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We are Underpinning Melbourne, Structural Preservation Specialists. We restore foundations using drilled shafts, steel reinforcement and pumped concrete to give permanent stability to at-risk homes.

Our approach is engineering-first. We provide VBA‑compliant certification, council‑approved methods and clear communication to calm anxious owners.

Across project types we handle complex construction stages under one roof. Our team has 20+ years of experience, full insurance and a promise to never sell unnecessary work.

We offer free no‑obligation structural assessments, transparent fixed‑price quotes and coordinated engineering reports, permits and inspections to streamline your build. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Key Takeaways

  • We use drilled shafts, reinforcement and concrete to restore foundation capacity.
  • VBA‑compliant certification and council‑approved methods on every project.
  • 20+ years’ experience, fully insured and focused on quality and safety.
  • Free structural assessment and a transparent fixed‑price quote.
  • We coordinate engineering reports, permits and inspections to reduce delays.
  • Honest assessments — we fix what is required and avoid unnecessary work.

What bored pier underpinning is and when it’s the right choice

When foundations need heavy-duty support, drilled shafts provide a proven solution.

Define it simply: a bored pier is a deep, drilled hole fitted with a steel cage and poured concrete. It transfers vertical loads from the building down to stable layers of soil or rock. This restores bearing capacity and limits settlement.

A bored pier installation in a construction site, showcasing deep, cylindrical holes being drilled into the earth. In the foreground, a large drilling rig is actively working, with drill bits and machinery clearly visible. The middle ground features construction workers wearing hard hats and safety gear, focused on their tasks, surrounded by construction materials and equipment. The background displays a Melbourne skyline, with a mix of modern buildings and tree-lined streets. The scene is illuminated by natural daylight, casting soft shadows and giving a professional and industrious atmosphere. A wide-angle perspective captures the entirety of the construction site, emphasizing the scale and precision of the bored pier underpinning process.

How bored piers work

Drilling creates the shaft. We place a reinforced cage, then pour concrete to form a rigid pile. The load path moves from the structure, through the foundation, into the pile and onto stable ground.

When they are preferred

In clay, variable fill and groundwater-prone conditions, bored piles suit larger loads and deeper sockets better than screw piling. Screw piling can be quicker where loose sand or high collapse risk exists.

Typical applications

  • Basements under existing homes
  • Deepened footings for extensions
  • Commercial footings and heavy building loads

Our approach is geotechnically informed and engineered to code. We coordinate design, certification and tidy site installation to minimise disruption. For a quick estimate try our cost calculator.

Feature Bored pier Screw pile
Best for High loads, deep sockets Shallow to moderate loads, easy access
Soil tolerance Clays, variable fill, groundwater Firm granular soils, low groundwater
Disruption Controlled drilling, low vibration Faster, less spoil but higher vibration
Typical uses Basements, deep footings, heavy structures Restumping, lightweight extensions

Underpinning with bored piers Melbourne: our engineering-first method

Our engineering-first method prioritises certification, accuracy and long-term stability for every foundation project. We start by matching designs to site needs and ground conditions so you get a clear path to repair.

VBA-compliant design, certification and structural integrity as standard

Every design is VBA-compliant and certified by a structural engineer before work starts. We coordinate engineering reports and council paperwork to reduce delays.

Our process: site assessment, geotech-informed drilling, steel cage and pour, sign-off

We assess the site and review geotech data to set diameters and depths. Drilling controls, steel cage placement and concrete pour verification follow strict checks.

Inspections occur at key hold points. Sign‑off confirms structural integrity and compliance. Our team manages programme, safety and documentation to deliver on time.

Working to site constraints: tight access solutions and minimal disruption

For tight sites we use compact rigs, segmental cages and spoil management to reduce noise and disturbance. Neighbour-friendly practices limit vibration and keep the site tidy.

We adapt to ground and groundwater conditions using drilling fluids or temporary liners when required. You and your engineer receive clear updates at every step. For a fast consultation, contact us via contact page.

Why choose Underpinning Melbourne for bored piers and foundation preservation

Choose a team that pairs local experience with strict certification and clear reporting. We deliver council-compliant methods, full insurance cover and honest assessments you can trust.

A detailed construction site showcasing bored piers being installed in Melbourne. In the foreground, rugged, reinforced concrete bored piers emerge from a freshly dug hole, with a worker in a hard hat and safety vest examining blueprints laid on a nearby crate. The middle ground features heavy machinery like a drilling rig and excavator, with workers discussing plans in professional attire. In the background, the iconic Melbourne skyline is visible under a clear blue sky, accentuated by soft morning light casting long shadows. The mood is industrious and focused, highlighting the importance of foundation preservation and engineering. The composition should be shot at a slightly lower angle for emphasis, creating a sense of depth and showcasing the scale of involvement in the underpinning project.

20+ years’ experience, fully insured and council-compliant

Our team has over 20 years of local experience in foundation repair and piling work. We are VBA registered, insured and follow council rules on every job.

We never upsell. Our assessments focus on the actual risk to your structures and give clear options for repair.

Core services under one roof

We manage the full process for busy owners. That includes concrete underpinning, restumping and reblocking, resin injection and screw piling.

We also deliver wall crack repairs and coordinate structural engineering reports, permits and inspections.

  • Trust a specialist team with local experience and full insurance.
  • Honest assessments and council-compliant methods tailored to your property.
  • One provider for all structural preservation services to simplify projects.
  • Coordinated reports, fixed-price quotes and clear communication.
Service What we deliver Benefit for clients
Concrete underpinning Reinforced shafts and poured concrete Permanent load support and restored foundations
Restumping & reblocking Timber replacement and realignment Improved level and long-term stability
Screw piling & resin Fast piling options and grout support Reduced disruption and tailored solutions
Engineering & reporting Design, council paperwork and inspections Compliance and documented as-built records

Free assessments, fixed-price quotes and coordinated reports are standard. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Cost, timeframes and quality control for bored pier projects

Clear cost breakdowns and robust quality checks protect your property and budget. We explain the main drivers of cost and how we manage time and quality across each project.

A construction site focusing on a bored pier project in Melbourne. In the foreground, there are large, cylindrical bored piers partially embedded in the ground, showcasing their textured concrete surface and rebar detailing. Workers in professional business attire are inspecting the site, holding blueprints, and discussing measurements. The middle ground features construction machinery, including a drill rig and concrete mixer, actively involved in the pier construction process. In the background, the skyline of Melbourne looms with modern buildings under a clear blue sky, providing a sense of location. The lighting is bright, suggesting midday, with shadows casting dynamically from the machinery. The overall atmosphere is one of focused professionalism, capturing the intricacies of the underpinning work.

What drives cost: soil, depth, diameter, loads and access

Site soil profile and depth to bearing set the primary price range. Larger diameter and deeper piles increase material and drilling time.

Heavy loads and restricted access add labour, plant or traffic management costs. We provide fixed-price quotes that list inclusions and allowances clearly.

Program and precision: drilling, reinforcement, pour and testing

Our programme sets mobilisation, drilling rates and pour sequencing to meet inspection hold points. This reduces delays and keeps cost predictable.

  • Precision controls: set-out, verticality checks, toe depth and reinforcement placement.
  • Pour quality: slump tests, batch verification and curing monitoring.
  • Testing options: integrity checks and load testing when specified.

We manage spoil, truck access and safety planning so the job runs to programme. An accountable team lead coordinates engineering, testing and client updates.

For clarity on comparative methods see our restumping vs underpinning guide and call us for a fixed-price quote. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.

Conclusion

Choose lasting structural solutions that protect your home and return peace of mind. Our team aligns design to site needs and ground conditions so repairs suit your property.

For heavier repairs we use a bored pier system when it fits the project and soil profile. We match methods to risk and your goals.

Book a free no‑obligation structural assessment and get a transparent fixed‑price quote. We coordinate engineering, certification and inspections so you can move forward with confidence.

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

FAQ

What is bored pier underpinning and when is it the right choice?

Bored pier underpinning uses drilled holes, steel reinforcement and concrete to transfer building loads to deeper, stable strata. It is the right choice when surface soils are weak, when you need high load capacity, or when you require a permanent, engineered solution for subsidence, extensions or basement works.

How do bored piers work — drilling, reinforcement and concrete?

Technicians drill to designed depth, place a steel cage, then pour concrete to form a deep pile. The pile bypasses poor topsoil and bears on competent ground. This provides vertical load support and stabilises foundations with measured precision.

When are bored piers preferred over screw piles for Melbourne ground conditions?

We recommend bored piers where high loads, deep soft clays, rock layers or vibration-sensitive sites are present. Screw piles suit lighter loads and quick installation. Our geotechnical advice determines the best solution for local soil profiles.

Can bored piers be used for both residential and commercial projects?

Yes. They suit homes, multi-storey buildings, basements, extensions and commercial structures requiring durable foundation support. We design to Australian standards for each application and obtain necessary council approvals.

What does your engineering-first method involve?

We start with a VBA-compliant design and structural certification. A geotechnical site assessment informs drilling depth and diameter. We then install reinforcement, pour concrete and complete engineering sign-off to guarantee integrity.

How do you ensure compliance and structural integrity?

All designs follow VBA and Australian codes. We use certified engineers, provide detailed calculations and supply documentation for council and client records. Inspections and testing verify pile performance before final sign-off.

How do you handle tight access or restricted sites?

We plan using compact drilling rigs, staged deliveries and protective measures to minimise disruption. Our team adapts methods to site constraints while maintaining safety and build quality.

What experience and credentials does your team have?

We have more than 20 years’ experience in foundation work, are fully insured and deliver honest, council-compliant assessments. Our technicians and engineers specialise in ground solutions, drilling, reinforcement and concrete installation.

What core services do you offer alongside bored pier work?

We provide concrete underpinning, restumping, resin injection, screw piling and engineering reports. This integrated approach streamlines permits, design and installation for reliable outcomes.

What drives the cost of a bored pier project?

Cost depends on soil conditions, required depth and diameter, imposed loads, site access and any unusual ground features. We provide a clear quote after a site assessment and geotechnical input.

How long does a typical bored pier installation take?

Program length varies by scope. Small residential jobs can take days; larger commercial works take weeks. Drilling accuracy, reinforcement placement and concrete curing influence timelines. We give a realistic schedule with every quote.

How do you control quality during the process?

Quality control includes geotech-informed designs, certified materials, measured drilling, inspection of reinforcement, concrete testing and engineer sign-off. Safety and precision are priorities at each stage.

Will bored piers disrupt my property or neighbouring buildings?

We aim to minimise disturbance. Drilling noise and vibration are managed with appropriate equipment and monitoring. Protective measures protect finishes and landscaping. We communicate the process and timing clearly.

Do you provide warranties and aftercare support?

Yes. We back our work with warranties and provide post-installation support, inspections and documentation. Our priority is long-term structural preservation and your peace of mind.

How do I get a quote or arrange an assessment?

Contact us to schedule a site assessment. We will arrange geotechnical testing, produce a VBA-compliant design and deliver a detailed quote tailored to your project and ground requirements. Call Chris: 1300 970 930 or Email Chris: chris@underpinning-melbourne.com.au.
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