You need certainty your foundation is safe when planning a renovation. We are Underpinning Melbourne, structural preservation specialists who protect houses with calm, engineering-led solutions.
Our small team delivers VBA‑compliant services for melbourne homes. We assess the foundation, explain options and give a fixed‑price quote so you can budget with confidence.
We focus on saving your home, not stripping value. With 20+ years’ experience our company offers concrete underpinning, resin injection, screw piling and structural reports. We coordinate engineering and council paperwork to meet your needs.
We promise minimal disruption, honest advice and full certification. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to book a free assessment.
Key Takeaways
- We protect your house with engineered underpinning solutions and clear advice.
- Free, no‑obligation structural assessments and transparent fixed‑price quotes.
- VBA‑registered company with 20+ years’ experience and full insurance.
- Options include resin injection, concrete works and screw piling to suit site needs.
- We manage engineering reports and council compliance to reduce stress.
Underpinning Melbourne: structural preservation for stress‑free renovations
We protect homes with focused engineering that keeps your foundation stable and your project on schedule.
Our approach is safety‑first and evidence‑based. We assess the property, identify underlying issues and choose a method that limits disruption. Geopolymer soil stabilisation can compact weak ground and raise footings faster than excavation. Traditional concrete and steel works are more invasive and usually take longer.
Both methods must address root causes such as reactive clay behaviour, poor drainage or founding on fill. Where ground varies, we design a hybrid solution that balances speed and certainty.
- We verify structure and loads before demolition to avoid mid‑build surprises.
- Our services preserve existing elements so your home stays liveable when possible.
- We document every step so your building surveyor gets what they need.
| Method | Speed | Site impact |
|---|---|---|
| Geopolymer injection | Fast | Minimal excavation |
| Concrete & steel | Slower | Higher disruption |
| Hybrid design | Moderate | Balanced impact |
We coordinate with your builder and keep you informed at every stage. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Underpinning for renovations Melbourne
A clear structural assessment shows whether your house needs strengthening before building proceeds.
When your renovation plans require foundation strengthening
If you add an upper level or heavy finishes, the existing foundations may not carry the extra load. We inspect load paths and check the existing structure to advise you early.
Early assessment protects schedules and avoids rework. We provide council‑compliant designs and honest advice tailored to your site.
Common renovation scenarios: extensions, second‑storey additions and wet‑area upgrades
- Upper‑floor additions and stone kitchens increase house loads rapidly.
- Boundary extensions can cross variable soil profiles, risking uneven movement.
- Wet‑area upgrades often reveal prior leaks and soil loss beneath finishes.
- Where prior works used uncontrolled fill, we test bearing and plan remediation.
Melbourne’s reactive clay and how it affects renovation designs
Reactive clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This drives seasonal heave and settlement that affects additions and wet areas.
We check drainage and plumbing to remove causes of ongoing movement. Then we size supports with your engineer so new building loads are carried safely.
| Issue | Effect on house | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Reactive clay cycles | Seasonal heave or subsidence | Design to accommodate shrink‑swell; soil improvement or deeper supports |
| Leaking pipes/poor drainage | Washed fines and local settlement under wet areas | Fix services, stabilise soil, protect new finishes |
| Founding on uncontrolled fill | Differential movement during and after works | Assess bearing; specify remediation or piled supports |
We help homeowners understand when strengthening is essential and produce clear engineering notes your designer and builder can use. Try our cost calculator to estimate likely scope and discuss options.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Signs and causes to assess before you build
A few visible clues around your home can show whether the ground or structure is under stress. We educate without alarm and guide you to sensible action.
Wall cracks, sticking doors and uneven floors
Stair‑step or widening wall cracks often show differential movement rather than simple plaster shrinkage.
Twisted frames cause sticking doors and windows. Sloping or bouncy floors point to uneven support or voids under slabs.
Drainage, leaking services and erosion around footings
Ponding near footings and leaking pipes can wash soil fines away. That creates voids and local settlement that damage finishes.
Reactive clay, tree roots and changing moisture
Reactive clay swells when wet and shrinks in drought. Large trees change moisture balance and make cycles worse.
Overloading, poor workmanship and founding on fill
Heavy point loads on thin slabs or building on poorly compacted fill can lead to ongoing settlement and structural issues.
- Stair‑step cracks → differential movement.
- Sticking doors → frame racking.
- Uneven floors → voids or weak support.
- Ponding/leaks → soil loss and subsidence.
- Trees and clay → seasonal heave and settlement.
We map signs to likely causes so we remove the cause, not just treat symptoms. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to arrange a calm, honest assessment.
Choosing the right underpinning method for your home
A clear soil profile and load plan guide which structural method will best support your house. We assess access, depth to competent strata and renovation scope before recommending a path.
Traditional concrete underpinning: when excavation makes sense
Concrete methods use excavation, poured concrete and embedded steel to deepen support. This suits sites where deeper bearing is required and safe access exists.
Resin injection / geopolymer solutions: minimally invasive ground improvement
Resin injection uses small ~16 mm holes to inject expanding polymer. It fills voids, compacts soil and can lift settled areas quickly. This cleaner technology often avoids mass excavation and speeds practical completion.
Screw piling and steel options for deeper, poor or variable soils
Screw piles employ steel shafts to reach competent material. Torque‑verified installation gives predictable capacity on layered or weak ground. They suit sites with variable soil or where vibration must be limited.
Piers and micropiles for complex sites and greater depths
Micropiles and piers deliver support where access is tight or depths exceed safe excavation limits. They pair well with concrete beams to bridge soft layers under the structure.
Which method suits your property, soil and renovation scope
We balance soil data, house loads, staging and budget to protect outcomes. Where moisture drives movement, ground improvement plus drainage fixes often out‑perform excavation alone.
| Method | Best use | Site impact |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete & steel | Deep bearing, open access | Higher excavation and disruption |
| Resin injection | Lifting settled areas, tight access | Minimal excavation, fast |
| Screw piles / micropiles | Poor or variable soils, deep strata | Low surface works, precise capacity |
We provide Concrete Underpinning, Resin Injection, Screw Piling and wall crack repairs in‑house. You receive a clear method statement and a council‑compliant plan that explains why the chosen solution best supports your property.
Compare techniques using our tool: restumping vs underpinning tool. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Our calm, engineering‑led process from assessment to certification
A structured site assessment sets the scope and removes guesswork before any work begins. We offer a free site inspection and a clear assessment so you know the risks, timing and likely outcomes.
Free site inspection and testing
We start with a free, no‑obligation visit and a structural assessment. If soil data is needed, we arrange testing to inform design and expected level recovery.
Design, layout and safe locating
Our design sets injection or pier locations. We use GPR service locating to protect utilities and reduce site risk.
Installation and monitored lift
Installation follows a documented underpinning process the team executes efficiently on your site.
For resin programs, we drill small 16 mm holes to controlled depth, install ports and inject under survey control to manage lift and level.
Verification, quality checks and tidy handover
We time‑stamp level readings, complete quality checks and re‑grout holes before a tidy handover. You receive certification, photos and engineering sign‑off where required.
- Free assessment and transparent fixed‑price quotes.
- GPR locating and tested layouts to protect services.
- Surveyed lift, quality checks and documented level records.
- A named supervisor stays on site to keep communication clear.
Our technology and process are designed to keep disruption low and quality high. For a calm, certified process, visit our contact page to book an inspection.
Compliance, safety and structural engineering reports
Our team organises engineering documentation so your permit application is complete and accurate.
We are fully VBA registered and insured. That means every job includes safety plans, public protection measures and the insurances councils expect.
VBA‑compliant methods, council‑ready documentation and insurances
We issue clear method statements and layout drawings that match the engineer’s design. These documents explain how the work will protect the structure and manage hazards.
Our company prepares a file that makes approvals simple. It includes cause analysis, GPR scans where needed and level data gathered during installation.
Structural engineering reports coordinated for permits and peace of mind
Reports describe the assessment, identified issues and the engineered response. They show how drainage, reactive clay or local factors are addressed.
- We integrate the structural engineering report with your permit application.
- Our experience helps answer council queries quickly to keep approvals moving.
- Your file contains drawings, survey data and installation records for full traceability.
| Document | Purpose | What it shows |
|---|---|---|
| Cause analysis | Explain why movement occurred | Identifies issues such as drainage or reactive clay |
| Method statement | Describe how work will be done | Details steps, safety controls and access |
| Layout & survey drawings | Locate works and ports | GPR scans, port positions and level control |
| Compliance records | Evidence for permit close‑out | Photos, level logs and engineer sign‑off |
Our team answers surveyor questions promptly. You receive a certified outcome that protects your home and reduces delays.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Costs, timeframes and disruption during renovations
Knowing likely costs and how long the work will take helps you plan the rest of your building schedule. We explain what drives price, how long our crews need on site and how much disruption to expect.
What drives price? The main factors are the extent of damage, site access, chosen materials and overall building complexity. Minor scopes can be tidy; larger jobs need more plant and time.
Time on site and less disruptive options
Cleaner methods often cut time and mess. That means occupants can often stay in the property while we work. We schedule work to fit your builder’s program and avoid clashes with other trades.
Our offer: assessment and a fixed quote
We provide a free, no‑obligation assessment and a transparent fixed‑price quote. We scope the job, list inclusions and present any allowances up front. If unexpected issues appear, we present clear solutions and costs before continuing.
- Price is driven by damage extent, access limits and building complexity.
- Cleaner methods can reduce time on site and allow you to remain in the property.
- We coordinate engineering and documentation to prevent rework and delay.
- Book a free assessment and receive a written quote to lock scope and dates.
| Scope | Indicative cost (AUD) | Typical time on site | Disruption level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor: local lift, resin or small piers | $5,000 – $10,000 | 1–3 days | Low |
| Moderate: sections, beam works or multiple ports | $10,000 – $30,000+ | 3–10 days | Medium |
| Large/commercial: deep works, piling | $30,000 – $100,000+ | 2–6+ weeks | High |
We minimise disruption and never upsell. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au. Learn more about our services at our website.
Why Melbourne homeowners choose Underpinning Melbourne
Homeowners trust our team because we combine practical experience with clear communication on every job.
We have 20+ years’ experience and are fully VBA registered and insured. Our company delivers concrete underpinning, restumping & reblocking, resin injection, screw piling and wall crack repairs.
Proven team and honest assessments
Our team gives straight advice that matches your needs. We scope work carefully and only propose what the property requires.
Wide services under one roof
- Concrete methods when deep, robust support is needed.
- Modern resin and piling options when speed and low disruption matter.
- Restumping and wall crack repairs to complete the restoration pathway.
| Strength | Best use | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Deep bearing | Higher site works |
| Resin | Local lift | Low disruption |
| Screw piling | Variable soils | Precise capacity |
We stand for quality and safety. Expect minimal disruption, council‑compliant documentation and a calm handover that protects your melbourne homes and your budget.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to discuss solutions and next steps.
Conclusion
A confident build comes from certified levels, coordinated reports and a tailored structural solution.
We restore safety and peace of mind by addressing causes such as reactive clay, poor drainage and founding conditions. Our company recommends the right solution—concrete, resin or steel piles—based on soil and ground data.
Book a free assessment and receive a fixed‑price quote that explains time, site works and the process. We manage design, council documentation, surveyed level recovery and a tidy handover to protect walls, floors and doors.
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au to remove uncertainty and move forward with confidence.