Costs by job type
Restumping is priced per stump, then adjusted for access, levelling and permits. These are the ranges we see across capital-city and regional quotes:
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single stump replaced | $500 – $700 | Minimum call-out often applies below ~8 stumps |
| Partial restump (8–20 stumps) | $4,000 – $12,000 | Common where only one wet corner has failed — when partial is enough |
| Full restump, weatherboard | $15,000 – $25,000 | Lighter frame; typically 40–60 stumps |
| Full restump, brick veneer | $20,000 – $30,000 | Heavier loads, more careful jacking to protect brickwork |
| Raise & restump (QLD) | $30,000 – $70,000+ | Lifting the house needs engineering and council approval — raise & restump guide |
What affects your price
Two identical-looking houses can quote $10,000 apart. These are the levers:
Access under the house
Generous crawl space is cheap to work in. Under 40 cm clearance means digging by hand — the single biggest price multiplier.
Stump material
Concrete is the default. Galvanised steel adds $50–$150 per stump but suits reactive clay. Compare stump types.
Number of stumps
Per-stump rates fall on bigger jobs. A quote should state the count — get under the house or ask how they counted.
How level you want it
Re-levelling to near-new adds jacking time and can crack plaster. Many owners accept a few millimetres of character.
Soil and drainage
Reactive clay or a wet subfloor may need deeper stump holes or drainage work first. Why houses sink.
Permits
A building permit (required in VIC and most states) adds roughly $800–$2,000 including certification. State rules.
Be wary of any whole-house quote given without getting under the house. A real quote counts stumps, notes access, and states the levelling standard in writing.
Getting fair quotes
Get at least three itemised quotes: stump count, material, levelling standard, permit responsibility and warranty. Our guide to choosing a restumper lists the questions that separate professionals from van-and-jack operators — and the process guide shows what the job should look like day by day.
Get real numbers for your house
Up to three itemised quotes from licensed restumping firms near you. Free, no obligation.
Common questions
Is reblocking the same price as restumping?
Yes — reblocking is the Melbourne name for the same job, and Melbourne pricing sits in the same ranges above. What is reblocking?
Can I restump in stages to spread the cost?
Sometimes. If failure is localised, a partial restump now and the rest later is legitimate — but two mobilisations cost more in total, and levelling is cleaner in one pass. Partial restumping guide.
Does the price include re-levelling the floors?
It should include levelling to a stated tolerance — but not always plaster and paint repairs afterwards. Ask each quoting firm to spell out both.