How Much Does It Cost to Lift or Restump a House in Northern Rivers NSW

Thinking about lifting or restumping your home in the Northern Rivers NSW?

Whether you’re protecting against floods, creating space for a new level, or replacing aging stumps, understanding the costs and process can save you time and money. In this 2025 guide, Artisan Designer Constructions explains what affects the price of house lifting and restumping, what approvals you’ll need, and how to ensure your project is done safely and to code.

Why Homeowners Lift or Restump Their Houses

In the Northern Rivers and Tweed region, house lifting and restumping are increasingly common for both practical and financial reasons.

Protect it from flooding or rising water tables,
Create extra living space or parking underneath,
Improve ventilation and drainage,
Allow for new foundations or extensions,
Increase your home’s value and longevity.

Older Queenslanders and timber-framed cottages are especially suited to lifting and restumping, as their pier-and-beam structures can be safely raised with the right engineering.

Typical Cost to Lift or Restump a House (2025)

Type of Project	Estimated Cost	Description
Basic re-stumping (single-storey timber home)	$12,000 – $25,000	Replace existing timber or concrete stumps
Partial lift (≤ 1 m) + new steel stumps	$20,000 – $35,000	Ideal for minor flood mitigation
Full house lift (1–2 m) with re-stumping	$30,000 – $50,000+	Allows for extra storey, garage, or major renovation
Complex lift on sloping / limited-access site	$45,000 – $70,000+	Heavy structural work, extra bracing, engineering

Note: every site is different — access, soil type, and engineering requirements can shift the cost dramatically. A detailed on-site quote is essential.

At ADC, we’ll do an initial site inspection to find the best solution for you, just get in touch to book it in!

What Affects the Cost

Several key factors influence the overall cost of a house-lifting or restumping project:

Size and Weight of the Home
Larger, double-storey, or brick-veneer homes need more hydraulic jacks, steel beams, and labour — increasing costs.
Access and Site Conditions
If your property sits on a steep block, has tight access, or is located in a floodplain, expect higher setup and bracing costs.
Type of Stumps
Concrete stumps, Steel stumps, Timber stumps.
Soil Conditions
Reactive clay, soft fill, or sandy soils may require engineered footings, screw piles, or slab work to stabilise the base.
Height of the Lift
A simple 300 mm raise differs significantly from a 2 m lift designed to add a full new level.
Approvals, Surveying, and Engineering
Tweed Shire and Northern Rivers councils may require structural drawings, soil tests, or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) before work begins. Allow $2,000–$5,000 for professional reports and documentation.

Local Council Regulations: Tweed & Northern Rivers

Each local government area applies slightly different rules for house lifting and structural alterations:

– Tweed Shire Council: usually requires a Development Application if the lift exceeds standard height limits or changes the external appearance.

– Byron and Lismore Councils: may need additional flood or heritage approvals.

– Flood-prone zones: homes may have to meet minimum floor-height requirements for insurance and compliance.

Always engage a licensed builder who understands the local planning codes and can manage approvals on your behalf.

The Process — Step by Step

Initial Inspection – site visit to check stumps, soil, and structural soundness.
Engineering & Design – determine lift height, support points, and bracing.
Approvals & Permits – prepare council or CDC applications.
Preparation – disconnect services (plumbing, power, water).
Lifting & Restumping – hydraulic jacks raise the house; new stumps are installed.
Reconnection & Finishing – reconnect utilities, re-level floors, add stairs or decks.

Average time frame: 6–8 weeks, depending on scope.

Get Expert Help

If you’re considering lifting or restumping your house in the Northern Rivers or Tweed region, our team at Artisan Designer Constructions can handle everything — from design and engineering to council approvals and construction.

Contact us today for a free site inspection and quote.