We offer soil testing and engineering guidance to ensure your project proceeds safely and to council standard from the first site visit.

We are Underpinning Melbourne, Structural Preservation Specialists. Our calm, engineering-led approach protects homes and restores foundations with certified solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, we combine field testing, analysis and on-site support to avoid costly surprises during construction. Our service covers initial site assessment, borehole sampling, design recommendations and implementation support.

We coordinate structural engineering, manage approvals and deliver a clear path to permanent repairs. Expect honest findings, fixed-price quotes and minimal disruption. Book a free assessment: Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Key Takeaways

Thorough site investigation underpins successful projects and council approvals.
We blend structural and geotechnical engineering to protect your foundations.
Services include testing, analysis, design advice and on-site implementation.
Over 20 years’ experience, VBA registered and fully insured.
Transparent pricing, no upsell, and practical solutions sized to your needs.

Trusted soil testing for Melbourne foundations, done right the first time

We deliver practical soil testing so you can make confident choices about your foundations. Our local team combines site checks, field sampling and lab analysis. We focus on clear findings that reduce risk and cost.

Local expertise tailored to ground conditions

Our engineers assess varied soil conditions across the city. We test clays, historical fill and shallow soils to find hidden issues early.

VBA-compliant methods that minimise disruption

We use council-ready methods and documentation. That keeps approvals simple and limits mess, noise and delays on your site.

Tailored testing: field sampling and lab work matched to your site.
Clear outcomes: results that guide construction choices and save time.
Compliance: VBA-certified methods and council-ready paperwork.
Practical support: continuous engineering oversight from first inspection to completion.

We specialise in helping anxious homeowners and investors understand risk fast. Book a free assessment and a fixed-price quote via our soil testing services. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

geotechnical report underpinning melbourne: what it covers and why it matters

A full site investigation identifies soil behaviour and the risks that could derail your construction plans. We coordinate structural engineering assessments and give honest findings you can act on.

When your building needs a geotech report before underpinning

A geotechnical report is needed when foundations show settlement, cracking or movement that demands engineered rectification. Councils and engineers often require a site investigation and soil testing before approving works.

From subsidence to wall cracks: linking site conditions to structural issues

The report links site conditions to visible issues like wall cracks, sticking doors and sloping floors. It outlines groundwater, reactivity, fill and bearing capacity that affect stability and construction safety.

Scope and solutions: the assessment defines options and clear construction steps so your project proceeds with confidence.
Inner-city risks: we check historical fill and nearby developments to manage adjacent structure impacts.
Standards and checks: AS 2870 site classification and, where needed, a footing probe inform design decisions.

Clear findings reduce disputes and speed approvals. For a fast, transparent assessment and coordinated structural engineering, see our underpinning cost calculator or call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Our geotechnical investigation process for underpinning projects

We start every project with a focused desktop review and a short site inspection. This sets clear priorities for field testing and drilling so works are efficient and low impact.

Initial site assessment and desktop review

We map local geology, services and prior developments. That early work helps us plan the scope of investigation and reduce unnecessary disturbance.

Field testing, borehole drilling and soil sampling

Field work includes borehole drilling, footing probes and in-situ tests. These steps profile layers, moisture and bearing capacity for reliable construction inputs.

Laboratory analysis, ground behaviour modelling and risk assessment

Lab analysis confirms soil classification, strength and reactivity. We model likely ground movement and assess risks to stability and nearby structures.

Design recommendations, reporting and on-site implementation support

We deliver clear design recommendations that align with standards and structural engineering requirements. Our team issues VBA-compliant certification and supports contractors on site.

End-to-end management: from investigation to handover.
Clear communication: short updates at each stage.
Practical outcomes: concise report, specifications and on-site advice.

Standards, certifications and council compliance you can rely on

We deliver compliant site classification and actionable footing advice so your build stays on track. Our AS 2870-2011 site classification provides footing recommendations designers can use immediately.

VBA registration and insured work protect you through design, construction and final certification. We supply council-ready documentation signed by qualified engineers.

AS 2870 site classification and footing recommendations

These classifications set the design requirements and footing depths for your project. They guide builders on excavation, drainage and how to manage water around foundations.

VBA registration, insurance and council-ready paperwork

We apply Australian standards across our investigations, documentation and on-site supervision. Safety is first: we plan construction sequencing to control groundwater and excavation risk.

AS 2870 classification with clear footing directions for designers.
Council-compliant documentation signed by engineers.
Insured, VBA-registered team covering the whole project.
Reports include contractor requirements to avoid ambiguity on site.
We coordinate with your engineers and builders to close out RFIs quickly.

Expect consistent standards, traceable test data and responsive support until your project is complete. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

How soil testing informs the right underpinning solution

Understanding ground behaviour is the first step to a lasting foundation fix. We use targeted soil testing and site analysis to match design and construction methods to site conditions.

Concrete underpinning vs resin injection vs screw piling

Concrete suits load-bearing walls with good access. It gives proven stability for heavy loads.

Resin injection lifts slabs and fills voids with little disruption. It is not a substitute when structural capacity is needed.

Screw piling or mini-piles work well in soft soils and tight access. They speed installation and limit site disturbance.

Designing for stability, groundwater, soft soils and restricted access

Our engineering analysis checks bearing capacity, reactivity and seasonal water. That drives depth, spacing and construction sequencing.

Soil testing results guide selection between concrete, resin and screw pile solutions.
High-reactivity clay and water swings often require deeper or piled options for stability.
We design to AS 2870 criteria and detail water control for excavation and cure.

Method	Best for	Disruption
Concrete	Accessible load-bearing walls	Moderate
Resin Injection	Slab lifting, voids	Low
Screw Piling	Soft soils, tight access	Low–Moderate
Staged Solutions	Heritage or confined sites	Minimal to controlled

We minimise disruption and never upsell. Final designs focus on durable performance of foundations and nearby structures.

What’s included in your geotechnical report and structural assessment

We bring together soil testing, lab data and engineer-signed documents in one practical file. This package gives you clear directions for construction and council-facing documentation.

Site classification, test logs, analysis and foundation design recommendations

We supply AS 2870 site classification, borehole logs and laboratory results. Mapped layers show how the ground will behave under load.

Analysis summaries translate technical data into practical recommendations for footing depths, bearing pressures and materials.

Structural engineering report coordination and certification

We coordinate the structural engineer’s report and certification so you have one responsible contact. Reports are formatted for council, insurers and builders.

For upper storey additions we include a footing probe to confirm existing footing dimensions and capacity. Implementation support ensures works follow design intent.

Clear outcomes: AS 2870 classification with construction implications.
Test evidence: logs, lab data and mapped layers.
Practical directions: foundation recommendations and construction sequencing.
Single point of accountability: we coordinate the engineer and certification.

Fast, fixed-price quotes and prompt timelines keep your programme on schedule. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Pricing clarity, timelines and how to book a fast site inspection

Transparent fixed-price quotes and prompt site inspections make budgeting easy. You start with a free, no-obligation structural assessment. Send photos and your address and our office team begins a quick review.

After your enquiry, an office member collects details. Engineers then prepare a clear quote that lists scope, inclusions and any council requirements.

Fixed-price quotes and typical turnaround times

We issue fixed-price quotes that spell out what the service includes and any additional requirements. This avoids surprises and helps you plan other work.

Typical timelines follow four stages: assessment, field testing, lab analysis and final documentation. We agree the exact timeframes in your quote so you know when the job will finish.

Start with a free assessment by emailing photos and the address.
Fixed-price quote lists scope, inclusions and council paperwork needs.
Turnaround time for soil testing and analysis is confirmed up front.
Fast mobilisation for urgent safety concerns or time-sensitive projects.
One point of contact from quote acceptance to handover keeps communication simple.

Our team coordinates access, locates services and schedules fieldwork to suit you. We minimise disruption and only charge for the necessary scope of work.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris to book your site inspection today. Clear timelines and regular updates keep your project predictable from start to finish.

Conclusion

Get prompt, standards-led support to keep construction moving and avoid costly delays.

We restore safety and peace of mind with engineered solutions that last. Our team is VBA registered and fully insured.

Our engineers link testing to workable designs and on-site support. This prevents delays and structural issues on inner-city developments.

Choose a calm, engineering-led path to protect your building value. Expect clear findings, permanent repairs and council-ready documentation.

Start with a free assessment and a fixed-price service that suits your project. Contact us, Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

FAQ

What is included in a soil testing and geotechnical assessment for underpinning?

A typical assessment includes an initial site inspection, desktop review of records, field testing such as borehole drilling and dynamic probing, laboratory soil testing, site classification under AS 2870, ground behaviour modelling and a clear set of foundation or underpinning recommendations. We also coordinate structural engineering advice and provide council-compliant documentation.

When does my building need a site investigation before underpinning work?

You need a site investigation when there are signs of movement—subsurface voids, significant cracks, noticeable settlement or persistent damp issues. It’s also required when planning major alterations, adding a second storey, or when local council or VBA rules demand proof of ground conditions for approval.

How do you test the ground on properties in the Melbourne area?

We use a mix of methods suited to local soils: borehole drilling for cores, cone or dynamic probing for density and strength, and laboratory tests for moisture, particle size and shear strength. These tests are chosen to limit disruption and to give reliable data for foundation design under local ground conditions.

How long does the investigation and reporting process take?

Turnaround depends on scope. A simple site assessment with a few boreholes is often completed in one to two weeks. More complex projects requiring multiple tests and detailed modelling can take three to four weeks. We provide fixed-price quotes and a clear timeline before work starts.

Will the investigation cause a lot of disruption to my property?

We use methods that minimise disruption. Small-diameter boreholes and targeted testing reduce noise and site impact. We manage access, protect landscaping and restore surfaces after sampling. Our team aims to keep disruption to a minimum while collecting all necessary data.

How does soil testing influence the choice of underpinning solution?

Soil characteristics determine the best solution. Firm, well-drained soils may suit concrete underpinning; soft or compressible soils might need screw piling or resin injection. Testing reveals groundwater, bearing capacity and settlement risk, allowing us to design a permanent, safe solution tailored to the site.

Are your methods compliant with Australian standards and VBA requirements?

Yes. We follow AS 2870 for site classification and footing guidance, adhere to VBA registration requirements where applicable, and prepare documentation suitable for council approval. Our processes are insured and aligned with industry best practice.

What information will I receive in the final assessment document?

You receive a comprehensive document that includes site classification, test logs, laboratory results, analysis and ground behaviour modelling, risk assessment, and clear foundation or underpinning design recommendations. We also supply drawings and certification for building approval when required.

Do you provide on-site support during underpinning or foundation works?

Yes. We offer implementation support, including supervision, testing during construction and liaison with your structural engineer or builder. Our involvement helps ensure the works follow the design and maintain safety and compliance on site.

How much will an investigation cost and how do I book an inspection?

Costs vary by scope and access. We provide fixed-price quotes after a brief site review or phone consultation. To book, call our office on 1300 970 930 or email us at chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.