Date Published: June 27, 2025, Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Jare & Emma
If you’re wondering what happens during a house raising project, this blog post walks through the key stages involved and what homeowners can typically expect at each step.
Raising a home is a structured process that involves:
- Lifting the existing structure,
- Stabilising it safely, and
- Preparing it for new foundations or construction underneath.
If you’re still exploring whether this type of renovation is right for your property, you can learn more about our house raising solutions in Brisbane.
What happens during a house raising project?
Many people raise their homes to create more space, improve flood resilience, or prepare for a larger build-under renovation. For more on this, you can read our blog post on why people raise their houses.
1️⃣ Site assessment, design, and planning
The process usually starts with a close look at the existing home, the block, site access, and what the homeowner wants to achieve.
This helps determine whether the home is suitable to raise, what structural work may be needed, and whether the project will include building underneath.
From there, plans are prepared by a designer or draftsman and reviewed alongside engineering requirements for the lift, supports, and new lower-level structure.
2️⃣ Approvals and documentation
Before work begins, the required approvals need to be in place.
Depending on the project, this may include building approval, engineering documentation, certification, and, in some cases, further council assessment.
This stage is especially important if the home is in a character area, flood-affected area, or has site constraints that need to be addressed before construction.
3️⃣ Preparing the home for lifting
Once approvals are in place, the house and site are prepared for the lift.
This can include disconnecting services, removing stairs, decks, or external structures, clearing access around the home, and preparing the building for temporary support.
Good preparation helps reduce delays once the lifting work begins.
4️⃣ Lifting and stabilising the house
The home is gradually lifted using hydraulic jacks and structural steel supports.
This is done in a controlled sequence so the structure remains stable throughout the lift. Once raised, the home is held securely in position while the new supports and works underneath are completed.
5️⃣ New foundations and structural works
With the house elevated, the new foundation system can be built.
Depending on the project, this may include new stumps, footings, structural posts, a slab, retaining elements, or framing for the lower level.
This is also where the project starts to shift from “lifting the house” to creating the new usable space underneath.
6️⃣ Lowering, securing, and structural works
Once the new supports are ready, the home is secured into its raised position and the next stage of construction can begin.
This may include reconnecting services, building underneath, adding stairs, completing framing, and moving into the remaining fit-out works.
For a build-under project, this is where the new downstairs layout starts to take shape.
What can impact the house raising process?
No two house raising projects are exactly the same. The timeline, complexity, and construction approach can vary depending on factors such as:
- The age and condition of the existing home
- Whether the property has narrow or difficult site access
- Sloping blocks or challenging ground conditions
- Existing stump or foundation issues uncovered during works
- Whether the project includes building underneath
- Character or heritage planning overlays
- Weather delays during excavation or structural stages
Older Queenslander homes, in particular, can sometimes reveal hidden structural issues once lifting begins, which may affect the scope of work or timeline.
Planning requirements may also influence what can be built underneath, especially in character areas or flood-affected locations.
Who is involved in the house raising process?
A house raising project involves a number of professionals working together to make sure the home is lifted, supported, approved, and rebuilt safely. This may include:
- Builder – manages the overall project, coordinates trades, and keeps the work moving
- Engineer – designs the structural supports, footings, posts, and other load-bearing elements
- Designer or draftsman – prepares the plans and documentation
- Surveyor – may be needed for levels, boundaries, or site-specific requirements
- Trades – plumbers, electricians, concreters, carpenters, and other specialists may be involved depending on the scope
Having the right team in place matters because each stage depends on the one before it. Good coordination helps avoid delays, missed details, and problems during construction.
How long does the house raising process take?
Timeframes can vary depending on the size of the home, the complexity of the project, site conditions, and how long approvals take.
The actual lifting stage is often completed over a few days to 1-2 weeks, depending on the size of the house and the structural work involved. However, the full process – including planning, engineering, approvals, structural works, and any build-under construction – can often take anywhere from 4 to 10 months from start to finish.
Projects involving more detailed renovations, difficult access, character overlays, or larger downstairs additions will usually take longer.
It’s also common for timelines to shift slightly due to weather, excavation conditions, material lead times, or approval delays during the early stages of the project.
Key considerations of a house raising project
✔ Costs can vary depending on the size and condition of the home, site access, engineering requirements, and whether the project includes building underneath.
✔ Many homeowners choose to raise and restump at the same time to improve structural support and update older foundations.
✔ Homes built on concrete slabs can be more complex to lift, and in some cases, alternative renovation approaches may need to be considered.
✔ For homes in character or heritage areas, retaining the traditional look of the property can play an important role in the planning and design process.
For more details on costs, see our blog on house raising costs homeowners should expect and explore a house raising case study here.
If you’re planning a house raise and want guidance on suitability, approvals, structural considerations, or building underneath, Future Building & Home Solutions can help you understand the next steps. Call 07 3715 5621 or get in touch online – we’d love to chat.
