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House raising lifts the whole house onto taller stumps or posts. People do it to create space to build in underneath, to get a better view or breeze, or to lift living areas higher in flood-affected areas.

Approvals

Raising a house is building work that needs a building approval (Gympie Regional Council – Building (opens in a new tab)). Depending on the final height, your property's zoning and any heritage or character overlay, planning approval may also be needed. Lifting a house can also change how it relates to boundary setbacks. Another Queensland council notes this can trigger a separate Queensland Development Code concurrence approval (North Burnett Regional Council information sheet (opens in a new tab)). Ask a certifier early.

Flood levels in the Gympie region

From 1 January 2024, Gympie Regional Council updated its flood data for catchments including the Mary River, Amamoor Creek, Yabba Creek, Kandanga Creek, Tinana Creek and Tin Can Bay. It now uses a "Future Climate 1% AEP" defined flood event. For new habitable buildings in a flood hazard area, the minimum finished floor level is the defined flood level plus 300 mm of freeboard. Major renovation work to existing homes may also be caught under Queensland Development Code MP3.5 (Gympie Regional Council – Flood information for new building work (opens in a new tab)).

You can check your property on council's online mapping by turning on the "Building Regulations 2021 Flood Resolutions" layers. If you're raising for flood reasons, take that information to your contractor and certifier so the target floor height is set deliberately.

What it might cost

A Queensland quote-comparison site estimates $30,000 – $70,000 to restump and raise a house to legal height (2026 estimate, The Quote Yard (opens in a new tab)). Building in underneath is extra. Cost factors: lift height, house size and weight, engineering, new stairs and landings, reconnecting plumbing, electrical and stormwater, and any planning approvals.

Questions to ask

What height are you proposing, and does it need planning approval as well as building approval?
Have you checked council's flood mapping for my lot?
Who designs the new stairs, and are they in the price?
Who disconnects and reconnects plumbing, gas and power, and are they licensed for it?
What's your QBCC licence number and class?