When we say raise a Queenslander, we aren’t talking about teaching your child to become a Maroon-blooded member of the Sunshine State. We’re talking about the process of lifting a Queenslander home design to create additional space beneath the home. House-raising projects are more common than you may think, but how do they work and are they worth the hassle? From a cost perspective, raising a home usually costs around $15,000-$25,000, though this price can vary. Also, this number doesn’t include any building or renovations you are planning once the house is raised.
Let’s take a look at how houseraising works and weigh up whether it is the best option for you and your home.
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What’s involved with raising a Queenslander home?
First, let’s define exactly what we’re talking about when talk about raising a Queenslander. House raising is a process that involves lifting the entire house with a hydraulic lift system above the ground and then putting the structure onto temporary supports. From there, steel or concrete supports will be installed as a permanent means of supporting your home. Once this has been done, what happens next will depend on your plans. You may wish to build underneath the raised home, in which case, you’ll need to hire other contractors to perform this task.
Why raise and build underneath an existing home?
- Create more living space in an existing house.
- Allows you to keep your current house design
- Improve flood protection
- Allows you to keep your current location
Are all house designs suitable for raising?
No. Queenslander houses often feature stumps that raise the house above the ground level, making them ideal for a house-raising project. A brick house design, meanwhile, would not be able to be raised in the same way. Talk to a builder or a house raiser to find out whether this process would work with your home.
Do you need planning permission and approvals before raising a Queenslander?
It’ll depend on the specifics of your project. We understand this is a frustratingly vague answer, but different local councils have their own guidelines and regulations. Anything that doesn’t follow the regulations set out by the National Construction Code will need approval before going ahead. The chances of getting approval can vary wildly based on what you’re asking for and the reason behind it.
Chances are you’ll need building approval before carrying out your project, but your contractor can help out with this. We always recommend checking with your local council before commencing any major build or renovation to see what permits and approvals you’ll need. Not complying can result in fines or even jail time depending on the seriousness of the infringement.
What costs are involved with raising a Queenslander?
The average cost of raising a home in Queensland is somewhere between $15,000-$25,000 for a three-bedroom home. For the entire raise-and build project, it will vary depending on what you’re trying to do, but $300,000 isn’t an unusual amount to spend.
It’s possible to spend your money wisely and get more for less. The key is to plan well. Poor planning is costly in the construction industry. Get in touch with Buildi to discuss how we can save you money on your next build.
What impacts the cost of raising a Queenslander home?
There are a few factors that will influence the overall cost of raising your home. Just some of these elements include:
- Soil quality: Poor soil quality will make any construction project more complex and therefore add to costs.
- Building materials: Your choice of materials can make a difference in your overall costs. Timber is usually cheaper than steel or brick, but there are other factors to consider including transportation costs and short-term costs vs long term benefits.
- Design options for lower level: How complex your plans for your new lower level will affect your budget. A storage space will likely cost less than if you’re planning to add a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom.
- Electrical and plumbing needs: When you raise and build, you’ll need to adapt your plumbing and electrical connections.
- The slope of your block: Sloping blocks are common in South-East Queensland, but do add some extra considerations to a build. Working on a sloping block tends to add additional costs to most builds.
- Any land preparation: If you need to perform excavation to flatten land or tree removal to create more yard space, it all adds up.
- Creating a new foundation: If you need to pour a concrete slab, build retaining walls or make similar adjustments, it will naturally add to your total cost.
Our tips for homeowners thinking about raising their Queenslander
- Before deciding on a contractor, talk to at least three different companies and get a quote from each.
- When you receive your quote/contract, be sure to read it carefully to see exactly what the contractor is offering to do. The more details included in the quote the better. If anything is vague, your contractor should be willing to explain and answer any of your queries. Consider having a building broker or solicitor look over the agreement as a third party may spot something you missed.
- Weigh up the costs of raising a home and consider whether it’s the best option for you. If you wish to remain in the same location but change the house, it may be worth investigating a knock-down rebuild.
Buildi is here to help you throughout your building journey
Brisbane We can help you find the right builder for your project, whether you’re performing a knockdown rebuild, or looking to build on a sloping block. We can help you find the best home builders for your project and ensure you get everything promised in your contract. With our help, our clients have saved time, effort and money throughout their home build.
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