How long does restumping take?
The on-site work is quicker than most people expect. The paperwork is what needs lead time. Realistic numbers:
On-site time
- Partial restump (one section): 1–3 days.
- Small cottage (28–35 stumps): 2–3 days.
- Standard 3BR weatherboard (40–60 stumps): 3–7 working days — the most common regional job.
- Large or complex homes (60+ stumps, tight access, big levels): up to two weeks.
Before anyone crawls under the house
Allow a few weeks for the building permit and engineering computations (mandatory in Victoria) — timing varies by surveyor, and flood-prone blocks needing report & consent take longer. A well-run job overlaps this with scheduling so the crew starts as soon as the permit lands. Traditional concrete stumps can also add cure time before final lowering on some jobs.
Can you live in the house?
Almost always yes. The house is progressively supported on jacks; it doesn't hang in the air. Expect some noise, some bounce, a day without easy access to certain rooms, and short water/gas interruptions if lines need re-supporting. Most families stay put for the whole job.
What stretches a job
- Weather: heavy rain floods excavations; concrete needs cure windows.
- Tight subfloors: hand digging under 450mm clearance is slow.
- Surprises: rotten bearers/joists found once stumps are out — better fixed while access is open (a good quote flags this possibility up front).
- Big levelling lifts: raising a badly sunk corner is done in stages over days to avoid cracking the house.
Ask every quoting contractor two questions: "How many working days on site?" and "Who lodges the permit and when?" Confident, specific answers are a quality signal.