Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Restumping

With the rising costs of skilled labour, it’s understandable that some Adelaide homeowners considering restumping may be tempted to take a DIY approach to save on expenses. However, while it seems like a simple construction task on the surface, restumping Adelaide requires excellent skill, structural knowledge, specialised equipment and meticulous technique.

Attempting DIY restumping is fraught with risks and can severely compromise a home’s safety and structural integrity if not done correctly. There are several vital reasons why restumping is a job strongly advised to be left to qualified professionals only.

Restumping Adelaide

Why You Should Never Attempt DIY Restumping Adelaide

Safety Hazards

Lifting and maneuvering an entire house frame requires specialised hydraulic jacking equipment and precautions. If safety measures are not followed, the structure could shift suddenly and cause severe injury or death. Professionals are properly trained on safety protocols.

Inaccurate Levelling

Houses must be lifted and lowered incrementally across multiple stump points to distribute weight evenly. This prevents twisting or warping the frame. Since you aren’t an expert, you often lack the skills to level the home accurately, leading to continued slope issues.

Improper Stump Positioning

The location and spacing of new stumps must be precise based on engineering principles—incorrect stump placement results in inadequately supported structures and continued sinking potential.

Use of Inferior Materials

Professionals use high-grade materials that meet structural requirements, like steel posts, concrete footings, and treated pine bearers. DIYers may cut corners with weaker materials that deteriorate quickly.

Lack of Structural Knowledge

Complex structural engineering considerations for restumping Adelaide are related to load distribution, shear points and connection joints. Without this expertise, the home’s structural integrity could be compromised.

Inability to Fix Underlying Issues

There may be underlying foundation problems, like inadequate drainage or termite damage. DIYers often lack the skills to identify and rectify these properly.

No Building Code Compliance

Professionals ensure all works meet Australian building codes, while DIY projects may violate regulations if not approved. This can nullify insurance.

No Quality Assurance

Restumping companies guarantee their workmanship with full accountability and liability coverage. If you go for DIY, you have no recourse if problems arise.

Inability to Identify Root Causes

Professionals inspect underneath the home to diagnose all issues causing foundation deterioration, not just surface problems. If you do it alone, you may miss underlying root causes, leading to reoccurrence.

Improper Tools and Equipment

Restumping requires specialised hydraulic jacks, blocking materials, steel braces, and demolition tools. Using other improper, unsafe substitutes may lead to injury or more problems since the tools may malfunction.

No Project Management Experience

Professionals plan all logistics like permits, materials, equipment rentals, and inspections. If you choose to go DIY, little to no project management will usually be involved. Hence, you will realise too late that restumping is more complex than it seems. In most cases, some materials or tools will be unavailable, or the result will be unappealing.

No Post-project Certification

After restumping, companies provide engineering certificates confirming the home is appropriately levelled and stabilised. Doing it alone means you will lack documentation proving structural integrity.

Difficulty Troubleshooting Problems

Unexpected issues easily throw DIYers off schedule. Professionals have the training to troubleshoot any problems encountered and solve them promptly.

No Liability Coverage

If DIY restumping fails, the homeowner’s insurance may not cover the damage. When you choose to involve professionals, they carry full liability insurance.

No Cleanup Services

Disposal of demolished stumps/debris is part of a professional service. If you go DIY, you might struggle with proper cleanup and waste removal since the debris may be more than you can handle.

What Should You Do?

Restumping a home is a complex structural job that requires engineering knowledge and specialised equipment to lift and relevel the house frame. At the same time, a DIY approach may seem like a cost saver, but attempting restumping without proper experience and methodology puts your home at serious risk of safety hazards and extensive future repairs.

If you determine that your home needs restumping, we recommend seeking help from qualified professionals rather than making it your DIY project. Reputable restumping companies like Underpinning Adelaide have extensive training, precision techniques, quality materials, liability insurance, and provide certified documentation.

Think Twice Before DIY Restumping

Attempting a DIY restumping may seem like a good money saver, but this complex structural job is best left to experienced professionals. Well-intentioned amateurs lack the engineering expertise, equipment, and methodology to properly lift and stabilise an Adelaide home’s foundations.

Trust the Underpinning Adelaide specialists for reliable restumping that protects your investment. Our precision techniques and quality materials deliver professional standard results homeowners can feel confident in.

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