We save strata properties from foundation failure with an engineering-first approach. Our work answers your immediate commercial need: safe, council-compliant restoration that protects value and residents.
We are Underpinning Melbourne — Structural Preservation Specialists with 20+ years’ experience. Our small, expert team offers concrete underpinning, resin injection, screw piling and full engineering coordination.
Modern geopolymer resin can compact weak ground and raise footings in minutes, while traditional concrete methods stabilise a damaged foundation with proven permanence. We assess subsidence risks, give a clear scope and supply VBA-compliant certification.
Expect minimal disruption, staged works and direct contact through to certified handover. We provide a free no-obligation assessment and a transparent fixed-price free quote. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris.
Key Takeaways
- Engineered solutions restore safety and protect your strata property.
- Resin injection is fast; concrete methods deliver long-term stability.
- We handle reports, council processes and VBA-compliant paperwork.
- Free no-obligation assessment clarifies risks and choices.
- Transparent fixed pricing and experienced onsite team from first call.
Protecting Melbourne’s unit blocks with engineering-first underpinning
Engineering, not guesswork, guides every decision we make. We assess soil behaviour and moisture drivers to stop subsidence before it worsens.
Melbourne’s reactive clay can shrink and swell with seasonal moisture. That movement causes subsidence and progressive damage to shared foundations and structure.
We design remedial work to suit local soil and strata arrangements. Our team compares modern resin methods with traditional concrete approaches and selects the safest, least disruptive method.
Early risk assessment identifies moisture sources, drainage problems and vulnerable footings. We stage works to protect common services and reduce noise and access impacts.
- Measured levels and soil testing to target the cause below footings.
- Tailored methods that respect timeframes and resident access.
- Monitoring to confirm performance and reduce future problems.
We brief committees in clear terms and document all decisions. The result is safer homes, fewer ongoing issues and permanent, compliant protection.
Why unit blocks need specialised underpinning and foundation repair
Small signs often mean bigger issues. Cracks in walls, sinking floors and jammed doors are common early warnings of subsidence. We reassure owners by explaining what these signs mean and the right repair pathway.
Reactive soil and changing moisture stress footings. Wet seasons and dry spells make clay shrink and swell. This movement causes uneven settlement across a building and can lead to lasting foundation damage.
Shared structures increase complexity. Party walls, common slabs and service risers mean one unit’s problem can affect the whole property. Repairs must protect plumbing, electrical and fire systems.
We assess movement across all units and map where cracks appear. Our honest assessment identifies whether resin methods can re‑compact soil and re‑level quickly, or if traditional excavation and concrete underpinning is required.
- Look for stepped or diagonal cracks near windows and doors.
- Note uneven or sinking floors and internal doors that stick.
- Early work limits further damage and reduces overall repair cost.
We coordinate with strata managers to schedule works with minimal disruption. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Our strata-ready services for stability and re-levelling
Each project begins with an engineering assessment to match the right remedy to the cause. We recommend methods that suit access, strata arrangements and resident needs. Our work is council-ready and aimed to minimise disruption.
Concrete underpinning for long-term structural support
Concrete underpinning extends footings to stronger bearing strata. This method involves controlled excavation and extended curing to give durable support to foundations.
Resin injection for fast, low-disruption ground improvement
Resin is installed through small keyholes. It cures quickly, compacts soil and can re-level floors with minimal disturbance to homes and common areas.
We use injection where access is tight and speed matters.
Screw piling for deeper, stable load transfer
Screw piles transfer loads to deeper, stronger layers when near-surface soils are weak. They suit multi-storey properties and constrained sites.
Wall crack repairs to restore appearance and integrity
We repair cracks in walls and restore continuity. Repairs improve appearance and stop moisture and pests entering the structure.
- Concrete underpinning extends footings to durable bearing strata.
- Resin injection compacts soil, fills voids and re-levels floors quickly.
- Screw piling moves load to depth where soils are stable.
- Our team selects the right method after engineering assessment.
- We sequence works to protect residents, services and common property.
- Structural reports and council-ready documentation speed approvals.
| Method | Access | Time to work | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete underpinning | Moderate to wide | Weeks (including curing) | Long-term foundation support |
| Resin injection | Minimal (small keyholes) | Hours to days | Fast re-levelling and void filling |
| Screw piling | Moderate | Days | Deeper load transfer where soils vary |
| Wall crack repairs | Minimal | Hours to days | Restore appearance and structural continuity |
We provide monitored lifts, quality controls and verified results. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris.
Underpinning for unit block Melbourne: VBA-compliant, council-ready solutions
We combine engineered design with council-ready paperwork to protect property value and resident safety.
Compliance is central. We are fully VBA registered and insured with 20+ years of expertise. Our approach follows industry best practice: engineered designs, method statements and level monitoring.
Reports and certification are prepared for Owners Corporations. Structural engineering reports include cause analysis, chosen method, risk controls and as-built levels. These documents streamline permits and inspections.
Compliance assured: VBA-registered methods and council-aligned processes
- VBA-compliant project delivery with full documentation.
- Council-aligned scopes that speed approvals and inspections.
- Clear assessment of private lots and common property responsibilities.
Structural engineering reports and certification for Owners Corporations
We verify clearances to shared services and protect the existing structure during works. Resin methods can be clean and quiet in occupied buildings compared with open excavation.
| Service | Deliverable | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering report | Design, cause analysis, method selection | Clear scope and risk controls |
| Monitoring | Level checks, lift records, as-built levels | Verified performance and compliance |
| Council paperwork | Permit scopes, certificates, inspection records | Smoother approvals and handover |
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris. Get a quick guide and estimate via our cost calculator.
How we assess, design and deliver underpinning for unit blocks
Our process starts on site with level checks, photographs and a clear plan. We offer a free no-obligation structural assessment and site inspection to identify foundation problems and advise next steps.
Assessment and design begin with soil review, access checks and load path analysis. We compare methods and choose the safest, least disruptive solution after weighing risk and time.
Selecting the right method
Resin injection uses tiny holes (often 6–16 mm) and cures in minutes. This method can re‑level a home within a day and keeps disruption minimal.
Traditional concrete work needs excavation, spoil removal and days of curing. Screw piles suit deeper ground issues where surface fixes will not hold.
Delivery, verification and handover
We stage work to suit resident access and quiet hours. During lifts we monitor level changes to protect finishes and services.
- Free site assessment, level survey and photographic record.
- Method chosen after comparing risk, time and access.
- Measured monitoring during work and verification against targets.
- VBA-compliant handover with engineering certification and maintenance notes.
| Step | What we do | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment | Level survey, photos, soil review | Clear scope and cost estimate |
| Method selection | Compare resin, concrete, screw piles | Right balance of time, access and durability |
| Delivery & monitoring | Staged work, level checks, lift records | Verified performance and minimal disruption |
We provide transparent fixed-price quotes, honest advice and coordinated engineering reports. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Resin injection vs traditional concrete underpinning: choosing the right method
We explain the options so you can choose confidently. Each approach balances disruption, durability and cost. We prioritise minimal impact on residents while delivering durable results.
Speed, access and curing
Injection uses fast-curing resin delivered through very small holes. Work often finishes in hours or days and residents can usually stay in their homes.
By contrast, concrete repair needs excavation beside footings, spoil removal and a concrete pour. This method needs more time to reach strength and needs larger working zones.
Ground improvement benefits
Injection compacts weak ground, fills voids and redistributes support beneath slabs and the foundation. It is effective where access is tight and noise must stay low.
Concrete underpinning creates a robust new base under heavy loads or complex foundation geometries. Excavation may be required where surface ground cannot bear the load.
- Injection — rapid curing, minimal mess through tiny holes.
- Many projects remain occupied during resin work, saving significant time.
- Concrete underpinning — durable bearing via new concrete bases.
- Excavation suits heavy loads or unusual foundation shapes.
- We compare methods against access, noise limits and schedule.
| Feature | Injection | Concrete methods |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Minimal holes (small access points) | Moderate to wide excavation area |
| Time to complete | Hours to days | Days to weeks (includes curing) |
| Ground effect | Compacts and fills voids under slab | Provides new concrete slab and footing extensions |
| Best use | Fast re-levelling, tight access | Heavy loads, complex foundation geometry |
Our recommendation explains risks, tolerances and expected level outcomes. We consider slab thickness, loads and service penetrations before any lift. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris.
Costs, quotes and timelines for strata underpinning in Melbourne
Budgeting a strata repair starts with a clear scope and a professional site assessment.
What affects cost is simple to list. Soil reactivity, access limitations, building type and the extent of damage shape price. Service congestion in common areas raises complexity and adds time.
What we inspect to prepare a quote
We check private lots and shared areas to define the full property scope. That lets us include design, installation, verification and certification in a fixed-price quote.
Transparent pricing and realistic timelines
Resin injection can often finish in a day thanks to fast curing. Traditional concrete work needs excavation and days of curing, which extends timelines.
- Costs depend on soil, access, services and chosen method.
- Quotes include engineering design, work, monitoring and certification.
- We offer fixed pricing with clear exclusions to limit surprises.
- We stage works to reduce resident disruption and downtime.
- You receive a timeline with milestones and resident notices.
Request a fixed-price quote after our free assessment via request a fixed-price quote. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Proof of performance: re-levelling results for multi-unit properties
Owners Corporations want clear evidence. We provide measured surveys, photos and engineer sign-off so committees can approve works with confidence.
Before-and-after outcomes: closing cracks, re-supporting slabs, restoring levels
We lift settled slabs and tighten tolerances to improve door and window operation. This work often finishes with minimal disruption to residents and homes.
- Restore level within targeted tolerances to improve door and window function.
- Documented reductions in crack width across walls and ceilings.
- Re-support slabs to reduce differential settlement between properties.
- Ground improvement raises bearing capacity and limits future movement.
- Verification via level grids, staged photos and lift records.
- Engineers sign off on foundation performance and overall structure stability.
- We brief caretakers on simple drainage and maintenance to preserve gains.
Case notes and verified results cover access, staging and resident communication. The end result is fewer nuisance defects and lower ongoing maintenance across the house and shared areas.
Why choose Underpinning Melbourne — Structural Preservation Specialists
Our team focuses on lasting solutions that protect homes and reduce disruption. We pair clear communication with engineering-led delivery.
We bring 20+ years of experience and hold full VBA registration and insurance. Our approach uses council-compliant methods and staged plans to limit resident impact.
Our credentials and approach
- 20+ years experience on complex strata sites and sensitive properties.
- Our team is VBA registered and fully insured for multi‑unit work.
- We design council‑ready methods, with clean injection where practical and careful excavation when required.
- Honest assessments only; we never upsell unnecessary repairs.
- We coordinate engineering reports, inspections and fixed pricing in‑house.
| Benefit | What you get |
|---|---|
| Reduced disruption | Clean, quiet injection or staged excavation |
| Compliance | Council‑aligned methods and certified handover |
| Clarity | Fixed price quotes and direct project communication |
Choose a partner focused on preservation, safety and performance. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
Book a site inspection or email photos — fast help for Owners Corporations
Send photos and address details so we can triage your building quickly. Our team will assess the priority and advise the next steps.
What to prepare before we visit.
What to prepare: unit block address, photos of cracks, floor levels, access notes
- Clear photos of cracks, walls and floors.
- Notes on units with sticking doors or recurring leaks.
- Address, access times and any safety or parking notes.
- Any previous reports or building plans to speed the assessment.
For fast triage, level readings help us prioritise units and common areas. Injection methods may allow work while occupied; traditional methods need more setup time.
| What you send | Benefit | Typical time to triage |
|---|---|---|
| Photos of cracks & doors | Quick visual diagnosis of the problem | 24–48 hours |
| Access notes & plans | Accurate scope and permit check | 48–72 hours |
| Level readings | Prioritise units and common property | 24–48 hours |
Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris. We offer free assessments, fixed-price quotes and engineering report coordination. Book an inspection or email photos today for a free quote.
Conclusion
Engineered solutions give owners certainty and lasting foundation stability. We preserve structure with VBA-compliant methods and honest guidance.
Modern resin can re‑compact soil and lift quickly, while traditional concrete underpinning delivers robust support through excavation and curing. The right solution depends on site conditions and objectives.
Choose engineered underpinning to stop subsidence and protect value. We stabilise the foundation using resin, concrete and screw piles as required. We coordinate reports, permits and staged work so committees and residents stay informed.
Expect clear communication, verification and a compliant handover. Book a free assessment and get fixed pricing. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.