The best time to restump a house is before renovating or after fixing foundation issues. Restumping prior to a renovation and after addressing problems is beneficial as it ensures structural stability. This reduces any risks as it will provide a solid base for future property additions.
Another good time to hire a restumping company is during dryer time of the year when the ground isn’t unstable due to being saturated with moisture. Restumping is easier to do and more effective when you have intact soil to work with.
In this blog, we’ll expand more on the best time to restump, discuss the main signs to get restumping, and discuss the steps it takes to complete the whole process.
Before Renovating
Restumping a house before renovating is essential for a couple of reasons.
The first reason is that it involves replacing deteriorated or damaged stumps, ensuring the structural integrity of the building. Addressing any underlying foundation issues can prevent future problems from compromising the renovation work.
For example, if you were to restump after renovating, the movement caused by lifting the floors back to level may result in cracking in your new tiles, splashback, and marble.
Another reason is that restumping provides a level and stable base for the property. A balanced framework ensures any changes made match the existing structure.
In other words, restumping before renovations guarantees a solid foundation, enhances the longevity of the improvements, and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs in the future.
After Fixing Foundation Issues
Another good time to restump is after fixing foundation issues. The main reason for restumping during this phase is that doing so provides the job site with a stable base.
Restumping involves replacing deteriorated stumps with new ones, ensuring the foundation is stable and secure. This provides long-term structural integrity and prevents further settlement or damage. It also allows for proper relevelling, stopping potential issues such as uneven surfaces or cracks from happening.
Additionally, new stumps improve the house’s resistance to environmental factors like moisture and termites. Giving your home these extra protective measures can help prolong its lifespan.
In case your foundation problems have been caused by water, fixing it will divert water away and prevent them from pooling in and around the foundations.
What Are The Signs A House Needs Restumping?
The following are the main signs a house needs restumping:
Floors Are Uneven Or Sloping
Noticing a significant slope or unevenness in your flooring could indicate foundation problems. This can occur when the stumps supporting the house have shifted or deteriorated over time.
Seeing Cracks In Ceilings Or Walls
Significant cracks in the walls or ceilings, especially diagonal cracks, can be a sign of foundation issues. As the foundation settles or moves, it can cause the walls to shift and crack.
Doors And Windows Not Closing Properly
A shifting foundation often makes doors and windows suddenly difficult to open or close. They may also stray out of their normal alignment. Settling or moving stumps can affect the position of doors and windows, leading to this issue.
Why Do We Need To Get Restumping?
You need to get restumping because it is essential for properties with deteriorating or weakened foundations. It involves replacing old or damaged stumps or posts that support the structure, ensuring stability and preventing further damage. Restumping is necessary for several reasons.
The first reason is that the soil beneath a building can shift or settle over time, causing the existing stumps to become uneven or sink. This can lead to structural problems, such as cracked walls, uneven floors, and doors and windows that don’t close properly. Restumping corrects these issues by providing a solid and level foundation, ensuring the safety and integrity of the building.
Another reason to get restumping is because it prevents further damage and costly repairs. Uneven or deteriorating stumps can strain the structure excessively, leading to additional structural problems over time. By replacing weakened stumps, restumping eliminates the risk of further damage and the need for extensive renovations in the future.
Lastly, restumping improves the overall value and longevity of a property. A structurally sound foundation enhances the stability and durability of the building, making it more attractive to potential buyers and increasing its resale value.
As you can see, restumping is necessary to maintain the structural integrity, safety, and value of buildings. It addresses foundation issues, prevents further damage, and ensures the long-term stability of the structure.
What Is The Process For Restumping?
The following are the steps involved in the restumping process:
Step 1: Assessment
Inspect the existing stumps to determine if restumping is necessary. Look for signs of deterioration, uneven floors, or cracking walls.
Step 2: Preparation
Clear the area around the stumps and ensure access to machinery. Remove any obstacles or debris that may hinder the restumping process.
Step 3: Jacking
Use hydraulic jacks to raise the structure, relieving pressure on the old stumps and allowing their removal.
Step 4: Stump Replacement
Install new stumps made of durable materials like concrete or steel. Ensure proper alignment and leveling for each stump.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Lower the building onto the new stumps and make necessary adjustments to achieve a level and stable foundation.
Step 6: Finishing
Once the structure is securely supported, secure the stumps in place and restore the surrounding area to its original state.
How Long Does Restumping Take?
Restumping can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete. The duration of a restumping project will vary based on factors such as the size of the structure and the number of stumps needed.
Get in touch with a professional restumping provider to get a more accurate estimate of your project.
How Much Does Restumping Cost?
Restumping projects can cost around $11,000 to $25,000. The actual price will highly depend on the number of stumps that need to be replaced, the complexity of the building, and the accessibility to the subfloor.
It’s important to note that prices can fluctuate over time, so it’s best to consult with local restumping professionals or contractors to get accurate and up-to-date cost estimates for your specific project.
What Is the Difference Between Restumping and Reblocking?
The main difference between restumping and reblocking lies in the terminology used in different regions. Australians commonly use the term “restumping,” while those in some parts of the country and from places like New Zealand, prefer to use “reblocking” instead.
