House raising can be a great option if you’re seeking to elevate your living space and maximise its potential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of house raising, highlighting its benefits, key considerations, and the steps involved.
Whether you’re looking to create additional living space, avoid flood risks, or enhance the aesthetics of your home, house raising in Brisbane can be the transformative renovation solution you’ve been searching for.
What is House Raising?
House raising is a renovation technique that involves lifting the existing structure of your home to create a void space beneath.
The benefits of house raising include increased living area, potential for future extensions, improved views, enhanced flood protection, and preserving the original structure.
If you live in Brisbane, you may decide to raise your home if you live in a flood-prone area, if you want better views of the city, or if you live in an area with urban growth restrictions.
Getting Started: Assessing Feasibility and Engaging Professionals
If you decide to raise your home, the first step is to evaluate your needs vs wants and get house plans and engineering drawn up.
Then, you’ll want to consult with a team experienced house raising like JM Homes to discuss your goals, timeline, budget, and potential challenges. Make sure to get a professional builder to conduct a thorough inspection.
The next step is to acquire the necessary council and building approvals for your renovation, by engaging a licenced certifier either through your local council or privately, it is their job to ensure the works comply with current building codes and standards.
It is important that you take the time to understand the regulatory requirements and obtain the relevant permits. This will help you avoid potential delays, fines, or other headaches later.
The House Raising Process
Here’s a step-by-step guide to house raising, so that you can know what to expect for your project. Keep in mind that this is a complex renovation process, with all homes differing. This process is not suitable for DIY, you will need to hire a reliable house raising company or a builder like JM Homes to complete this for you.
Set out and Steel
The first step involves set out of the stump locations and structural steel. Confirming the heights and positions of the house with a surveyor prior to raising to ensure the house is in its correct position. Before the raising of your house services such as electricity and plumbing are disconnected, you are not able to live in your home during the raise process.
Lifting the House
Next, once the house structure is stabilised, using hydraulic jacks, the house is raised evenly and carefully, temporary support structures are installed.
All measures are taken to ensure the safety of your home and the team working during the lifting process.
Preparing the Foundation
This step involves excavation and site clearance. Old stumps are removed, the existing footings of your home are strengthened, or new footings constructed as necessary.
Lowering the House
Then, they will slowly lower the house onto its new supports and secure it in place. Once this is complete, your team will conduct final inspections to ensure proper alignment. The surveyor will return to ensure the house is set out as per plan, and a set out certificate is provided.
Reconnection of Services and Additional Spaces
The next phase is about reinstalling access and connection to services.
It is at this stage that your renovation can be started creating new ground-level spaces, such as garages, storage areas, or additional living areas. Incorporating plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling considerations.
After your House is Raised
Once the raise is completed, and the build under or renovation of your home done. Finally, you will need to think about landscaping and outdoor areas, so that you can optimise the elevated space of your new home.
House raising is a transformative renovation method that allows Brisbane homeowners to maximise their living space, enhance flood protection, and breathe new life into their homes.
Remember, choosing the right house raising contractor is essential for a successful project. With careful planning and expert guidance, you can elevate your Brisbane home and create a living space that meets your needs for years to come.
House Raising Case Study
This modest, post war home in Coorparoo, Brisbane, has been completely transformed into the owner’s dream house!
With their vision in mind, we took this quaint, single storey 3-bedroom house and turned it into a modern 2 storey 4-bedroom home with an open living area and ample storage. The best part about giving this house the facelift it deserved was being able to maintain the character of the house by keeping the original features like the windows, timber floors and cladding.
By raising the home to build underneath, we were able to contain the footprint of the home to make the most of the block allowing the owners ample space and storage, even adding a pool all while preserving the backyard space. Learn more here.
Thinking of Raising your Home?
Before undertaking a significant project like this, it’s crucial to choose the right building company. Here are a few tips to ensure you choose wisely:
- Research reputable contractors with experience in house raising
- Check credentials, licences, and insurance coverage
- Read customer reviews and testimonials
- View previous works if possible
- Obtain detailed quotes and compare prices
