House Re-levelling in Geelong
Not every out-of-level house needs new stumps. Sometimes the stumps are sound but the packing on top of them has crushed, rotted or slipped, or the house has settled unevenly after a run of wet and dry seasons. In that case the fix is re-levelling: lifting the low sections, re-packing between the stumps and the bearers, and bringing the floor back to level — often for a fraction of the cost of a reblock.
- Free On-Site Quotes
- Permits Arranged
- Concrete & Steel Stumps
- Geelong & the Bellarine
Re-levelling or reblocking?
The deciding question is whether the stumps are still sound. If they're solid, well founded and just need re-packing, re-levelling is the sensible repair. If they're rotten, sunk into the ground, cracked or leaning, lifting the house on them doesn't last — it needs a reblock. We check every stump before recommending either.
Why Geelong floors drop
Houses move for a handful of reasons, and knowing which one applies matters for the fix:
- Crushed or rotted packing between the stumps and the bearers — a common cause on older homes.
- Reactive clay soils, especially in Geelong's northern and western suburbs, that swell in winter and shrink in summer.
- Poor subfloor drainage — water pooling under the house softens the ground around the stumps.
- Plumbing leaks under a bathroom, laundry or kitchen that wash out or soften one area.
- Earlier repairs done with the wrong materials or not packed properly.
What to expect
A re-levelling job is usually quick — often a day or two for a typical house. Because the lift is gradual, most minor cracks in plaster close up or stay stable rather than getting worse, but older, brittle plaster can show some new hairline cracking, and we'll talk you through that before starting. Doors that have been planed to fit an out-of-level frame may need adjusting afterwards.
Fixing the cause, not just the floor
If water is the reason the floor dropped, re-levelling alone won't keep it level. We'll point out drainage, downpipe or leak issues we find under the house so the problem doesn't come straight back.
Why choose us for house re-levelling
- Level readings across the whole floor before any work starts
- Low sections lifted gradually to protect plaster and doors
- Crushed or rotted packing replaced with durable packers
- Cheaper and quicker than a reblock when the stumps are sound
- Adjustable steel stumps fine-tuned after seasonal movement
- Straight advice if your stumps actually need replacing
House Re-levelling: common questions
How do I know if my house needs re-levelling or a full reblock?
It depends on the stumps. If they're sound and properly founded, re-levelling and re-packing is usually enough. If they're rotten, sunken or leaning, a reblock is needed. A subfloor inspection with level readings answers the question.
Will re-levelling crack my walls?
Lifting is done gradually to minimise it. Most existing cracks stay stable or close up, but brittle old plaster can show some new hairline cracks. We'll discuss the condition of your walls before starting.
How long does house re-levelling take?
Most re-levelling jobs on a typical Geelong home take a day or two, depending on how far the floor has dropped, access under the house and how many packers need replacing.
Why does my floor keep going out of level?
Repeated movement usually comes from reactive clay soil, poor drainage or a leak softening the ground under part of the house. Finding and fixing the cause — not just re-packing — is what stops it happening again.
Ready to book house re-levelling?
Free on-site quotes · Permits arranged · Geelong, the Bellarine & Surf Coast