We solve foundation failure for homeowners and investors with a calm, engineering-led service that restores safety and value.
We are structural preservation specialists with over 20 years’ experience. Our team offers code-compliant services across established sites and tight-access locations.
Our approach gives you an engineered solution that links new steel and footing works to existing foundations. We use purpose-built lightweight equipment so we can work where other machines cannot gain safe access.
Single support capacities can be rated up to 11 tonnes. Typical founding depths range from 2 to 10 metres. We coordinate structural reports and VBA-compliant certification to meet council rules.
Contact us for a free assessment. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Key Takeaways
- We provide proven stabilisation for your building with minimal disruption.
- Our team delivers high quality, council-compliant outcomes that protect your property.
- Purpose-built plant lets us work on restricted-access sites.
- We integrate steel and interface cleanly with existing footings.
- You receive a fixed-price quote, coordinated engineering reports and VBA certification.
What is micropile underpinning and when is it the right solution?
Where sites are tight, soils are poor or founding depths exceed 2000 mm, we use a steel‑reinforced column system to stabilise foundations. This method extends load paths to competent ground at designed depths, typically 2–10 metres. It suits filled sites, root-affected soils and locations with limited access.
How the system stabilises foundations at depth
Steel and concrete columns are placed through weak layers to transfer load to firm ground. Each column is engineered to work with existing footings. Single supports can be rated up to 11 tonnes, giving reliable capacity for heavier structures or problem areas.
When to choose this option
- Restricted‑access sites where large excavations are impractical.
- Founding depths beyond 2000 mm or where tree roots and services have damaged soils.
- When monitoring shows progressive movement or bearing failure indicators.
- Where minimal disruption is needed so occupants can stay in the building.
| Condition | Why this solution works | Typical depth |
|---|---|---|
| Fill or cut sites | Transfers load past loose material into stable ground | 2–10 m |
| Tree root influence | Bypasses disturbed zones to avoid further settlement | >2000 mm |
| Restricted access | Uses lightweight plant to reduce site disturbance and noise | Variable to suit site |
We explain options in plain language and recommend the safest, compliant path for your home. Our assessment is free and obligation‑free, with clear next steps and certification. For a quick cost guide, try our cost calculator.
Why choose Underpinning Melbourne for structural preservation
Choose a team that combines engineering rigour with clear, customer-first services to protect your building and its value.
We are VBA-registered and fully insured. Our methods meet council rules and carry engineer-certified outcomes. You receive documented certification at handover.
VBA-registered, insured specialists delivering council-compliant methods and engineer-certified outcomes
We are specialists who protect your foundations with tested methods. Our reports and certification streamline approvals and give you peace of mind.
Calm, engineering-first assessments with transparent fixed-price quotes and no upselling
Our team provides calm, practical assessments. We issue clear, fixed-price scopes. We do not upsell. We design to need, then build to the approved specification.
End-to-end service: free no-obligation structural assessment, engineering report coordination, and wall crack repairs
We offer a free, no-obligation assessment and coordinate structural engineering reports for council approval. We also repair walls so surfaces are safe and presentable.
| Service | What we deliver | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Free site inspection and engineering review | Clear options, no pressure |
| Certification | VBA registration and engineer-signed reports | Council compliance and record keeping |
| Works & repairs | Fixed-price scope, structural repairs and wall finishes | Predictable cost and finished presentation |
Contact us for a free assessment today. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
micropile underpinning melbourne: our method, equipment and engineering design
Every project begins with a targeted site assessment that maps soil profiles, groundwater and reactivity. We use that information to shape the design and choose lightweight equipment that suits access and weight limits.
Site investigation and ground engineering
We test soil behaviour and identify reactive clays, target depths and applied building loads. This data sets plate depths and pile spacing for reliable long-term support.
Installation sequence
Minimal excavations are opened at planned spacings. A notch is cut in the footing to place an adjustable bracket close to the wall. Helical piles are advanced to torque and locked off. Brackets are then jacked to mobilise load while we monitor level change.
Load capacity, spacing and design controls
Capacity depends on soil strength, plate area and embedment depth. We apply a safety factor of at least 2 and keep centre-to-centre spacing at five times the largest plate diameter. Bracket detailing controls eccentric loads and protects finishes.
| Solution | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Helical pile | Poor soils, tight sites | Fast, torque-verified capacity |
| Screw piling | Shallow depths | Good for moderate loads |
| Resin / concrete | Void filling or deep concrete support | Used where ground conditions demand |
We explain the preferred method and design clearly and prioritise safety and permanence. For a site visit, contact us.
Costs, access and project suitability across Melbourne sites
Pricing varies with foundation type, site access and the materials chosen for the work. We give clear, fixed-price quotes after a free assessment. We never upsell and always propose the most suitable option for your property.
Cost drivers
Major drivers include building size, extent of damage and footing type. Materials such as steel or concrete and travel to the site add to cost.
Indicative ranges help planning: minor works $5,000–$10,000; moderate $10,000–$30,000+; commercial $30,000–$100,000+.
Access, equipment and logistics
Restricted access can increase program time and crew needs. We select lightweight equipment to reduce handling, excavation and reinstatement work.
Ground and soil conditions guide the most efficient solutions. We also consider property boundaries, neighbouring assets and utilities to manage risk and keep programme time down.
- Transparent scope: quotes list concrete, steel, brackets, testing and certification to ensure quality.
- Monitoring: we check level change during jacking to protect finishes and keep interiors functional.
- Scheduling: works are planned around occupancy to reduce disruption to your routine.
| Factor | Impact | Typical effect |
|---|---|---|
| Building size | More supports and time | Higher cost |
| Site access | Equipment choice and crew size | Longer programme |
| Soil & ground | Design and material selection | Varied cost |
Speak with us for a tailored scope and fixed price. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to book.
Conclusion
We deliver engineered foundation repairs that return safety and long-term stability to homes and investment properties.
Our solution gives reliable support for failing foundations using a tested method that links steel, concrete and confirmed pile capacity to sound soil. We protect walls and preserve structures while limiting disturbance in tight access areas.
We offer free assessments, fixed-price quotes and coordinated engineering reports. Book an inspection or read our restumping vs underpinning guide to see how options compare on mixed sites.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to arrange your free assessment.