Can Relevelling Damage My Home’s Structure or Walls?

If your floors are sloping, doors aren’t closing properly, or cracks are forming in the walls, you might be looking into house relevelling . But one common question we get from Sydney homeowners is this: “Can relevelling make things worse?”

It’s a fair concern. After all, the process involves lifting and adjusting parts of your home. The short answer is — if it’s done properly, no. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to protect your home from long-term structural issues. But if it’s done carelessly or without the right planning, there is some risk of minor cosmetic damage.

Here’s everything you should know before you book a relevelling job .

What Happens During Relevelling?

Relevelling is the process of lifting and resetting the structure of your home so that it returns to its original, even position. It’s usually needed when stumps sink, foundations settle, or the soil beneath shifts over time.

The process can involve:

Jacking up the house in sections
Replacing old or damaged stumps
Installing new piers or underpinnings
Floor levelling for surface adjustment

When done by an experienced team, the work is controlled and precise — designed to prevent further structural issues, not cause them.

Can It Cause Cracks or Damage?

In some cases, yes — but it’s usually minor and manageable. Here’s what might happen during or after structural levelling :

Hairline cracks may appear in plaster or cornices as the home shifts back into position
Doors or windows might need adjustment once levels are corrected
In older homes, rigid wall finishes like tiles or decorative mouldings may shift slightly

These are not signs of damage from the levelling process — they’re simply the home adjusting to its new (and correct) level. Most cosmetic issues can be patched and painted once the structure settles.

How to Minimise Risk

The key to a smooth job is working with a team that understands how your type of home responds to lifting. At Sydney House Leveling, we use step-by-step jacking to gradually lift and stabilise homes — especially when working on older weatherboards or full-brick properties.

Here’s what we do to reduce the chance of damage:

Lift slowly and evenly across the structure
Check for existing cracks and stress points before starting
Use steel or concrete supports to provide long-term strength
Communicate with you throughout the process if we notice any signs of movement or concern

What If Damage Has Already Happened?

If your home already has damage from years of movement — like deep cracks, jammed doors, or gaps in the flooring — house relevelling can actually help prevent further issues.

Once the home is stable again, most structural and cosmetic repairs (like crack stitching, repointing, or floor resurfacing) will last longer and hold up better — because the underlying problem has been fixed.

When to Expect Cosmetic Settling

It’s normal for a home to “settle” after levelling. You might notice:

Minor new cracks as walls adjust to pressure
Slight movement in older fixtures
Doors or cabinetry needing small re-alignments

This usually happens within the first few weeks after the job and is easily managed. We always recommend waiting a short period before patching or repainting to allow the structure to stabilise fully.

Need Peace of Mind? We’ve Got You Covered

At Sydney House Leveling, we take pride in our attention to detail, communication, and long-term results. Our goal is always to protect your home — not disrupt it.

We offer:

Free inspections and level checks
Detailed quotes and timelines
Ongoing support after the job

Or book online at sydneyhouselevelling.com.au

Let’s get your home back to level — safely, carefully, and without the stress.

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Underpinning Explained: When Is It Necessary in Sydney?

August 22, 2025

Underpinning Explained: When Is It Necessary in Sydney? If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls, doors that don’t close properly, or uneven floors, your home’s foundation could be trying to tell you something. In Sydney, where many homes sit on reactive clay soils or older footings, foundation issues aren’t uncommon—and underpinning might be the solution you need. But what exactly is underpinning, and how do you know if it’s necessary for your property? Let’s break it down. What Is Underpinning? Underpinning is the process of strengthening and stabilising the foundation of an existing structure. It involves extending the foundation depth or spreading the load to more stable soil. This ensures that your home remains level, safe, and structurally sound for years to come. For Sydney homes, underpinning is commonly used in house leveling projects to correct subsidence (sinking or movement in the foundation). When Is Underpinning Necessary? Not every crack in your wall means you need underpinning, but here are key signs that suggest it might be time to call in the experts: 1. Significant Foundation Movement If your house has shifted or sunk noticeably, especially in areas with clay-rich or unstable soil, underpinning is often the best long-term solution. 2. Large or Widening Cracks Hairline cracks are normal, but wide cracks (5mm or more) in walls, ceilings, or brickwork indicate serious foundation movement. 3. Uneven or Sloping Floors If your floors slope or feel bouncy, your foundation may no longer be stable. 4. Doors and Windows Sticking When the foundation moves, door and window frames can warp, making them hard to open or close. 5. After Renovations or Extensions If you’re adding a second story or extending your home, underpinning may be required to ensure the foundation can handle the extra weight. Why Underpinning Is Common in Sydney Sydney’s mix of reactive clay soils, older homes, and variable weather conditions makes foundation movement a common issue. Droughts, heavy rainfall, and tree roots can all cause the soil to expand or contract, leading to subsidence. If your home is more than 30 years old or built on sloping ground, regular foundation inspections are a smart precaution. What Happens During Underpinning? The process typically involves: Assessment & Soil Testing – Engineers inspect the site and test soil conditions. Excavation – Sections under the foundation are carefully dug out. Concrete or Resin Injection – New footing material is added to strengthen and level the foundation. Monitoring – The foundation is checked for movement to ensure long-term stability. The exact method depends on your home’s construction and the severity of the issue. Do You Need Underpinning or Just House Leveling? Not all foundation problems require full underpinning. Sometimes, house leveling alone —lifting and adjusting the existing stumps or piers—can fix the problem at a lower cost. A professional assessment will determine whether house leveling or underpinning (or a combination of both) is the right approach. Talk to a Sydney House Leveling Expert If you’ve spotted any of the warning signs, don’t wait—foundation problems only get worse (and more expensive) over time. A professional house leveling and underpinning expert can inspect your property, explain your options, and recommend the best solution. Need help with your Sydney home’s foundation? Get in touch with our experienced team today for an inspection and personalised advice.

Metal support jacks installed under a wooden beam in a dark crawlspace, providing structural support.

Concrete vs. Steel Underpinning: What’s Best for Sydney Homes?

August 18, 2025

Concrete vs. Steel Underpinning: What’s Best for Sydney Homes? When foundation issues strike, underpinning is often the best solution to stabilise and level your home. But which method should you choose— concrete underpinning or steel underpinning ? Both are effective, but the right choice depends on your home’s construction, soil type, and how severe the foundation movement is. Here’s a breakdown to help Sydney homeowners make an informed decision. Concrete Underpinning: The Traditional Choice What It Is Concrete underpinning involves digging under your existing foundation and pouring concrete to create a deeper, stronger footing. Pros Proven and Reliable – A traditional method with decades of successful use. Cost-Effective – Generally cheaper than steel underpinning for standard residential jobs. Great for Large Areas – Ideal for homes with widespread foundation movement. Cons Slower Installation – Excavation and curing take time, so the process can take weeks. Messy and Disruptive – Requires significant digging around your home. Not Ideal for All Soils – Less effective in very loose or sandy soils. Steel Underpinning: The Modern Alternative What It Is Steel underpinning uses screw piles or driven steel piers installed deep into stable soil or bedrock, then attached to the foundation to lift and support the home. Pros Faster Installation – Can be completed in days, not weeks. Minimal Excavation – Less disruptive to gardens and landscaping. Ideal for Problematic Soils – Works well in Sydney’s reactive clay and sloping blocks. Immediate Load-Bearing – No waiting for concrete to cure. Cons Higher Cost – Steel is generally more expensive upfront. Not Always Necessary – Overkill for minor subsidence issues. Which Is Best for Sydney Homes? Both methods work, but here’s a quick guide: Choose Concrete Underpinning if… ✔ Your home has widespread subsidence or needs a large foundation area reinforced. ✔ You’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a longer project timeline. Choose Steel Underpinning if… ✔ You’re on reactive clay soil (common in Western Sydney). ✔ Your home is on a sloping block or needs deep stabilisation. ✔ You want a fast, less disruptive solution . In many cases, engineers may recommend a combination of both methods, depending on your property’s unique conditions. Need Expert Advice? Choosing the wrong underpinning method can cost you more in the long run. If you’re noticing cracks, uneven floors, or doors sticking , it’s time to have your foundation professionally assessed. Talk to Sydney’s House Leveling Experts We’ll inspect your home, explain your options, and recommend whether concrete or steel underpinning is best for you. 📞 Call us today to book an inspection and get a tailored solution for your Sydney home.

The Risks of Delaying Underpinning Repairs

August 11, 2025

Noticed cracks in your walls? Doors sticking? Uneven floors? These are early signs of foundation problems—and if you delay repairs, you could be setting yourself up for bigger headaches (and costs) down the track. For Sydney homeowners, where reactive clay soils and changing weather conditions often cause foundation movement, underpinning can be the difference between a stable home and major structural damage. Here’s why delaying underpinning repairs is never a good idea.

How Much Does Underpinning Cost in Sydney (2025 Pricing Guide)

August 11, 2025

If you’re dealing with foundation issues—cracks in walls, uneven floors, or sinking foundations—underpinning might be the solution. But how much should you expect to pay in Sydney in 2025 ? The truth is, underpinning costs vary depending on your home’s size, soil conditions, and how severe the damage is. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget before starting repairs.