Faqs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of materials do you use?

Our stumps are concrete stumps which are built to last much longer than wooden stumps, which is why we are confident in giving a fifteen-year guarantee on our work. In the past, wooden stumps were used for the foundations of houses and over time the wood rots. The concrete stumps have sunk a minimum of 450mm into the earth and concreted into place.

What is the difference between underpinning, reblocking and restumping?

Reblocking and restumping are terms that describe replacing the old ‘block’ or ‘stump’ foundations of a home with new concrete stumps. Reblocking and restumping is applied mostly to older weatherboard homes which are slightly raised off the ground with their foundations. The terms can be used interchangeably.

Underpinning is the process of fixing a properties foundation and returning the home to its original level if that property's foundations are a concrete slab. This mostly applies to brick veneer homes. Typically a concrete slab will, over time crack and sink into the earth at one spot or another. We prop up the slab (or underpin the slab) with a number of 20-tonne jacks where it has sunk and we fill the space with concrete to elevate the slab to its original flat level.

I plan to renovate, at what stage should I look at restumping or underpinning?

Restumping or underpinning must be the first part of a renovation project. This is because we literally move your house back to the correct level it should be. This movement can affect plasterwork, paintwork, tiles and other parts of your home.

Will my floorboards be affected?

We will not have to touch any floorboards if there is 600mm clearance underneath your house for us to work in. If there is less than 600mm clearance, by law we must work through the floorboards, which will mean removing some of the floorboards from your house. These will need to be replaced with by the owner after we have finished.

What mess can I expect?

We know there is nothing worse or unsafe than a messy work site. We pride ourselves on leaving your house in the same condition as when we started. We clean up after ourselves and pay particular attention to the presentation of our jobs.

What plans or council permits do I need to have before you start?

We secure the necessary plans and permits on your behalf.

Do I need to be out of my property while you are at work?

Generally not. We will advise you on the extent of works that will be undertaken before we start the project and how this will affect your living arrangements. More than 90% of residents stay in their property while we work.

Does Tactics Reblocking and Underpinning guarantee their work?

Yes. We provide a 15-year guarantee on our work.

How long would it take to reblock a house?

90% of houses will take between 5 and 10 days.

How much will it cost to get my house restumped?

Depending on the size and of the property and the severity of the problem, a typical three bedroom house will cost between $3,000-$7,000.

How do I know if my house needs restumping?

Typical signs of structural instability include:

  • Cracks in the plasterwork and brickwork
  • Sloping floors
  • The decay of foundations beneath the house
  • Doors creaking or not closing properly

Another indicator is the age of your house. If your house was built before 1970 then there is a good chance it will be due for reblocking or underpinning soon. Don’t wait too long to reblock your house as it can be dangerous to leave your house’s foundations in poor condition.