Reblocking Explained: Why It's Essential for Your Home's Safety and Value

 Reblocking is a critical process in home maintenance, especially for houses built on timber stumps, which are common across Australia. Over time, the stumps supporting a home can deteriorate due to soil movement, moisture, or age. When this happens, reblocking becomes essential to restore the structural integrity and safety of the house.

Whether you’re noticing uneven floors, cracks in walls, or just planning a renovation, understanding the importance of reblocking can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

What Is Reblocking?

Reblocking (also known as restumping) is the process of removing and replacing the old stumps beneath a house with new, sturdier ones. Most commonly required in older homes, especially those built before the 1970s, reblocking ensures your foundation remains stable and your property stays level and secure.

Depending on your home’s construction, new stumps may be made from:

• Concrete (preferred for durability and longevity),
  
  

• Galvanised steel (resistant to rust and termites),
  
  

• Or hardwood timber (used in specific cases but less common today).
  
  

Signs You May Need Reblocking

If your home is showing any of the following symptoms, it's time to consider an inspection:

• Cracked interior walls
  
  

• Sagging or uneven floors
  
  

• Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly
  
  

• Visible movement or tilting of the structure
  
  

• Excessive creaking or bouncing when walking on floors
  
  

These issues indicate that your home may no longer be level and could be suffering from stump failure, which compromises both safety and property value.

Benefits of Reblocking Your Home

1. Improved Structural Safety
   Damaged stumps can cause a house to become unstable. Reblocking ensures your home is safely supported.
   
   

2. Increased Property Value
   Potential buyers often look for structural integrity. A recently reblocked home can command a higher price on the market.
   
   

3. Smooth Renovation Planning
   Planning a renovation or extension? It’s best to reblock first, as construction on unstable foundations can cause damage or require rework later.
   
   

4. Long-Term Cost Savings
   Addressing stump issues early can prevent more severe and costly structural problems down the line.
   
   

The Reblocking Process

Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview of how reblocking is typically carried out:

1. Assessment: A structural inspection is performed to identify damaged or rotting stumps.
   
   

2. House Elevation: The home is carefully jacked up to relieve pressure from the existing stumps.
   
   

3. Removal of Old Stumps: Damaged or outdated stumps are removed entirely.
   
   

4. Installation of New Stumps: Concrete, steel, or treated timber stumps are installed in their place.
   
   

5. Leveling and Securing: The house is leveled precisely and lowered onto the new supports.
   
   

The entire process typically takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the size and condition of the house.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I know if my home needs reblocking?
A: Signs include cracks in walls, uneven flooring, doors that don’t close, or visible deterioration of existing stumps.

Q2: How much does reblocking cost?
A: Costs vary depending on the number of stumps and the house's size but typically range from $8,000 to $20,000.

Q3: Is reblocking covered by insurance?
A: Most standard home insurance policies do not cover reblocking as it is considered general maintenance.

Q4: Can I live in my home during reblocking?
A: In most cases, yes. However, you may need to vacate specific rooms temporarily during the process.

Q5: What’s the difference between reblocking and underpinning?
A: Reblocking involves replacing stumps under timber floors. Underpinning is used for concrete slab foundations and involves strengthening the base.

Client Testimonial

"We had been noticing sagging floors and couldn’t shut our back door properly. After calling in a specialist, we discovered our old timber stumps were completely rotted. The reblocking team was professional, fast, and explained everything clearly. Now our house feels solid, level, and much safer!"
— Linda R., homeowner in Melbourne

Conclusion

Reblocking is not just a cosmetic fix—it's an essential maintenance step that protects your home's structure, value, and safety. If your home is over 30 years old or showing signs of foundational issues, it’s wise to schedule a professional inspection.