Restumping questions

Write down what you've noticed and when, and photograph any cracks with something in the shot for scale. The BPC treats wall cracks under 1 mm as normal movement, says cracks of 1 to 5 mm should be watched through a full year, and calls cracks over 5 mm significant (BPC). Then get the house inspected.

None. They're two names for the same work: replacing the stumps under a timber floor and re-levelling the floor. The BPC registers people for both in one class (BPC).

Not for sure. Cracks and sticking doors can come from foundation movement, but there may be other factors too (BPC). A restumper inspects under the floor and tells you what they find.

Someone registered with the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC). Anyone who restumps or reblocks a home must be registered, whatever the value of the work (Consumer Affairs Victoria).

Search the BPC's public register by name, business name or registration number. It shows whether the registration is current, what type of work it covers, and any conditions on it (BPC).

Yes. Restumping, reblocking and underpinning need a building permit (Campaspe Shire building fact sheet). The builder or a building surveyor usually arranges it.

The work, the price, and the limits on damage to the rest of the house: the BPC's tolerance guide says these should be agreed before work starts (BPC). For larger jobs the builder must arrange Home Warranty insurance through the BPC. Ask for the Notice of Cover (BPC).

The BPC's tolerance guide says re-levelled floors are outside tolerance if, within 24 months of the work, they differ in level by more than 15 mm in any room, or more than 8 mm in any 2 metres (BPC).

Check with the City of Greater Geelong before work starts. Raising the house, or anything that changes how it looks from outside, may need a planning permit as well as a building permit (City of Greater Geelong).

Your rental provider or property manager, in writing, as soon as you can. Rental providers must make non-urgent repairs within 14 days of a written request (Consumer Affairs Victoria).

It depends on the house and what the inspection finds, so the restumper quotes after looking at it. We don't publish prices.

No. Restumpers pay us for the enquiries we send them. See our referral marketing disclosure.

We only pass them to one restumper, and only with your permission. If we can't place your enquiry, we tell you and delete your details within 14 days. Our privacy policy has the detail.