We raise, restump, build in and open up Queenslanders and workers’ cottages in Paddington, Red Hill, Ashgrove and around, keeping every bit that makes them special.
Four kinds of work, all on timber houses built before most of us were born. Pick one to see what it usually involves.
Lift the house, restump and create a whole new level underneath: bedrooms, a rumpus, a second bathroom or a proper laundry.
Knock through to a bright kitchen, living and deck that suit how you live now.
New wet areas that feel like they belong in an old house: clawfoot baths, shutters, wainscoting and modern waterproofing under it all.
See kitchens and baths
VJ walls, fretwork, timber floors and verandahs, repaired and brought back rather than ripped out.
Check your house firstEvery house is different, but the journey looks something like this. Tap through the five stages.
Three free tools we wish every owner had before the first phone call. Play with the numbers, then send them to Will and Ellie if you want a proper look. Figures are typical for Brisbane and never a quote.
Work out roughly how far your house needs to go up, and how much new room you’d get underneath.
Brisbane’s character rules explained for your house and your plans, in plain English. A guide only; we confirm it properly for every job.
Old timber stumps give plenty of warning. Tick anything you’ve noticed around the house.
A few recent jobs around the inner west. Every one still looks like it belongs on its street.
They doubled the size of our house and it still feels like the old Queenslander we fell in love with.
Our verandah was falling apart. Now it’s the best room in the house.
Honest about costs from day one. The weekly updates made a big job feel easy.
They saved the old VJs in the hallway when two other builders told us to sheet over them.
Ellie spotted the stump problem on the first visit. Floors are level and the doors finally shut.
“Second Nature was started by two carpenters who grew up in Queenslanders and hated seeing them gutted.”
We keep the character, fix the problems and add the space families need. Saving a hoop pine floor or a run of fretwork isn’t a special request here. It’s second nature.
Can’t see yours? Text it through and we’ll answer, usually the same day.
Yes, that’s the whole point. Upstairs keeps its VJs, floors and verandahs. Downstairs is designed to look like it was always there, with matching battens, windows and stair details.
Usually yes, for the lift and while services are disconnected. For other stages many families stay put. We’ll give you a clear idea of when at the home visit.
Often, yes. Council has rules about how high it goes and how the new ground floor looks. We check the overlay for your address and handle any approvals for you. Try the approval tool above for a quick idea.
We walk through with you, look under the house at the stumps and bearers, and talk about how you want to live. There’s no charge and no pressure.
We’re upfront about costs from day one, explain where the unknowns are in an old house, and send weekly updates so you’re never guessing.
If the stumps are tired, yes. Level floors first saves re-doing cracked walls and sticking doors later. Our stump check above shows the usual warning signs.
Most of the time. We repair what’s there first, and where a piece is missing we cut new timber to match the original profile.
Brisbane’s inner west: Paddington, Red Hill, Ashgrove, Bardon, Auchenflower and Kelvin Grove, plus nearby suburbs. Just ask.
Tell us a bit about your place and we’ll come and have a look under it, free.