We explain the key difference so you can protect your property with confidence. The first thing to know is simple: restumping replaces old or damaged stumps that lift a house, while underpinning strengthens the foundation of slabs or strip footings to support extra loads.

Homes on stumps sit above the ground with visible posts. Slab homes sit directly on the ground and need foundation work when footings fail.

Our engineering-led team focuses on safety and long-term structural integrity. We assess soil conditions, recommend the right support, and use council-compliant methods to preserve your property.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au for a free assessment and a fixed-price quote.

Key Takeaways

Restumping suits homes raised on stumps; underpinning suits slab or strip foundations.
Soil and ground conditions determine the best support for your home.
Our process prioritises safety, compliance and lasting stability.
We provide VBA-compliant certification and clear, fixed-price quotes.
Free structural assessments help you avoid unnecessary cost and preserve structural integrity.

What’s the difference between underpinning and restumping for Melbourne homes?

Knowing whether your home sits on posts or on a slab changes the repair options you’ll consider.

Foundations 101: most local houses use one of three foundation types: raised on stumps, slab-on-ground, or strip footings. Each foundation has different risks and repair needs.

How to tell if your house is on stumps or a slab (simple on-site checks)

Look beneath external access points. If you can see a crawl space and visible posts, the house is on stumps.

If there is no underfloor access and the floor sits flush with the ground, it is likely a built slab.

Restumping (reblocking): replacing damaged stumps with new ones

Restumping or reblocking involves replacing damaged stumps with new ones to restore level and long-term stability. Timber, concrete or steel options are common.

Underpinning: adding support to strengthen existing footings

Underpinning adds additional support beneath existing foundation elements to control movement and carry extra loads. Methods include mass concrete pads, screw piling, driven mini-piles and resin injection to stabilise soil and fill voids.

Quick note: our VBA‑registered team assesses the site, recommends the right method, and issues compliance reports.
Typical process times vary, but we outline the steps up front so you know what to expect.

Choosing the right solution for your property and soil conditions

Spotting early signs of movement helps us pick a targeted fix for your property and soil type.

Typical signs of foundation trouble include uneven or bouncy floors, new or widening wall cracks, and doors or windows that stick.

When restumping is the right call

For a house built on raised posts, restumping or reblocking is the usual solution when supports are decayed or termite‑damaged.

We assess whether localised repair will restore stability or if full replacement is needed to protect the home’s integrity.

When underpinning is used

If the issue comes from slab or strip footing movement, underpinning used to strengthen the existing foundation is the right approach.

It is also the standard choice when you plan heavy renovations or to add a storey and need extra support for foundations.

Modern options for reactive soil

Screw piling gives deep support where near‑surface ground is soft or reactive. Resin injection fills voids and stiffens soil with minimal disruption and time on site.

We start with an assessment and levels survey.
A structural engineer designs any necessary foundation repair.
A qualified contractor manages permits, safety and compliance.

Problem	Typical sign	Recommended solution	Timeframe
Decayed posts	Uneven floors, sagging verandah	Restumping / reblocking	Days to weeks
Strip footing movement	Long wall cracks, doors sticking	Underpinning with screw piles	Weeks
Voids under slab	Localised settlement, cracking	Resin injection to fill voids	Hours to days
Renovation load	Planned extra storey or heavy fitout	Engineer‑designed strengthening	Project dependent

We guide you calmly through causes, recommended work and expected outcomes. For a clear comparison of options and our engineering approach, see our tool on restumping and underpinning choices.

underpinning vs restumping melbourne

Our team begins every job with a calm, practical assessment to define the right foundation solution for your property.

Our calm, engineering-led process: assessment, structural reports and VBA-compliant repairs

We start with a thorough site assessment and levels check. This defines whether the house needs reblocking or strengthening work beneath footings.

We coordinate structural engineering design and certification. That ensures the repair meets VBA and council requirements.

Detailed survey and soil checks to choose the best method.
Engineer‑signed reports for compliance and council approval.
Minimal disruption and clear timelines during the repair.

Why choose Underpinning Melbourne: 20+ years’ experience, registered, insured and council-compliant

We are VBA Registered, insured and experienced. Our contractor teams hold the right tickets and safety systems.

We replace damaged stumps with new ones when a house needs reblocking. For slab or strip footing problems, we specify concrete pads, screw piling or resin injection to stabilise soil and restore stability.

Free assessments and fixed-price quotes — Call Chris on 1300 970 930 or email chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au

Free assessment and a fixed-price quote. We never upsell. We protect structural integrity and keep your property safe and compliant.

For a quick estimate, try our cost calculator. It helps you plan time and budget for the right solution.

Conclusion

A clear decision on foundation repair starts with a simple site check and engineer‑led advice. We help you choose between restumping and strengthening work based on how your house built foundation performs today and your future plans.

If you spot damaged stumps, uneven floors or widening cracks, act early to protect structural integrity and stability. We match concrete, steel, screw piling or resin to the ground and structure for durable support.

Our engineering‑led contractor team issues compliant reports and explains time, cost and scope. For no‑obligation guidance, contact our foundation experts.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

FAQ

What is the difference between underpinning and restumping for Melbourne homes?

Underpinning strengthens or extends existing footings beneath a slab or strip footing. Restumping — also called reblocking — replaces old stumps that support houses raised off the ground. One adds support to existing foundations; the other replaces the vertical supports beneath a timber or raised house.

What are stumps, slabs and strip footings?

Stumps are individual posts that support a timber-framed house above ground. Slabs are continuous concrete bases that the house sits on. Strip footings are continuous concrete supports under load-bearing walls. Each system transfers loads to the ground in different ways and needs different repair methods.

How can I tell if my house is on stumps or a slab?

Look for a visible crawl space and timber floorboards above ground — that usually means stumps. A seamless concrete floor at ground level indicates a slab. If you see continuous concrete under walls, you likely have strip footings. If unsure, a quick inspection by a structural contractor will confirm the type.

What are common materials for stumps and underpinning works?

Stumps may be timber, concrete or steel. Underpinning methods include mass concrete pads, screw piling, and resin injection. The choice depends on soil conditions, load requirements and the extent of movement or deterioration.

What are the typical signs of foundation trouble?

Watch for uneven or sloping floors, diagonal or horizontal cracks in walls, doors and windows that stick, gaps at cornices or skirtings, and visible rot or termite damage to stumps. These signs warrant a prompt structural assessment.

When is restumping (reblocking) the right solution?

Restumping is appropriate when a raised timber house has deteriorated or rotted stumps, or when stumps have failed due to corrosion or termite damage. Replacing individual stumps restores the vertical support and floor level.

When should underpinning be used instead?

Choose underpinning when a slab or strip footing has settled, when you’re adding loads through renovations, or when reactive soils cause differential movement. Underpinning transfers and stabilises loads by strengthening or extending the existing foundation.

What are modern underpinning options like resin injection and screw piling?

Resin injection fills voids and lifts settled slabs with minimal disturbance. Screw piling installs steel piles deep into stable strata. Both are faster and less invasive than traditional mass concrete underpinning and often suit Melbourne’s reactive clay soils.

How do engineers assess which solution my property needs?

We start with a visual inspection, take levels and document cracks. A geotech report may follow to profile the soil. A structural engineer then specifies the repair method, materials and design loads to meet Building Regulations and VBA requirements.

How long does a typical restumping or underpinning job take?

Time depends on size and complexity. Small reblocking jobs can finish in a few days. Underpinning with multiple bays or piled solutions can take weeks. Your contractor will provide a schedule with the fixed-price quote after assessment.

Will these works affect my insurance or council approvals?

Properly designed and documented repairs usually meet council and VBA requirements. We recommend telling your insurer before works. A registered, insured contractor and engineer-signed reports help maintain cover and support any future claims or sales.

Can restumping and underpinning be done without damaging the house or garden?

We use methods to minimise disturbance. Resin and screw piles are less invasive than mass concrete. For restumping, we protect floors and landscaping. Expect some disruption, but careful planning keeps it controlled and safe.

How long do new stumps and underpinning repairs last?

Correctly installed steel or concrete stumps and engineered underpinning are permanent solutions when matched to soil and load conditions. Regular maintenance and drainage management extend the life of any foundation repair.

What should I ask a contractor before starting a job?

Ask for registration and insurance details, engineering reports, references, the chosen method and materials, expected timeline, warranty terms and a fixed-price quote. Confirm compliance with VBA and local council requirements.

Why choose a specialist with local experience in Melbourne soils?

Melbourne has many reactive clay profiles and varying groundwater conditions. Local experience ensures the chosen repair accounts for these factors. Engineers familiar with local councils and building codes reduce approval delays and deliver long-term stability.

How do I arrange a free assessment or quote?

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au for a free inspection and fixed-price proposal.