing you all to have some privacy when you want it.

The choices abound on how you can achieve any one of these dreams. The most obvious of course, is to move and find a bigger home. But, what if you love where you are and don’t want to move? There are many reasons to choose to stay where you are. Despite it being cramped, you love the house you are in or it’s close to friends, family, the city, shopping, the beach, work or the kid’s school.

Have you considered  reliable house raising and restumping? If you are living in a single story home that is currently on low or non-conforming height stumps this could be the solution you have been searching for.

Proper Planning Produces Perfect Results

It is essential you do your homework. Setting a limit on what you can afford is the very first thing to cross off the list. It is essential to keep the building rule of thumb in mind when considering this. Allow 10% for the unexpected. As with many building projects budgets can blow out very quickly.

Ensure you have checked with your local authority or a qualified building designer as to what regulatory requirements there may be. You will also need to have structural plans drawn up by an engineer outlining exactly what is required before you can start asking for quotes.

Sourcing a Contractor

Black & White House Raising, (www.bwhouseraising.com.au) is a family owned business that has been in operation for the last 12 years. They have carried out many house raises in the South East corner of Queensland covering an area from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane and surrounding suburbs and on to the Gold Coast.

As such they are in a terrific position to offer obligation free quotes and expert advice. They guarantee all work conducted and as a state of the art hydraulic jacking system is utilised, they can finish a raise in approximately two weeks.

woman in the rain

Raising Home: On the Way to Preventing Flood Damage

Storm season is on its way to the Queensland area again. Because of the past storm surges that happened, many are now wary of possible damage that can be brought about by floods due to heavy rainfall. Households can prepare for such scenarios by considering house raising  as an option.

What is House Raising?

Houses that are prone to flooding should seriously consider house raising. These include homes that are located in low-lying areas, which are sure to be the catch-basin in case a very strong downpour occurs. Flood levels can rise quickly with a strong storm with heavy rain. Damage from flood, whether it is a flash flood or stagnating flood can be avoided with the help of house raising.

Simply put, house raising involves elevating the house from its current level. The house is entirely lifted up using hydraulic jacks and raised to a desired level. House raising is the same method that is used when the house needs stumps replacement or repair. To avoid flood damage, the house can be lifted and structural beams and columns installed to give it extra height. With the columns, the house gains a ground level that can be transformed into a car park or for any other purposes when there are no threats of flood damage.

Find the Right Contractor

House raising is not a simple job that can be handled by just anyone. It must be planned thoroughly with the help of an architect to draw up the structural plans. The plans are necessary to get the required council approval for the construction project. It will take from 2 to 4 weeks to complete the job, depending on the size of the house that will be lifted.

Black & White House Raising provides reliable house raising services to suit the requirements of the homeowner. The company utilises only advanced hydraulic jack system to safely lift the house to a higher level. As part of its dependable service offering, the company provides full insurance on the jobs that they undertake.

The company’s house raising services give homeowners a choice when it comes to dealing with seasonal flood problems. With this service, the homeowner can get that extra space  that they desire and at the same time, they are able to protect their property from natural disaster. Black & White House Raising offers free quotes and would love to answer any type of queries regarding house raising. To find out more, visit the company’s website at https://bwhouseraising.com.au or talk to one of the company’s representatives.

couple buying a house

Buying a House? Choose a Reliable House-Raising/Restumping

You’re thinking of buying a house, at a temptingly cheap price, but it needs a major renovation. Or maybe you’re starting a business of buying houses for restoration and reselling after you’ve improved them. Either way, you will need some assistance such as house raising or lifting, and restumping or re-blocking services that Black & White House Raising can provide.

Before you do any restoration to the house, it’s best to consult with your agent first. Ask details about the house regarding its age and what materials were used, amongst others. This way, you can have a better idea of the house’s condition, before shelling out more money.

House Raising Defined

Efficient house raising  is a service done by construction experts. It literally denotes lifting the entire house, but of course, these contractors specialise in foundation repairs, demolition and they provide solutions to address water damage.

The three most popular reasons for having a home lifted are:

  • Preventing water damage;
  • Fixing a foundation, especially those already destroyed by water causing rotten timber foundations; and
  • Building an additional floor.

What is Restumping or Reblocking?

Restumping or re-blocking means resetting or replacing stumps or foundations that have already rotted or settled due to soil movement. When portions of the house’s flooring don’t seem to be on the same level or emit a creaking sound when stepped upon, especially on wooden floors, typically this means that restumping is necessary .

The common signs that a house needs restumping are:

  • Continually cracking interior walls;
  • ‘Soft’ or uneven floors;
  • Exterior cracking on brickwork; and
  • Doors and windows not functioning properly.

When replacing stumps, it’s usually more advisable to use concrete or hot dip galvanised steel ones, but they can be a bit expensive, although the lifespan will be almost indefinite and require low maintenance. Timber stumps are 10% cheaper than concrete, but they can only last for at most 20 years.

Not all stumps have to be replaced since the percentage of rotting may differ, depending on the amount of water damage or exposure. But if almost all your stumps have to be replaced, then it may be time to consider house lifting/raising, especially if you’re short on garage or basement space.

House-Raising and Restumping Linked

House lifting or raising and restumping are linked to each other because they’re both necessary to improve your home investment. Restumping cannot be done properly without raising the house, and a house won’t be stable enough to live in without good stumping underneath it. Once you have this settled, and hire the services of contractors like Black & White House Raising, you won’t have trouble renovating the property and eventually reselling the investment you made.

living room

How to Double Your Living and Storage Space Without Moving

Anyone who has lived in Queensland for any length of time will, at some stage, have passed a house that is being prepared to be raised. This is one of the most economical ways for home owners to obtain more living and storage space  without going through the expense of selling up and moving to another property. They double their living space and, depending on the location of the land, they can also get million dollar city or ocean views.

While many people may have seen a house raising in operation, most will not know much about the actual process itself, and what it involves. Finding the answers to some of the most common questions is probably the best way to start.

What is the First Step in the Process?

Consulting a draftsman or architect to do structural drawings of the project is the first step and is important for a couple of reasons. Obviously, it is the first opportunity the home owners will have had to get their ideas down on paper and make decisions about what the completed dwelling will look like.

The structural drawings are also needed to get building approval from the Council for the project. The professional house raising company chosen to do the work will also need them to give an accurate quote for the cost.

Can the House be Occupied while it is being Raised?

Once the house is sitting on temporary supports it cannot be occupied as it is not stable enough. Most furniture can remain but breakable items in high cabinets, or anything unstable, should be removed and stored. Water beds and spas should be drained.

Is There an Average Time Line?

Most projects take around two weeks for the average house. For larger homes or if there is a large excavation required it can take up to four weeks. These are the time guides offered by Black and White House Raising based on more than 12 years’ experience in the industry.

What is a Typical Cost Estimate?

The cost varies with the size of the house but for a two bedroom house a realistic figure would be around $17,000. A three bedroom house of average size would be $18,000 to $26,000 and a bigger three bedroom would be from $22,000 to $30,000. This does not include the cost of the drawings, disconnection and reconnection of services or any concrete slab.

This is still much less expensive than the costs of selling a home and buying another one. There are no advertising and real estate agents fees so if you need more space and you don’t want to leave the area, having your house raised is a very attractive option.

House Lifting in Flood Zones

The climate has not been as erratic as in recent years. Lately, we have been seeing extreme weather and climate conditions worldwide. In Queensland, we continue to experience odd weather patterns, from extreme summer heat, to strong rains and flooding. The region was battered by heavy rains and floods a year ago, bringing down trees and destroying or inundating many homes.

Extreme weather patterns are expected to continue in the coming years, so the best thing we can do is cope with the changes and do our best to protect lives and property. One good way of coping with heavy rains and flooding is by house lifting . Black & White House Raising & Restumping can provide you with high quality house raising services to protect your home from the dangers of floods.

What is House Raising?

Houses can be raised with all the contents intact, and new stumps or posts are added beneath. The house is lifted to the desired height. For flood prone areas, it would be best to put some extra allowance to the height to make sure that the ground floor is high enough to be safe from the expected floods.

The process involves the use of advanced hydraulic jacks  to lift the entire house. This process requires intensive expertise in the field, so it is important that you work with a highly trusted name in house raising and restumping. Black & White House Raising & Restumping can give you that high quality and reliable service in this area.

The house raising process typically takes approximately two weeks, but it could take as long as three to four weeks for larger houses. Residents will have to move out during that time period. While it is fine to leave some furniture in the house during the house lifting process, fragile and breakable items should be removed.

How House Lifting Helps

Owners of houses that have been hit by floods recently and in the past year should seriously consider house raising . There is no telling if the climate and weather are going to go back to normal. It is always better to be prepared for floods, especially if you have experienced one in recent years. House lifting can be your best defence against flooding in your area.

House lifting gives you an opportunity to still live in the house that you own and love. There should be no need to move to another place just because of temporary floods. During floods, your belongings and your family will be safe on the raised floor. To see how house raising can help protect your property, contact the company at https://bwhouseraising.com.au.

Benefits of Raising and Restumping

As the poem goes, “Australia is a land of drought and flooding rains”, and lately more than ever it’s the flooding rains that are prevailing in our nightly weather forecasts. Cast your eyes over the people on the streets in news stories and you will see a colourful sea of umbrellas in their hands as they hurry to get out of the rain. Everywhere you hear the expression, ‘when will this rain stop?’ tumbling from the lips of the populace. When you think about it we really have had more than our fair share, tanks and dams are full and overflowing and it seems more flooding is not far away.

House raising Brisbane in flood prone areas is being carried out on such a regular basis that it is becoming more the norm than an occasional event. So many people are mourning not only the loss of loved ones, but also the loss of precious memorabilia that cannot be replaced. Treasured photos cannot be restored even if they can be found so the only images we have are held in our minds, to fade as we age. Happily, much of this will be prevented from occurring in the future with houses being raised above flood levels at heights that were not permitted by councils in pre flood times.

Restumping Damaged House Stumps

Restumping Brisbane is something else that has been happening more than before due to termite infestations and stumps that have moved due to water inundation, not only in flood areas, but under high homes on slopes where water has rushed underneath during teeming downpours. This is more common in older homes that have been standing on the same stumps for centuries, but can happen in others.

Restumping resets the new stumps  into an upright position, and keeps the floorboards even inside the home. Many people in termite prone areas are opting to restump with concrete stumps to raise the odds in their favour against infestation. This is definitely a worthwhile exercise for the peace of mind it offers, and the stumps will last a lifetime.

Benefits of House Raising

The benefits of house raising are flood proofing, giving the best possible chances of no loss of life or assets, cooler temperatures inside the home, better breeze catching being higher, and it is also said that walking up and down stairs is not only good exercise but great for a healthy heart. By restumping, you benefit from safe and even floorboards in the home, and less risk of being infested by termites when using concrete stumps. Another benefit of raising a home is being able to build a granny flat underneath later.