Under Construction
Renovation Camp Hill
Camp Hill 1
A new extension and internal renovation of a post-war home on a sloping site impacted by flood overlay and designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing structure.
Raise and Build Under Plans
for Brisbane Homes
Specialist building design plans for raise and build under projects in Brisbane. We create comprehensive plans that transform your existing Queensland home by raising the structure and building new living spaces underneath.
With extensive experience in Brisbane character homes and Queenslanders, we understand the unique requirements of house raising projects including structural considerations, flood overlays, and council approvals.
Why Choose Raise and Build Under Plans?
Raise and build under is one of Brisbane's most popular renovation approaches. Our specialist plans help you unlock the full potential of your property while preserving the character of your existing home.
Double Your Living Space
Create new bedrooms, living areas, or rumpus rooms underneath your existing home without losing yard space.
Preserve Your Character Home
Keep the charm of your Queenslander or character home while gaining modern, spacious living areas below.
Flood Resilience
Raising your home can address flood overlay requirements and protect your living spaces from potential flooding.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Often more affordable than knockdown rebuild, a raise and build under maximises your existing home investment.
What We Design for Your Build Under
Every raise and build under plan is customised to your family's needs and lifestyle. Common spaces we design include:
Living Areas & Rumpus Rooms
Spacious family rooms, media rooms, and entertainment areas designed for comfortable living.
Additional Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Expand your home with new bedrooms, ensuites, and guest facilities underneath.
Home Office & Study
Purpose-built workspaces with good natural light and separation from living areas.
Garage & Storage
Secure undercover parking and storage solutions integrated into your design.
Laundry & Utility Spaces
Functional service areas that free up space in your existing home above.
Our Raise and Build Under Design Process
From initial concept to approval-ready plans, we guide you through every step of your raise and build under project.
Initial Consultation
We assess your existing home, discuss your goals for the new space underneath, and evaluate site constraints including flood overlays and council requirements.
Concept Design
We develop concept plans showing how your home will be raised and the new spaces created underneath, including living areas, bedrooms, or garage.
Council & Engineering Coordination
We coordinate with structural engineers and council to ensure your raise and build under plans meet all Brisbane City Council requirements.
Detailed Plans
We produce comprehensive construction plans ready for building approval and quoting by builders experienced in house raising.
Raise and Build Under Projects
Recent house raising and renovation projects from our portfolio
In Progress
Renovation Murarrie
Murarrie 1
An external renovation opening the existing alfresco and pool areas, with new insulated patio roof for improved comfort.
In Progress
Queenslander Paddington
Paddington 1
In-progress Paddington Queenslander renovation design — Brisbane character home planning and approval documentation.
Raise and Build Under FAQs
Common questions about raise and build under plans in Brisbane
What is a raise and build under?
A raise and build under involves lifting your existing home and constructing new living spaces underneath. This is a popular Brisbane renovation approach that doubles your living space while preserving your existing home and avoiding demolition costs.
Is my home suitable for raising?
Most traditional Queensland homes, including Queenslanders and post-war homes, are suitable for raising. Brick homes can also be raised but require additional structural considerations. We assess your home during our initial consultation.
Do I need council approval for a raise and build under?
Yes. A raise and build under always needs a Building Approval (BA). A Development Approval (DA) is often required too — particularly for pre-1946 homes in the Traditional Building Character Overlay, or where the raised height exceeds your zone's building height limit (commonly two storeys / 9.5m) under Brisbane City Plan 2014. Our plans include the structural engineering and site documentation needed for both.
How does a flood overlay affect my raise and build under in Brisbane?
If your property is in a Brisbane City Council flood overlay, you can usually still raise and build under — but the habitable floor level of the new lower level must sit above the Defined Flood Level (DFL) plus a mandatory freeboard. Non-habitable spaces such as garages and laundries can be lower, provided they use flood-resilient materials. We confirm your DFL and Overland Flow requirements with council before setting floor levels.
How long does the planning process take?
This depends on project scope, size and complexity. Smaller projects typically take 3-6 months, while complex site or character homes can take 6-12 months as additional times is required for council lodgements and infrastructure owner approvals.
What can I build under my raised house?
Common uses include additional bedrooms, living areas, home offices, rumpus rooms, bathrooms, laundry, and garage space. We design the layout to maximise your new space while meeting building codes.
Ready to Discuss Your Raise and Build Under Plans?
Contact us for a consultation about your Brisbane raise and build under project.
We design homes to be more than spaces - they are created for you to live in and truly enjoy.