Reblocking in Melbourne
Renewing the stumps under your home and bringing the floors back to level. Reblocking, restumping — same job, done right.
“Reblocking” is what many Melburnians have always called it; the trade today usually says “restumping”. Both describe the same essential job — replacing the old stumps or blocks your house sits on so the floors are level and the structure is sound.
Reblocking vs restumping — what’s the difference?
There is no practical difference. Decades ago, homes were levelled on timber or concrete “blocks”, so the job of renewing them became known as reblocking. As concrete stumps became standard, the industry adopted “restumping”. If a builder, conveyancer or building report mentions either term, they mean the same structural work. We explain it fully in our guide to reblocking vs restumping.
When does a home need reblocking?
Melbourne’s older homes — especially weatherboards and period houses on reactive clay — eventually need reblocking when their original stumps rot, crack or sink. Tell-tale signs include:
- Floors that slope, dip or feel springy
- Doors and windows that jam or won’t latch
- Cracking in plaster, cornices and external brickwork
- Gaps appearing between skirting boards and the floor
If that sounds familiar, read the full list of signs you need restumping or book a free inspection.
How we reblock your home
Reblocking is permitted building work, and we handle every step:
Free On-Site Inspection
We come to you, get under the house, and assess every stump — timber rot, concrete cancer, movement and clearance. No obligation, no pressure.
Fixed Written Quote
You get a clear, itemised quote with the number of stumps, materials and timeline. No vague hourly rates and no surprises on invoice day.
Permits & Engineering
Restumping is regulated building work. We handle the building permit and any engineering computations so the job is fully compliant.
The Restump
Our crew jacks the house evenly, removes the old stumps and sets new ones to a level datum — typically 1–2 weeks depending on house size.
Final Inspection & Sign-Off
A registered building surveyor inspects and signs off the completed work, and you get the certificate of final inspection for your records.
Common reblocking questions
Is reblocking the same as restumping?
Yes — reblocking and restumping are two names for the identical job: replacing the stumps (or “blocks”) that support your floor. “Reblocking” is the older Melbourne term; the building industry today usually says “restumping”. Either way, the work and the result are the same.
How much does reblocking cost in Melbourne?
Most full reblocking jobs in Melbourne run between roughly $12,000 and $35,000 depending on the number of stumps, subfloor access and stump type. See our restumping cost guide for a full breakdown, or book a free quote for an exact fixed price.
Do I need a permit to reblock my house?
Yes. Reblocking is regulated building work in Victoria and needs a building permit plus a final inspection by a registered building surveyor. We arrange the permit and sign-off as part of every job.
Can I live in the house during reblocking?
Usually, yes. The house is jacked gradually, so in most cases you can stay living in it. We’ll let you know if your particular job is an exception.
Get a free reblocking quote
Book a free on-site inspection across greater Melbourne. We’ll assess your stumps, measure your floor levels and give you a clear fixed price in writing.