Scope of the raise
The original 1920s structure was raised to give a 2.7 m habitable ceiling under the existing first floor. Total raise height including temporary works ran to roughly 11 feet of clearance during the build window.
What it cost
Raise contractor: $42,000. Structural engineering specific to the raise: $6,500. Subfloor framing once down on stumps: $18,000. Sub-total $66,500 across the raise and subfloor category. See the full breakdown.
Sequencing and trades
The order in which the raise unfolds matters. Engineer, contractor, certifier, council, utility disconnects, raise day, temporary supports, subfloor frame, slab. Most delays on a raise come from utility disconnect lead times and certifier hold-point availability, not the raise itself.
Temporary works
While the house sits on temporary supports it's exposed: weather, security and access all change. Plan for it. The temporary works window on our project was roughly six weeks.
Lessons
- Engage the structural engineer before the raise contractor. Their scope drives the contractor's scope.
- Confirm utility disconnect dates four weeks before raise day. Brisbane utilities don't move on short notice.
- Confirm temporary access and weatherproofing arrangements in writing with the raise contractor.
