Melbourne Restumpers
Building practitioner using a laser level beneath a raised floor

Restumping Permits and Rules in Victoria

Restumping and reblocking are structural work, so a building permit is needed before work starts. Work must be done by a registered building practitioner regardless of its value.

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How it works

  1. Fill out the quick form

    As much or as little detail as you like. Photos of cracks or floors help.

  2. We text you

    We say hi and ask a few quick questions.

  3. A registered builder inspects your home

    They check the subfloor, the stumps and measure floor levels.

  4. Get a written, itemised quote

    Stump count, materials, permits and engineering, all spelled out.

  5. Review the contract

    Happy with it? Sign the contract. Victorian rules set deposit limits and a cooling-off period.

  6. Permit, then the works

    The builder supports the house, replaces the stumps and re-levels the floor.

  7. Final inspection and sign-off

    Your building surveyor issues a Certificate of Final Inspection.

Check builder registration

Restumping or reblocking must be done by a registered building practitioner regardless of the value of the work. Consumer Affairs Victoria

The BPC registration classes include Domestic Builder (Limited to Re-stumping and Re-blocking). Check a builder's registration class and conditions on the register. BPC builder classes

Search the BPC register before you engage a practitioner. BPC register

Permit and building surveyor

Restumping, reblocking and underpinning are structural work and need a building permit before work starts. Victorian council guidance

The homeowner chooses the building surveyor, private or council. A builder may recommend one but cannot appoint a private surveyor on the owner's behalf. Victorian Government Gazette

Permit documentation typically includes stump layout, stump type and footing details, and engineering where required. Council restumping guidelines

Contracts signed before and from 1 July 2026

For eligible contracts signed from 1 July 2026, Home Warranty applies to domestic building work over $20,000, replacing the old Domestic Building Insurance scheme. For earlier contracts, check the insurance arrangements applicable when the contract was signed. BPC Home Warranty guidance

A major domestic building contract is required for work over $10,000. Maximum deposit: 10% under $20,000, 5% at $20,000 or more. The usual cooling-off period is 5 business days. Victorian Government Gazette

Statutory building warranties apply by law and cannot be signed away. Consumer Affairs Victoria

Handover checklist

Keep the Certificate of Final Inspection, permit and approved plans, signed contract and variations, Home Warranty Notice of Cover where applicable, engineering documents and any written guarantee.

At completion, expect a Certificate of Final Inspection from the building surveyor. Victorian Government Gazette

Home Warranty by contract date

Contract signedCover to check
Before 1 July 2026Check the domestic building insurance arrangements applicable when the contract was signed.
From 1 July 2026For eligible domestic building work over $20,000, Home Warranty applies. Check the Notice of Cover.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Restumping and reblocking are structural work and require a building permit before work starts.

Yes. The homeowner chooses the building surveyor. A builder can recommend one, but cannot appoint a private surveyor on your behalf.

Check their registration class and conditions on the BPC register. A relevant class is Domestic Builder (Limited to Re-stumping and Re-blocking).

For eligible domestic building contracts signed from 1 July 2026 for work over $20,000, Home Warranty applies.

Ask for the Certificate of Final Inspection and keep the permit, approved plans, signed contract, variations, applicable cover, engineering and written guarantee.