You’re here because your home shows movement or cracking and you want clear, reliable advice. We explain the real risks and the engineering steps we take to protect your building foundation and restore stability.

We are Underpinning Melbourne, Structural Preservation Specialists. With 20+ years’ experience we focus on safety, VBA compliance and certified outcomes.

Underpinning is proven, but it is construction work with inherent hazards. We control those hazards through geotechnical surveys, licensed crews and independent engineering oversight.

Melbourne’s reactive clay and changing moisture drive most foundation movement. We address root causes, maintain load paths and protect neighbouring property during every stage.

Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au. For an instant estimate try our cost calculator.

Key Takeaways

We identify issues with surveys and engineering before works start.
Licensed, insured teams follow VBA‑compliant designs for safety.
We minimise disruption and provide fixed‑price quotes up front.
Root causes like reactive clay are treated, not ignored.
We coordinate reports and supply as‑built documentation for peace of mind.

Understanding underpinning in Melbourne: what “risk” really means today

If your home shows new cracks or doors that stick, the cause often lies in the ground beneath it. We explain simple signs and sensible next steps without alarm.

Widening cracks in walls or stepped cracking in brickwork.
Sticking doors and windows, uneven floors or gaps at skirtings.
Sloping floors and other indicators of subsidence and movement.

Where these problems come from. Melbourne’s reactive clay shrinks in drought and swells in rain. That movement stresses the foundation and internal finishes.

High water tables, leaking services or unexpected rock and voids can also change soil bearing capacity. Excavation or altered load paths may require temporary support so the property stays stable.

Sign	What it may mean	First action
Stepped brick cracks	Uneven settlement of footings	Map cracks and book an inspection
Sticking doors	Floor or frame movement	Measure levels and monitor
Sloping floors	Subsidence or soil change	Soil and moisture testing

Not every crack means major work. Our engineer will distinguish cosmetic issues from structural ones and explain the reasons for any recommendation.

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

underpinning risks

Before any excavation begins, we assess what the soil and site conditions will demand.

Geotechnical and groundwater factors can change a straightforward job into a complex one. Reactive clay, high water tables and unexpected rock or voids affect excavation, curing and final performance.

Structural issues arise when sequencing or load transfer is incorrect. Uneven settlement or overloaded new supports can cause structural damage and further cracks walls if not managed by a certified engineer.

Weather and trees alter soil movement over time.
Unlicensed contractors and non‑compliant methods increase the chance of council breaches and poor outcomes.
Site hazards such as trench collapse or service strikes require engineered shoring and strict safety controls.

Concern	What we do	Outcome
Hidden ground	Geotechnical testing	Accurate scope and cost
Execution errors	Engineer‑led sequences	Reduced structural damage
Tenant/neighbor impact	Planned access and monitoring	Minimal disruption

We are VBA Registered, insured and council‑compliant. We provide transparent, fixed‑price quotes and coordinate engineering reports to limit financial exposure and protect your property.

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

How projects stay stable: a step‑by‑step, safety‑first process

A clear, engineered sequence keeps the job steady from first survey to final report.

We begin with site investigation. Soil testing, moisture checks and baseline levels show how the foundation behaves. Crack mapping records movement so we can compare results as work proceeds.

Engineering design and certification

An engineer completes load calculations and VBA‑compliant drawings. You receive certified documents before any excavation or work starts.

Sequencing and temporary works

We stage pins and bracing to maintain load paths. Temporary works control settlement and protect the building during each phase.

Excavation controls and quality checks

Services are located and marked. Excavation uses shoring, sloping or trench boxes where required. Spoil and plant sit at least one metre from edges. Safe access is set before digging.

Stage	Action	Verification
Investigation	Soil tests, levels, crack mapping	Baseline report
Design	Load calculations, certified drawings	VBA endorsement
Execution	Bracing, staged pins, controlled excavation	Daily inspections
Completion	Level checks, as‑built report	Final certification

We document every step and assign a single point of contact. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Selecting the right underpinning method for your property

Choosing the right method for your foundation makes the difference between a short fix and a lasting repair.

Concrete works and restumping: traditional footings

Concrete pins and restumping suit heavy masonry and aged timber systems. Staged excavation and controlled pours create new bearing under the existing foundation.

Restumping and reblocking renew timber stumps and adjust levels. For more on when to choose this option see our restumping and reblocking guide.

Resin injection: fast, low‑impact ground improvement

Resin fills voids and lifts slabs with small drill points. Materials are fast‑curing and inert, so occupants face minimal downtime.

We monitor lift to protect finishes and adjacent walls from further cracks walls.

Screw piling: deep support for weak soils

Screw piles transfer loads to competent strata below soft or variable soil. They work well where access is tight and deeper support is required.

We select this type when tests show shallow soils cannot safely support the building foundation.

Method	Best for	Access	Outcome
Concrete pins	Heavy masonry, deep footings	Moderate	Durable new bearing
Resin injection	Void filling, slab lift	Minimal	Quick correction, low disruption
Screw piling	Weak or variable soil	Tight to moderate	Deep load transfer

We test first, then design the right method for your existing foundation and budget. Every solution is engineered, certified and fixed‑price. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Budget, time and insurance: planning to reduce risk and surprises

Clear planning around cost, time and insurance keeps projects smooth and predictable.

What drives cost and schedule. Soil complexity, groundwater and access affect the scope. Your chosen method and engineering or permit requirements also increase costs and time.

What drives costs

Soil and groundwater conditions that need extra testing or treatment.
Restricted access or specialised plant that adds labour or transport costs.
Engineering, permits and council requirements that extend the programme.

Timeframes and disruption

Staged work and concrete curing add time. We sequence tasks to limit disruption to your property and occupants.

For rentals, we plan tenant access and short relocations to protect income and reduce vacancy issues.

Insurance, warranties and resale

Notify your insurer before work. Some policies need endorsements for foundation repairs. We provide warranties and as‑built reports to reassure buyers and valuers.

Area	What we do	Benefit
Costs	Fixed‑price quotes with contingencies	Fewer budget shocks
Time	Programmed stages and daily checks	Less disruption
Insurance	Help with notifications and reports	Clear cover for the project

We provide transparent fixed‑price quotes, realistic timeframes and coordinated engineering reports. If additional issues arise, we explain options and costs before we proceed. Ask for a free assessment and a written program. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Why choose Underpinning Melbourne for safe, compliant foundation repairs

When your property shows signs of movement, you need a contractor who puts engineering first.

Our engineering‑led approach: 20+ years, VBA registered, council‑compliant methods

We lead with certified design and licensed crews. Our team holds VBA registration and carries full insurance.
Engineers certify load calculations and staged sequences before construction starts.

Independent oversight and monitoring protect your building during every phase. We follow council rules and permit processes to avoid delays or legal problems.

Transparent offer and next steps: free assessment, fixed‑price quotes, reports and bookings

Our promise: a no‑obligation free assessment, a fixed‑price quote and coordinated structural reports. You get a clear scope and a single point of contact from booking to handover.

One contractor delivering integrated solutions: repair, restumping, resin injection and screw piling.
Site safety, service location and daily checks are standard practice.
We provide as‑built reports to support insurers and future buyers.

Feature	What we do	Benefit
Engineering	Certified designs and independent checks	Safe, compliant construction
Pricing	Fixed‑price quotes with clear scope	No unexpected costs
Project care	Monitoring and daily inspections	Minimal disruption to your home

Book your free assessment today. Contact us — Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Conclusion

We deliver certified, long‑term fixes that return stability to your property.

Successful outcomes start with clear soil assessment and engineered design. We control movement through staged work and safe excavation.

Your home’s structural integrity improves when causes such as subsidence and moisture change are treated, not ignored. Expect a clear plan for cracks in walls and uneven floors, with benchmarks and verification over time.

Documentation matters: you receive certified drawings, as‑built reports and full verification to reduce future damage and support buyers.

Start with a free assessment or try our wall crack diagnosis. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

FAQ

What are the common signs my home needs foundation support?

Look for new or widening cracks in walls and ceilings, doors or windows that stick, sloping floors, gaps between skirting and floor, and hairline cracks over doorways. Persistent damp or sudden movement after tree removal also indicates a problem. If you see these signs, arrange a professional inspection promptly.

What causes foundation movement in Melbourne properties?

Movement usually stems from local soil types such as reactive clay, changing groundwater levels, excavation nearby, or increased structural loads. Seasonal drying and wetting of soil, tree roots and poor drainage amplify movement. A geotechnical assessment identifies the exact cause for your site.

How do geotechnical and groundwater conditions affect a project?

Reactive clay can swell and shrink, causing uneven settlement. High water tables or unexpected rock layers complicate excavation and support design. Groundwater control, accurate soil testing and tailored designs reduce surprises and keep works safe and predictable.

What structural risks should I be worried about during repair works?

Risks include incorrect load transfer, uneven settlement from staged works, and poor connection between new supports and existing structure. Certified engineering designs, staged sequencing and temporary bracing maintain structural integrity through the job.

How do weather and environment influence foundation work?

Drought, heavy rain and flooding alter moisture profiles and can worsen movement. Tree roots strip moisture and destabilise soil near footings. We plan works to minimise exposure to extreme conditions and protect foundations during variable weather.

What checks ensure contractor and compliance safety?

Verify VBA registration, public liability and building permits. Ask for engineering drawings, method statements and council approvals. Insist on site inspections and documented certifications at milestones to ensure compliant practices.

Are there health and safety hazards I should expect on site?

Typical hazards include trench collapse, striking buried services, slips and restricted access. Competent contractors use shoring, trench boxes, service locating and clear access/egress plans to protect workers and occupants.

How can projects avoid cost overruns and insurance problems?

Accurate site investigation and fixed‑price quotes based on soil testing reduce surprises. Notify insurers early, check policy exclusions and obtain workmanship guarantees. Clear documentation supports resale and future cover.

What impact will works have on neighbours and tenants?

You should expect noise, temporary vehicle access and possible short‑term relocations for high‑risk jobs. We provide neighbour notifications, noise mitigation and scheduled works to minimise disruption and preserve relationships.

What does a proper site investigation include?

A competent investigation includes soil testing, bore logs, level surveys, crack mapping and moisture monitoring. Real‑time monitoring during works ensures early detection of movement and informs adjustments to the program.

How does engineering design and certification protect my property?

Engineers calculate loads, select appropriate support methods and produce VBA‑compliant drawings. Certification ties the design to council approvals and creates a clear record for insurance and resale, ensuring long‑term stability.

What temporary works keep a structure safe during construction?

Temporary works include bracing, propping, staged pinning and maintaining continuous load paths. These measures control movement while permanent supports are installed and cured.

How are excavations controlled to maintain safety?

Contractors locate utilities, use shoring or sloping, install trench boxes where needed and maintain safe access. Continuous supervision and hazard checks prevent incidents and keep the site compliant.

How is quality verified after work is completed?

Quality control includes inspections, re‑levelling checks, concrete test results and an as‑built report. Final certification from an engineer confirms the work meets the design and building regulations.

Which methods suit different Melbourne properties?

Traditional concrete footings and restumping suit many older homes with accessible subfloors. Resin injection offers ground improvement with minimal disruption for limited access sites. Screw piling transfers loads to deeper strata where soils are weak or variable.

What factors most influence the project cost?

Soil complexity, site access, chosen method, extent of engineering and council permits drive cost. Easier access and clear findings from investigations reduce contingencies and overall price.

How long do repairs typically take and what disruption should I expect?

Small jobs may finish in days; complex projects take weeks. Expect staged works, curing time for concrete and intermittent noise. We provide a clear timeline and minimise tenant disruption through planning.

How do insurance and warranties work for foundation repairs?

Inform your insurer before works. Seek written warranties for workmanship and manufacturer guarantees for materials. Retain engineering reports and building approvals to support future claims and resale value.

Why choose our engineering‑led approach for safe, compliant repairs?

We combine local geotechnical knowledge, VBA‑registered designs and council‑compliant methods. Our process focuses on permanent solutions, safety and clear documentation to protect your home and investment.

What are the first steps if I suspect foundation problems?

Book a free assessment and ask for a site investigation. We provide fixed‑price quotes, engineering reports and a clear schedule of works. Early action reduces costs and prevents further structural damage.