Underpinning Inspection and Site Assessment Melbourne

We provide a calm, engineering‑led underpinning inspection Melbourne service to protect your home and restore structural integrity.

We are Underpinning Melbourne, Structural Preservation Specialists. Our team assesses foundations and sub‑floors first. We offer clear, VBA‑aligned advice and fixed‑price quotes.

We explain options like concrete underpinning, resin injection, screw piling and restumping. We use proven methods to transfer loads to stable ground and reduce subsidence risk from clay, leaking pipes or roots.

You get straightforward guidance, engineering reports and certification when needed. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
For a free, no‑obligation structural assessment book a site visit or send photos via our contact page.

Key Takeaways

We deliver calm, engineering‑led advice you can trust.
Assessment starts at the foundation and sub‑floor to find the safest fix.
We prioritise safety, compliance and lasting structural integrity.
Fixed‑price quotes and clear scopes reduce surprises.
Options include concrete underpinning, resin and screw piling.
We coordinate engineering reports and VBA certification for council needs.

Trusted underpinning inspection and site assessment for Melbourne homes

Home safety starts with a measured, engineering-focused assessment from our experienced team. We combine twenty years of practical experience with calm, evidence-based advice to protect your property and your peace of mind.

Our calm, engineering-focused mission to protect your home

We act as both caregiver and sage. Our professionals carry out a structured site review that looks at the sub-floor, footing type and soil behaviour.

Safety, structural integrity and VBA‑compliant certification at the core

Safety and compliance are non-negotiable. We are fully VBA registered and insured. Where required, we organise engineering reports and council-ready certification.

Free no‑obligation structural assessments and fixed‑price quotes

We offer free, no‑obligation assessments and clear, fixed‑price quotes. That removes uncertainty and prevents surprise costs.

We diagnose subsidence, heave or settlement before recommending works.
Common triggers we check include poor drainage, tree roots and leaking pipes.
Our team explains options, pros and cons so you decide with confidence.
We minimise disruption, respect your neighbours and never push unnecessary work.

Talk to us for a fair path forward. Use our cost calculator for an initial guide: underpinning cost calculator.

Signs your home may need an underpinning inspection

Small changes inside your home can be the first clue that the foundations need professional attention. We educate without alarm and help you recognise early warning signs.

Cracks in walls, widening gaps and leaning walls

Watch for new or widening wall cracks. Step‑pattern cracks near corners suggest movement. Leaning or bowed walls need prompt attention to avoid further damage.

Uneven or sinking floors, skirting separation and sloping rooms

Sinking or sloping floors and gaps at skirting boards show movement across rooms. Uneven floors often appear gradually. Photograph changes and date them to track progress.

Doors and windows sticking, jamming or misaligned

Doors and windows that jam or misalign usually reflect frame distortion from ground movement. Small frame shifts can become larger problems if not addressed.

Drainage issues, reactive soils, tree roots and water ingress

Pooling water, poor drainage and nearby tree roots are common causes of movement. Reactive clay soils expand and shrink with seasons, stressing foundations and building fabric.

Watch for step‑pattern and widening cracks.
Note sinking or uneven floors across rooms.
Check if doors or windows suddenly bind.
Look for damp zones near footings and changes to driveways.
Photograph and date any changes to support a quick assessment.

If you spot multiple signs, act early to limit damage and cost. To arrange a site visit or send photos, book a site visit or Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

What happens during our underpinning inspection in Melbourne

Our team follows a clear, step‑by‑step process to record the condition of your foundation and sub‑floor. We begin with a short briefing so you can tell us what you have noticed. This sets the tone for a focused, calm visit.

VBA‑compliant site assessment: sub‑floor, foundations and soil conditions

Our professionals inspect sub‑floor spaces, footing types and drainage. We take level readings, moisture checks and map cracks so nothing is missed.

Engineering‑led diagnosis and report coordination

Engineers review collected evidence and classify movement as subsidence, settlement, heave or landslip. That diagnosis directs the correct method and required materials.

Clear findings, photos and an honest, council‑compliant action plan

We photograph defects and create a documented baseline for future comparison. You receive a plain‑English report, timelines and an honest action plan that protects structural integrity.

We explain the process and answer your questions.
We coordinate structural reports and VBA certification if needed.
Works are staged to limit disruption and cost.

No pressure — just clear facts and a fair path forward. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Underpinning and ground improvement options we assess and deliver

Our team evaluates practical repair and ground‑stabilisation methods to match your soil and structure. We align each solution to safety, compliance and permanent performance.

Concrete solutions for long‑term stability

Concrete works extend or deepen footings to reach firmer strata and redistribute loads. This method suits heavier buildings and large‑scale settlement.

Restumping and reblocking to renew timber supports

We replace failing stumps and relevel floors with controlled lifts. This restores a safe floor plane and renews timber supports with durable materials.

Resin injection (geopolymer) for targeted lift and compaction

Geopolymer resin compacts weak zones and lifts settled sections with minimal excavation. It is fast, precise and reduces disruption to gardens and services.

Screw piling for variable or deep bearing soils

Steel screw piles reach deeper bearing layers where shallow soils are unreliable. They suit poor or variable soil conditions and give consistent load capacity.

Wall crack repairs tied to structural remediation

We fix cracks only as part of a structural repair plan. Cosmetic patching alone fails if the underlying support is not addressed.

Method choice depends on soil reactivity, moisture and movement extent.
We specify materials that match site demands for strength and compatibility.
Works are staged to protect services and landscaping where possible.
We explain pros, cons and timelines so you make an informed decision.

Solution	Best for	Access & disruption	Key benefit
Concrete footing extension	Heavy buildings, widespread settlement	Moderate excavation	Durable load redistribution
Restumping / reblocking	Timber‑floor homes with failed stumps	Localised access under floor	Relevels floors; renews supports
Geopolymer resin injection	Localised sinkage; sensitive landscaping	Minimal excavation	Fast lift; low impact
Steel screw piles	Poor or deep bearing soils	Machine assisted, less digging	Stable deep support; predictable capacity

Our goal is clear: a stable, lasting repair that protects your property and preserves value. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Why choose Underpinning Melbourne for your inspection and repairs

Choose a team that blends hands‑on field skill with clear engineering standards. We bring over two decades of on‑ground experience. That experience means complex homes and buildings are familiar to us.

20+ years’ experience, fully VBA registered and insured

Our team is VBA registered and insured. Compliance and safety are standard, not optional.

We coordinate engineering design and certification so you get the right approvals the first time.

Honest assessments, no upsell, minimal disruption and council‑compliant methods

We give clear options. If monitoring is best, we recommend it. If work is needed, we explain methods from concrete footing extension to resin or screw piles.

Movement often stems from drainage faults, reactive soils or leaking services. Our team sequences work to reduce dust and disturbance.

Fixed‑price quotes and transparent inclusions protect your budget.
We plan access to safeguard services, finishes and gardens.
Daily updates keep you informed about each job and next steps.
We finish with documentation to protect resale value and insurance claims.

For a clear comparison of common remedies, see our restumping vs underpinning tool.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Pricing, quotes and how to book your site inspection today

We give transparent pricing and prompt bookings to put you back in control of your property. Start with a free, no‑obligation structural assessment so you can plan with confidence.

Transparent fixed‑price quotes based on condition and chosen method

Pricing varies with movement extent, access, soil and chosen remediation. Faster techniques, such as resin injection, can reduce onsite time compared with traditional excavation.

We outline timelines and stages so you know when work will start and how long it will take.

Call Chris on 1300 970 930 or email chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au with photos

Send clear photos today for a quick pre‑assessment. We respond fast with next steps and a likely quote.

Start with a free structural assessment before you commit.
You receive a transparent fixed‑price quote that reflects method, access and site conditions.
We identify related drainage or plumbing needs to protect your investment.
Faster methods can save onsite time; we explain expected disruption.
We schedule inspections promptly so repair work can begin without delay.
On completion, you receive documentation for insurers or sale.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au. Book a site inspection or email photos today.

Conclusion

A tailored repair, guided by engineering, secures your house for the long term.

We match the right underpinning method to your soil and home foundation. That approach treats causes like reactive clay, roots or drainage faults.

Durable outcomes come from design, quality materials and engineering oversight. Our process protects structural integrity and reduces future damage to floors, doors and walls.

Act early to limit cost and loss. Book a free assessment and receive a clear, fixed‑price quote.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

FAQ

What does an underpinning site assessment involve?

We conduct a VBA‑compliant site assessment of sub‑floor spaces, foundations and soil. Our team inspects visible cracks, checks floor levels, examines timber stumps or concrete footings, and looks for drainage or water‑entry issues. We record photos and measurements and coordinate with a structural engineer when needed to provide a clear, council‑compliant action plan.

What signs indicate my house needs a professional review?

Look for widening wall cracks, leaning masonry, sticking doors and windows, or sloping and uneven floors. Separation of skirting boards, new gaps around windows, and fresh damp or drainage problems are also strong indicators. Reactive soils and nearby tree roots increase risk and warrant early assessment.

How long does the inspection and reporting process take?

A typical on‑site assessment takes 45–90 minutes depending on access and complexity. We usually provide a preliminary verbal summary on the day and follow up with a written report, photos and recommended options within 3–5 business days. Engineering reports may add time depending on scope.

Will you provide a fixed price quote for repairs?

Yes. After the assessment and any required engineering input, we supply a transparent fixed‑price quote. Quotes outline the chosen method, materials, timelines and council compliance requirements so you know cost and scope before work begins.

What repair methods do you recommend for foundation failure?

Recommendations depend on soil and structural findings. Options commonly include concrete underpinning for long‑term load redistribution, restumping or reblocking to renew timber supports, resin injection or geopolymer for targeted ground improvement, and screw piling where deeper bearing strata are needed. Crack repairs are tied to structural remediation, not just cosmetic fixes.

Are your services VBA registered and insured?

Yes. We are fully VBA registered and carry public liability and professional indemnity insurance. Our team has 20+ years’ experience delivering council‑compliant methods, ensuring safety and lasting stability for your property.

How disruptive is the repair work to my home?

We plan work to minimise disruption. Many jobs can be staged to keep areas accessible. Excavation and access requirements vary by method; we’ll explain the expected noise, access limitations and timeframe in your quote so you can plan accordingly.

Do you handle the council approval process?

We coordinate with structural engineers and can assist with documentation required for council approval. Where needed, we prepare drawings and reports to meet local regulations and ensure the remediation is compliant and certifiable.

Can you repair rising damp or drainage that affects foundations?

Yes. We assess drainage, water ingress and surrounding ground levels as part of the diagnosis. Remediation may include improved site drainage, waterproofing measures and targeted foundation repairs to protect structure and prevent ongoing moisture‑related damage.

How do I book an assessment and get a quote?

Call Chris on 1300 970 930 or email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au with photos and a brief description. We offer free no‑obligation structural assessments and will arrange a convenient time to inspect your home.