Family Bungalow’s Concrete Stumps Releveled Without the Disruption of Restumping
- Brighton East, Melbourne, VIC
The Brief
Reinforcing a Brighton East house without full restumping
This single-storey brick veneer bungalow in Brighton East, Victoria, had been a beloved family home for nearly fifty years. Decades ago, the original timber house stumps were replaced with concrete stumps, resolving foundation concerns for many years.
Recently, however, the homeowner began noticing unsettling issues: large cracks forming in the walls of two rooms, uneven floors in the lounge, and doors and windows that refused to close properly. Cracks had even begun to appear in the ceiling, adding to their concerns.
Having experienced the disruption of restumping years ago, the homeowner was keen to avoid going down the same route again. They were looking for a lasting, non-invasive alternative to concrete stump releveling—something that would stabilise the home and restore its structural integrity, allowing them to move forward with painting and decorating, which they had been putting off for fear the damage would worsen.
Related case study: Home Floor Lifted by 60mm to Keep Renovation on Track
The Challenge
Tackling uneven floors beneath concrete stumps
Upon inspection, it was clear that the home’s concrete stumps were still in excellent condition. The real issue lay beneath them: the soil had weakened over time, leading to uneven sinking of the foundation and the need for precise house levelling.
The homeowner wanted the problem resolved without replacing the stumps, knowing how costly and disruptive traditional restumping would be. The subfloor space provided good access in some areas, but other sections required repairs to be carried out by drilling through the floor above. To minimise disruption, any lifting process had to be carefully controlled—typically done using hydraulic jacks, though a less invasive alternative was preferred in this case.
The challenge was to stabilise the foundation soil, lift the structure back to its original level, and close the cracks—all while keeping the home liveable during works.
Our Solution
Injecting stability beneath the house with resin, not steel
Buildfix proposed using our GeoPoly™ injection resin to target the root cause of the problem: the weakened soil beneath the stumps. This advanced method allowed us to strengthen the foundation and lift the home’s structure without the need for invasive restumping.
Our technicians accessed the subfloor in areas with sufficient space, injecting GeoPoly™ resin 2.8 metres below the stumps to stabilise the soil. In areas with limited access, small holes were drilled from above the floor to deliver precise injections.
The resin filled voids, compacted the soil, and provided a stable base for the stumps, allowing controlled lifting of the structure. Each section of the home was raised between 5mm and 15mm, restoring the floors to level and stabilising the entire property.
The Outcome
Level floors and no cracks—without disruptive house restumping
The results were outstanding. The uneven floors were levelled, and cracks in the walls were closed. Cracks in the ceiling that had worried the homeowner were also significantly reduced, restoring the building’s structural integrity.
The homeowner was overjoyed, relieved they didn’t have to go through the invasive process of restumping again. With their home stabilised, they could finally move forward with painting and decorating, confident the structure would remain secure.
The entire project was completed in just two days, with minimal disruption. Our solution eliminated the need to pack or replace stumps, making the process smoother and less invasive. The homeowner was able to stay in the house while the work was carried out, enjoying a seamless and stress-free experience.
This project demonstrates Buildfix’s ability to provide lasting, minimally invasive solutions to complex foundation issues. By preserving the existing stumps and addressing the root cause of the problem, we gave the homeowner peace of mind and a stable foundation for years to come.
