We are Underpinning Melbourne, Structural Preservation Specialists, offering engineered solutions that save homes from foundation failure and give you lasting peace of mind.
Our team assesses your property, explains options and delivers VBA‑compliant certification. We use proven methods such as mass concrete, beam‑and‑base, screw piles and resin injection. Each solution protects original fabric while restoring structural integrity.
You get calm, expert guidance from first contact to final certification. We coordinate structural engineering reports, fixed‑price quotes and council‑compliant documentation. Our company has 20+ years’ experience and is fully insured.
Book a free, no‑obligation structural assessment. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Key Takeaways
- We provide engineered underpinning and restoration for heritage buildings across Melbourne.
- Safety, VBA compliance and clear documentation guide every project.
- Transparent fixed‑price quotes and minimal on‑site disruption.
- Free structural assessments and coordination with structural engineers.
- Proven methods matched to local soils and property conditions.
- Contact a specialist for evidence‑based advice, not a call centre.
Structural preservation for heritage homes and buildings in Melbourne
Keeping character intact, we deliver tested structural solutions that restore long-term stability.
Many older buildings sit on reactive clay soil that shrinks and swells with the seasons. Tree roots, poor drainage and nearby excavation can disturb bearing soil and cause movement.
Strengthening a foundation is often more economical than a rebuild when movement appears. A specialist assessment determines the best technique for each home’s age and construction.
- Respectful works: we protect original fabric and finishes.
- Soil-aware design: solutions account for local reactivity and long-term stability.
- Coordinated approach: engineer-led plans, council pathways and clear scopes.
| Method | Suitability | Impact on fabric | Expected results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass concrete | Shallow, consistent soils | Low to moderate | Solid foundation, long-term stability |
| Screw piles | Reactive or deep soils | Minimal excavation | Rapid load transfer, reduced settlement |
| Resin injection | Targeted wall cracks | Very low | Local repair, improved moisture barrier |
Recognising foundation issues in heritage properties
Small signs often reveal serious problems. We provide clear, no-pressure assessments to help you decide the next step. Email photos for a quick review, or book a free site inspection with engineering-focused advice.
Tell‑tale signs: stepped brick cracks, sinking corners, sticking doors and windows
Look for stepped brick cracking across mortar lines. Diagonal patterns often indicate differential movement and subsidence.
Check external corners for sinking. Mortar lines that trend downwards usually point to settling foundations.
Test doors and windows for sticking or binding. Frame rubbing is a common sign of racking.
Uneven floors, bowing walls and widening joints
Inspect internal floors with a level or ball test. Uneven floors can mean differential support under the house.
Watch for bowing walls, loose bricks or widening articulated joints. These suggest movement across wall planes.
Common local causes: reactive clay soils, tree roots, drainage and nearby excavation
Consider the site: reactive soil, tree root moisture extraction, poor drainage, water leaks and nearby work can disturb the ground.
If several signs appear, act early. Early action reduces repair cost and protects your property.
- Stepped cracks in brickwork
- Sinking external corners
- Sticking doors and out‑of‑square windows
- Bowing walls and uneven floors
- Widening joints and loose bricks
Want a quick cost indication? Use our cost calculator or call Chris: 1300 970 930 and Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Heritage underpinning Melbourne: engineered solutions that respect original fabric
We match engineered foundation work to each building so repairs are effective and unobtrusive.
Concrete underpinning and beam-and-base for deeper, stable support
Mass concrete and beam‑and‑base extend bearing to firmer strata. They suit traditional footings and provide long‑term support with predictable results.
Screw piling and micropiles for challenging soils and greater depths
Micropiles reach deep where clays vary or trees affect moisture. Screw piles work well in wet or sandy soil and require minimal excavation.
Resin injection for targeted wall crack repair and damp interfaces
Resin injection closes fine wall cracks and improves damp‑proofing at junctions. It is a low‑impact repair for localised deterioration.
Restumping and reblocking for timber floors and ageing stumps
Restumping renews timber supports and stumps. Reblocking re‑establishes floor bearings and corrects levels quickly.
Structural engineering reports to guide compliant, low-impact works
Our expertise combines material selection and staged works. Every project includes drawings, capacities and a clear sequence to protect fragile fabric.
| Service | Best for | Site impact | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete / Beam‑and‑base | Shallow traditional footings | Moderate excavation | Deeper, durable support |
| Micropiles / Screw piles | Deep or variable soil | Low excavation, fast | Reliable load transfer |
| Resin injection | Fine wall cracks, damp interfaces | Very low | Local repair, moisture control |
| Restumping / Reblocking | Timber floors, ageing stumps | Targeted access | Levelled floors, renewed stumps |
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Our process and compliance, done right the first time
First, we inspect and measure; then we report back with plain‑spoken findings and options.
Free structural assessment. We provide an honest diagnosis using photos and levels. You get clear next steps and early cost guidance.
Engineer‑designed plan and permits. An engineer prepares a site‑specific design. We lodge permits and manage documentation so works meet council and VBA expectations.
What we deliver for your project
- Fixed‑price quote that lists scope, inclusions and staging.
- Permit lodgement and VBA‑compliant certification for future sales and insurance.
- Careful site works that protect original fabric and minimise disruption.
- Verification checks at each stage to confirm structural integrity and results.
| Stage | What we do | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Site inspection, photos, levels | Honest diagnosis and clear options |
| Design & Approval | Engineer drawings, permits lodged | Council‑compliant works and paperwork |
| Construction | Careful excavation or piling, re‑levelling | Minimal disruption, safe site |
| Verification | Stage checks, as‑built documentation | Proved results and certification |
Our company communicates daily during critical phases. You always know what happens next.
Book a free assessment—book an assessment or Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Why choose Underpinning Melbourne for heritage projects
We combine 20+ years’ experience with practical, council‑compliant methods. Our team focuses on engineered solutions that protect fragile fabric and give you lasting stability.
20+ years’ experience, fully VBA Registered and insured
Our team has deep field experience with older homes. We hold full VBA registration and public liability cover.
This means permits, certification and insurance-ready documentation for future sales or insurance claims.
Structural integrity first: no upselling, only necessary works
We recommend only the work needed to restore structural integrity. You get honest assessments and fixed-price quotes.
Free assessments are available so you can make informed choices before work starts.
- Senior oversight on every job and clear engineering input.
- Quality materials and methods suited to reactive clays, roots and moisture risk.
- Coordinated services: drainage, moisture control and remedial work to protect value.
- Respectful site conduct to protect your home and peace of mind.
| Why it matters | What we do | Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| VBA registration & insurance | Certified designs and insured crews | Compliance for permits and sales | Reduced legal and financial risk |
| Engineer-led plans | Site-specific solutions | Less guesswork on site | Long-term stability |
| Fixed-price quotes | Clear scope and inclusions | No hidden costs | Confidence and budget control |
Book a free assessment and a fixed-price quote via our website. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Costs, quotes and booking in Melbourne today
Deciding on foundation work is easier with clear costs and a plan. We provide a free assessment, then issue a transparent fixed-price quote that lists inclusions, permits and engineering coordination.
What influences price: extent of subsidence, method, access and building complexity
Costs vary with the extent of subsidence, the chosen method and site access. Soil conditions, building size and tight ground affect labour and materials.
As a market guide: minor foundation repairs often range $5,000–$10,000; moderate work $10,000–$30,000+; larger commercial projects can exceed $30,000. Method types include mass concrete, beam-and-base, screw piles and micropiles.
Transparent fixed-price quotes and engineering coordination
Expect a clear quote document that shows the job scope, permits, exclusions and the engineer of record. We coordinate permits and stage works to protect the house and maintain safety.
- Price reflects scope, method and access after our site assessment.
- We list permits and the services the quote covers.
- Final quality checks verify level and workmanship before handover.
Fast-track booking and contact
Book a free assessment and get a tailored quote. Send photos of the property to fast-track advice and an initial review.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
For a quick comparison of restumping and underpinning options, see our restumping vs underpinning guide.
Conclusion
Protecting older homes starts with a clear, engineered plan that stops movement and restores level floors. We deliver permanent foundation fixes that protect the house and its original fabric.
Our team diagnoses subsidence causes, from reactive clay and root loss to drainage or nearby excavation. We then match foundations and methods to the site.
We repair visible issues such as stepped brick cracks, bowing walls, sticking doors and uneven floors. We also renew stumps and re‑establish correct levels where required.
Book a free assessment and get a transparent, fixed‑price quote with full certification. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.