How Much Does foundation underpinning Cost in Australia?
foundation underpinning costs vary significantly across Australia depending on your state, the complexity of the work, and local market conditions. Typical stump removal rates range from $150–$600 per stump nationally. Use this guide to understand what to expect, how to compare quotes, and find verified local specialists near you.
foundation underpinning Cost Guide Australia 2026
The following pricing is based on national industry averages. Costs may be 10–20% higher in capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne) and lower in regional areas. Always get 2–3 written quotes before committing to any stump removal work.
National Average
$150–$600
per stump
Emergency / After-Hours
$900
Estimated peak rate
Quotes Recommended
2–3
Before any work begins
Prices are estimates only and may change without notice. Verify current pricing directly with your chosen contractor.
Stump Removal Licensing Requirements in Australia
Licensing requirements vary by state. Always verify your contractor holds the correct licence for your location.
Victoria
In Victoria, stump grinding and removal doesn't require a specific trade licence. House restumping (reblocking) forming part of a domestic building project over $10,000 requires a registered building practitioner with the VBA.
New South Wales
In NSW, stump grinding is not a specifically licensed service. House restumping over $20,000 requires a contractor licence from NSW Fair Trading and is subject to home building compensation insurance requirements.
Queensland
In Queensland, stump grinding doesn't require a QBCC licence. House restumping and reblocking over $3,300 requires an appropriate QBCC licence under the House Raising and Restumping trade category.
Western Australia
In WA, stump removal is generally not a licensed trade. House restumping as part of a larger building project requires appropriate building services registration from Building and Energy.
South Australia
In SA, stump grinding is not a licensed trade. House restumping forming part of a building contract requires a licensed builder through Consumer and Business Services.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, stump grinding is not separately licensed. House restumping as a building project requires a registered building practitioner under the Building Act 2016.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, stump removal doesn't require a specific licence. House restumping requires appropriate building licensing from ACTPLA and must comply with structural engineering requirements.
Northern Territory
In the NT, stump grinding is unlicensed. Stump removal in the NT requires care due to the dense root systems of native tropical trees. House restumping requires NT Build licensing and must account for reactive soils common in Darwin.
Related Stump Removal Services
Also looking for other stump removal services in Australia?
foundation underpinning: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does stump grinding cost in Australia?
Stump grinding costs $150–$500 per stump for standard residential stumps. Large stumps (over 600mm diameter) cost $400–$900+. A minimum call-out fee usually applies — typically $200–$300. Multiple stumps on the same visit attract a discount. Stump removal by excavation costs more but removes all root material.
What is the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
Stump grinding uses a rotating cutting wheel to chip the stump to 150–300mm below ground level, leaving the root system intact. Stump removal (excavation) extracts the entire root system — more thorough but more expensive, more disruptive, and requires backfilling. Grinding is sufficient for most residential applications unless you're building over the area.
What happens to the wood chip after stump grinding?
Stump grinding produces wood chip mulch that partially fills the hole. Most contractors leave the chip on-site — it can be used as garden mulch. As the root system decomposes underground, the ground level may settle slightly over 12–24 months. Top up with soil and turf or garden material to restore the surface level.
Can I plant over a ground-down stump?
You can plant grass or garden plants over a ground-down stump area within a season. However, planting a new tree of the same species in the same location is not recommended — the remaining root system of the old tree may transfer soil-borne diseases to the new tree. Decomposing roots also temporarily tie up soil nitrogen, affecting plant growth.
What is house restumping and how much does it cost?
House restumping (reblocking) replaces the original timber or concrete stumps supporting a timber-floored house with new stumps (usually concrete or steel). Signs you need restumping: sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, visible sagging or rotation of stumps. Partial restumping (10–20 stumps) costs $3,000–$8,000. Full restumping of a 3-bedroom house costs $8,000–$20,000.
Do I need council approval to remove a stump?
Removing a stump of a non-protected tree that has already been legally removed does not require council approval. If the tree itself required a permit to remove, the permit usually covers stump removal. Check whether the root system of a protected tree has preservation orders — in some cases even the stump and root zone of a protected tree cannot be disturbed.
Find a Stump Removal Near You
TradeRefer lists verified, ABN-checked stump removal across Australia, ranked by real community referrals — not paid placement.
Browse Your Area