We explain the legal and practical steps you need before any underpinning starts. Our goal is to protect your home and property value with safe, VBA‑compliant methods. We offer free structural assessments and fixed‑price quotes to make the process clear.

First engage a registered engineer. They assess the foundation and outline a scoped project. Next, a VBA‑registered contractor carries out the work to maintain stability and structural integrity.

Typical Melbourne costs vary widely—from small repairs to major repairs. Resin injection rates are often quoted per linear metre of footing. We coordinate engineering reports and certifications so you have one contact and one guarantee of compliance.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to book a site inspection or email photos today.

Key Takeaways

Start with an engineer to define scope and safety.
Know typical costs and resin injection rates early.
We provide VBA‑compliant certification at completion.
Clear project steps reduce stress and speed approval.
Call or email Chris for a free, no‑obligation assessment.

Why permits matter when stabilising your Melbourne home’s foundation

An approved plan ensures the repair restores long‑term foundation stability.

Visible issues such as hairline cracks, uneven floors and doors or windows that stick often signal movement in the original foundation.

Reactive clay soil, load changes or ageing footings commonly cause these issues. We prioritise safety, compliance and permanent repairs.

Permits protect your property and confirm the proposed method meets local conditions and the building code.

Councils and surveyors check the design will regain stability and protect the structure.
A structural engineer defines the repair so the work restores the foundation correctly.
Inspections during the work reduce the risk of costly rectification later.

Concern	Why approval matters	Benefit
Cracks or sagging floors	Shows instability of the foundation	Ensures the repair method restores level and strength
Reactive soil	Needs site‑specific method selection	Reduces repeat movement and future costs
Insurance & sale disclosures	Unapproved work can void cover and complicate sale	Approved work keeps cover and market value

We act as your guide through the process and advocate for timely approvals so the repair is done right the first time. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Do you need a building permit for underpinning in Victoria?

When repair works affect the existing foundation or increase structural loads, official approval is typically required. We explain the common triggers so you can act early and avoid costly mistakes.

What triggers a permit: structural changes, foundation stabilisation and increased loads

You need formal consent when you change or stabilise the original foundation. Triggers include second‑storey additions, reactive soil movement and any works that raise loads on footings.

Works typically requiring a permit

Concrete underpinning and mass concrete underpinning to extend or deepen footings.
Restumping/reblocking and full sub‑floor rebuilding in older houses.
Screw piling and resin injection where engineered support affects the footing system.

Edge cases and additions

Levelling often accompanies underpinning to correct uneven floors. Verandah supports and other minor works can still trigger approval when they tie into the main structure.

Signs that your house requires underpinning include cracks, stuck doors and uneven windows. The type and extent of the damage, plus the soil and house design, determine the correct underpinning method.

We manage the process. We coordinate the structural engineer, prepare the scope and supply a fixed‑price quote. For a quick estimate use our underpinning cost calculator.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Building permits underpinning victoria: who issues them and what you must submit

A certified structural report and clear scope form the backbone of a successful permit application.

Required documents

Submit a structural engineer’s report with certified design and calculations. Include soil data and site testing that explains local conditions.

Attach detailed plans, a defined scope of works and a transparent fixed‑price quote. Our quote covers soil reports, inspections and final certification.

Roles in the approval process

The permit authority is a registered building surveyor, either council or a private surveyor. The surveyor issues the permit and arranges mandatory inspections.

The VBA registers engineers and contractors and sets competency standards. We are VBA registered and insured, and we liaise with council or your private surveyor.

We coordinate the engineer, documentation and contractor submissions.
Surveyors verify works match the approved project and note any conditions.
We act quickly on RFIs to keep approval on track.

Document	Who provides it	Purpose
Engineer’s report & design	Registered structural engineer	Proves the works will restore foundation integrity
Soil report	Geotechnical tester	Defines soil conditions and method suitability
Plans & fixed quote	Contractor / we coordinate	Clarifies scope, cost and inspection schedule
Inspection records	Building surveyor	Confirms compliance with the approved project

We manage the process from assessment to certification so you have one contact and one guarantee of compliance.

How to get your underpinning permit approved fast

We make the process straightforward and fast. A quick, clear assessment keeps delays to a minimum. We start with a free site visit and coordinate the rest.

Start with a structural assessment by a registered structural engineer

Get a prompt site inspection from a registered structural engineer. The engineer confirms the underpinning process and selects the safest method for your soil and foundation.

Design and method selection

The engineer will choose between mass concrete, screw piles or resin injection. Each option suits different soil types and load needs. We review the design so the work matches the report.

Compile and lodge the application with compliance evidence

We prepare a complete, fixed‑price application pack. It includes plans, soil data, scoped works and the engineer’s design. This reduces requests for additional information.

Respond to RFIs and obtain stamped approval

Answer any RFI quickly to keep the process moving. Do not begin work until you have the surveyor’s stamped approval. Starting early risks compliance issues.

Post‑approval: inspections, certification and completion

The project proceeds in stages. Builders dig beneath the footing, install the designed solution and backfill with concrete where required.

Mandatory inspections occur at key stages. Expect around four weeks of onsite work depending on the foundation extent. We close out with certification and final documentation for your records.

Quick checklist

Begin with a registered structural engineer’s site assessment.
Choose the right method for your soil and foundation.
We compile plans, soil data, scope and a fixed quote for lodgement.
Respond quickly to RFIs and wait for stamped approval before work.
Staged work with mandatory inspections and final certification.

Step	Who does it	Expected timing
Site assessment	Registered structural engineer (we coordinate)	1–7 days
Design & method selection	Engineer; reviewed by contractor	3–10 days
Application lodgement	We prepare and lodge the pack	2–7 days
Onsite works & inspections	Contractor with engineer & surveyor checks	~4 weeks (varies by extent)
Final certification	Surveyor issues certificates	1–5 days

We start with a free assessment, then coordinate your engineer and manage RFIs, inspections and certification to minimise disruption.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au

Choosing the right underpinning method for permit compliance and structural integrity

Matching the repair type to local soil and access conditions gives the best chance of a permanent result. We assess soil tests and the house structure, then recommend the most suitable method.

Mass concrete underpinning: when traditional pads suit your soil and structure

Mass concrete suits sites with firm bearing strata and traditional pad footings. It is robust and long‑lasting.

Concrete underpinning requires excavation and staged pours. It is often preferred where permanence matters most.

Screw piling: engineering for reactive clay and limited access sites

Screw piles work well on reactive clay and in tight Melbourne sites. Install is faster than mass concrete and needs less excavation.

Engineered designs anchor into deeper, stable layers to restore structural integrity with minimal disturbance.

Resin injection: faster, less invasive stabilisation with engineer‑designed criteria

Resin injection compacts loose soil and can re‑level foundations quickly. It has small excavation and short onsite time.

All methods are engineer‑designed to meet surveyor conditions and achieve compliance.

The right choice depends on soil type, structure and site access.
We explain pros and cons so you understand compliance and outcomes.
Our aim is a permanent result with the least disruption possible.

Method	Best for	Impact
Mass concrete	Stable soil, traditional pads	High permanence, moderate disruption
Screw piling	Reactive clay, limited access	Strong anchor, low excavation
Resin injection	Loose soil, re‑levelling needs	Fast install, minimal disturbance

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au

Costs, timelines and disruption: setting expectations for your project

A clear budget and realistic schedule remove much of the stress from foundation repair. We give transparent fixed‑price quotes that include soil tests, engineering and inspections so you know the full cost up front.

Typical Melbourne cost ranges and what drives the price

Melbourne projects typically range from about $5,000 to $80,000 depending on the extent and damage. Resin injection often sits between $1,100 and $1,400 per linear metre of footing.

Price drivers include the extent of work, access restrictions, soil type and the chosen method. Larger buildings and reactive soils increase labour and material needs.

Duration, site access and whether you need to move out during works

Most house projects average around four weeks on site. Limited access or heavy excavation may extend that time.

We stage work so you can usually remain in the property. If heavy excavation or prolonged noise is needed, temporary relocation may be advised.

We provide a fixed‑price quote that includes engineering, soil tests and inspections via our fixed‑price quote.
Cost depends on the extent of damage, access and the method selected.
Floors, walls and services are protected and monitored during the work.
Your contractor manages safety and communicates daily progress.

Item	Typical range	Impact
Minor repairs	$5,000–$15,000	Short duration, low disruption
Resin injection	$1,100–$1,400 per lm	Fast, low excavation
Major works	$30,000–$80,000	Longer time, possible relocation

We aim for minimal disruption and honest assessments. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Avoid compliance pitfalls and choose a VBA‑registered contractor

Agreeing a fixed, all‑inclusive price upfront stops surprise expenses and rushed, unsafe work. We recommend you always get a full scope, timeline and total cost that covers engineering, soil testing and inspections.

Do not start an underpinning project without a permit and a certified engineer’s report. DIY or provisional quotes create issues with safety and certification. We act as your single contact to protect your property and the integrity of the foundation.

Common mistakes

Starting work without a permit or engineer’s report.
Vague scope or open‑ended pricing that omits soil tests and sign‑off.
Poor supervision that causes extra repairs to floors, doors and finishes.

What to ask for

VBA registration, insurance and written confirmation of council‑compliant methods.
Clear statement of the method used and why it suits your soil and foundation.
All‑inclusive fixed pricing that covers inspections and final certification.
Mass concrete, screw piles or resin options must follow the engineer’s certified design.

We are fully VBA Registered and insured. We never upsell. We price repairs to include inspections, documentation and sign‑off. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au for a fixed quote.

Conclusion

A clear, engineered repair plan protects your home and its long‑term value. Underpinning and levelling form a two‑part solution: stabilise the foundation and correct uneven floors.

We use a registered structural engineer, staged inspections and VBA‑compliant certification to restore stability and integrity. This approach addresses damage at the existing foundation and the original foundation.

Benefits include: a stable structure, improved floors, resolved cracks and sticky doors windows, and full certification for insurance or sale.

Book your free assessment and get a transparent fixed‑price quote. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

FAQ

What permits are needed for underpinning projects in Melbourne?

You usually need a building permit where the work changes or reinforces foundations, adds loads or alters structural members. Typical permit documentation includes a structural engineer’s report, soil information, detailed plans and a fixed‑price scope from a licensed contractor. Lodge these with your private building surveyor or council, depending on the project and the surveyor you engage.

What triggers the need for a permit when stabilising a home’s foundation?

A permit is triggered by any structural alteration, foundation stabilisation, installation of new footings or changes that increase load paths. Examples include replacing or strengthening existing footings, restumping or reblocking, and installing piles or resin systems where structural support is affected.

Which underpinning methods almost always require approval?

Concrete mass pads, screw piles and resin injection systems typically require approval because each changes foundation behaviour. Any method that affects load transfer, depth of support or the sub‑floor structure needs design documentation and engineer certification.

Do minor levelling works or verandah supports need a permit?

Edge cases vary. Levelling that only adjusts timber bearers with no new permanent footings may not need a permit. Adding verandah supports or rebuilding a sub‑floor almost always requires approval because these works alter structural support. Always check with a registered surveyor or council.

Who issues permits and what must be submitted?

Permits are issued by a registered building surveyor or council where applicable. You must submit a structural engineering report, site soil data, detailed method statements, plans, a fixed‑price contractor quote and proof of licensed personnel. The VBA oversees registration and compliance.

What roles do the VBA, council and private surveyors play?

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) registers surveyors and enforces standards. Councils administer local planning and some permit processes. Private building surveyors assess compliance, issue permits and carry out mandatory inspections during the project.

How can we speed up permit approval for an underpinning job?

Start with a registered structural engineer’s assessment and a clear method selection. Prepare complete drawings, soil data and a fixed quote. Lodge a full application with your surveyor, respond promptly to requests for information and ensure contractors meet VBA requirements to avoid delays.

Which documents help avoid RFIs and rejections?

A stamped engineering design, geotechnical or soil report, detailed construction method, site plans, structural calculations and a fixed‑price contract reduce RFIs. Also include contractor licences, insurance and a program showing inspections and milestones.

What inspections are mandatory during and after underpinning works?

Mandatory inspections include footing preparation, reinforcement and concrete pours for mass concrete, pile installation checks for screw piles, and final certification. Your building surveyor will set required stages and issue occupancy or completion documentation once satisfied.

How do we choose the right method for our soil and house?

A structural engineer will match method to soil type and original foundation. Mass concrete suits stable soils and traditional footings. Screw piles work well on reactive clay or in tight access sites. Resin injection helps where minimal excavation is preferred. The choice depends on soil, load, access and cost.

When is mass concrete the best option?

Mass concrete underpinning suits sites with predictable soils and where the original foundation can accept pad additions. It’s robust and permanent for older homes and where heavier loads are present. Expect more excavation and longer cure times than other methods.

When should we consider screw piles?

Choose screw piles for reactive clay, sites with shallow rock or when access is limited. They provide fast load transfer and controlled installation depths. Engineering design ensures they meet settlement and load criteria for your structure.

Are resin injection solutions effective for residential stabilisation?

Resin injection can be effective for targeted stabilisation, especially under floors and slabs with localised voids or settlement. It is less invasive and faster. Use only when an engineer specifies resin and provides design criteria for load and settlement limits.

How much will an underpinning permit and works typically cost in Melbourne?

Costs vary with method, soil conditions and the extent of works. Expect engineering and permit fees, contractor labour, materials and inspection costs. A realistic range is best obtained after a site assessment and soil report. Fixed‑price quotes from VBA‑registered contractors provide clarity.

How long does an underpinning project usually take?

Timelines depend on method and extent. Small resin or pile jobs can take days to weeks. Mass concrete underpinning often takes longer due to excavation and curing. Allow time for design, permit approval and staged inspections when planning.

Will we need to vacate during the works?

Most underpinning jobs are done with occupants in place, but significant works, noise, dust or safety concerns may make temporary relocation advisable. Your contractor and engineer will advise based on the scope and site constraints.

What common compliance mistakes should we avoid?

Avoid starting without a permit, using no engineer’s design, accepting vague scopes or open‑ended pricing, and hiring unregistered contractors. These mistakes risk rework, fines and unsafe outcomes.

What should we ask a contractor before hiring them?

Ask for VBA registration, evidence of relevant insurance, references for similar work, engineer‑approved methods and a fixed‑price contract that includes inspections and certification. Also confirm who will manage the permit application and liaise with the surveyor.

Who is responsible for certification at project completion?

The registered structural engineer certifies the works against design. The building surveyor issues final occupancy or completion documentation after inspections. Your contractor should provide warranties and a practical completion package.

How do soil types around Melbourne affect underpinning choices?

Melbourne soils range from reactive clays to sandy loams and rock. Reactive clay often needs deep or flexible supports like screw piles. Stable sands favour mass concrete. A geotechnical report is essential to match method to soil behaviour.

Can underpinning increase our property value and longevity?

Correctly designed and certified underpinning restores structural integrity, prevents further damage and reassures buyers. Certified works protect value and extend the life of the home when performed by registered professionals.

How do doors, windows and internal cracks relate to foundation issues?

Sticking doors, cracked walls and uneven floors often signal foundation movement or settlement. A structural assessment will determine the cause and whether remedial works or stabilisation are needed. Early assessment limits damage and cost.

Who should we call first if we suspect foundation failure?

Start with a registered structural engineer for assessment and a geotechnical report. Then contact a VBA‑registered contractor and your chosen building surveyor to plan permits and works. For urgent concerns, call your contractor or engineer immediately.