Author: melbourneunderpinninggroup

Underpinning, commonly used in construction, involves strengthening and stabilising the foundation of an existing building or structure. While it is often a go-to solution for many structural issues, house underpinning comes with its own set of pros and cons. From enhancing the foundation strength of a building to potentially being a costly process, it’s crucial for professionals in construction and homeowners alike to consider these factors carefully. In this article, we’ll discuss the 5 main advantages and disadvantages of traditional underpinning.

5 Main Advantages of Traditional Underpinning

These are the 5 main advantages of traditional underpinning:

1. Enhanced foundation strength: Traditional underpinning strengthens the existing foundation, enhancing the overall stability of the building. This method ensures that the building is more secure and can withstand various external pressures and changes in soil structure.
2. Customisation: Traditional underpinning allows for a tailored approach based on the specific needs and conditions of the building’s foundation. The method can be adapted to address unique structural challenges, ensuring that the underpinning effectively stabilises the building.
3. Improved property value: By rectifying foundation issues and improving structural integrity, traditional underpinning can enhance the property’s value. Potential buyers are more interested in a property with a solid, well-maintained foundation, ensuring a good return on investment.
4. Long-term solution: Traditional underpinning offers a durable and long-lasting solution to foundation problems. It provides long-term stability, helping to prevent future structural issues and reducing the likelihood of requiring further underpinning.
5. Building longevity: Implementing traditional underpinning techniques aids in prolonging the lifespan of a building. It helps in managing and mitigating the risks associated with foundation settlement, ensuring the building remains sturdy and intact over time.

5 Main Disadvantages of Concrete Underpinning

The following are the 5 main disadvantages of concrete underpinning:

1. Can be costly: Concrete underpinning can be quite costly due to the materials and labour involved. The extensive excavation and additional processes also contribute to the overall expense, making it a significant investment.
2. Limited flexibility: Once concrete underpinning is installed, making changes or adjustments can be incredibly challenging. This lack of flexibility can be limiting if unforeseen issues or adjustments arise after the underpinning process.
3. Extended time frame: Sometimes unexpected obstacles such as underground services may be encountered. These unforeseen issues can affect how long underpinning takes can have an affect on the project timeline as other other construction or renovation activities may be delayed.
4. Impact on property surroundings: The excavation and construction processes involved in concrete underpinning can have a significant impact on the property’s landscape and surrounding areas. This may result in temporary disruptions and require restoration efforts post-completion.
5. Expertise requirements: Concrete underpinning demands a high level of expertise and precision for successful implementation. Hiring experienced professionals is essential, but it may limit the availability of qualified contractors for the job.

In our article, we’ve outlined the significant benefits of traditional underpinning, including its role in bolstering foundation strength and property value, as well as ensuring long-term building stability. Though it does come with its own challenges, such as the cost. We hope this article has been informative and helpful.

In most cases, it will take 1-2 weeks to underpin a house. There are a number of factors that affect how long underpinning takes, including size and complexity of the job, the method of underpinning as well as the weather conditions during the project.

In this article, we will discuss factors that affect how long it takes to underpin a house. 

What Factors Influence the Duration of Underpinning?

The factors that influence the duration of underpinning include the size and complexity of the property, the chosen underpinning method, and weather conditions.

Size and Complexity of the Job

The larger and more complex the building structure is, the longer the underpinning process will take. More rooms, floors, access issues or irregular structures add to the intricacy of the project, requiring more time for completion.

Chosen Method of Underpinning

Different methods, such as mass concrete, beam and base, or mini-piled underpinning each come with their own timelines. There are pros and cons to underpinning, as some methods may be quicker but come with their downsides, such as being less suitable for certain soil types or property structures.

Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions, like heavy rain or extreme temperatures, can cause significant delays to the underpinning process. Work might have to be halted to ensure the safety of the workers and the structural integrity of the house.

What Are the Different Underpinning Techniques?

The following are the most common underpinning techniques used today:

• Mass Concrete Underpinning: This traditional method involves excavating pits below the existing foundation and filling them with concrete to strengthen the base.
• Beam and Base Underpinning: In this underpinning method, a reinforced concrete beam is constructed above or below the existing foundation to distribute the building load.
• Mini-Piled Underpinning: Mini-piles are driven into the ground at certain intervals to support and strengthen the existing foundation, suitable for sites with restricted access or variable ground conditions.
• Screw Pile and Bracket Underpinning: Screw piles and steel brackets are used to underpin and stabilise the existing foundation, offering quick installation and immediate load transfer.
• Resin Injection Underpinning: A newer technique of underpinning where a geopolymer resin is injected into the foundation to expand and bring stability back to the building structure.

Resin injection underpinning is a modern foundation repair technique used to stabilise and strengthen the foundations of a building. It involves injecting resin into the ground beneath a structure’s foundations. It is gaining popularity in Australia due to its effectiveness in dealing with the diverse soil types and various environmental conditions found across the country.

This form of underpinning a house offers a less invasive solution for homeowners facing foundation issues.

In this blog, we’ll talk more about resin injection underpinning, its advantages, and how it compares to traditional methods.

What Is the Process of Resin Injection Underpinning?

The process of resin injection underpinning involves the following:

• Site assessment: An initial evaluation of the building’s foundation is conducted to determine the extent of the damage and the specific areas that require underpinning.
• Drilling holes: Strategic holes are drilled into the foundation or the concrete slab based on the assessment to allow for the injection of the resin.
• Injecting the resin: A special resin is then injected into the drilled holes, which travels into the voids and unstable areas beneath the foundation.
• Resin expansion and hardening: The injected resin expands and hardens, filling the voids, stabilising the soil, and consolidating the ground beneath the foundation.
• Checking and adjusting: The success of the resin injection is checked, and adjustments are made as necessary to ensure that the foundation is properly supported and stabilised.
• Final inspection: A final inspection is conducted to ensure that the underpinning process has been successful and the foundation is secure and stable.

What Are the Considerations in Resin Injection Underpinning?

Considerations in resin injection underpinning primarily revolve around the suitability of the technique for the specific foundation issue at hand, the type of soil, and the environmental conditions of the site. Also worth considering is how long underpinning takes using this method compared to traditional methods.

Firstly, an evaluation of the structural problem is essential to ascertain whether resin injection is the most effective remedy. Different foundations and soil types respond uniquely to underpinning methods, making it crucial to assess the compatibility of resin injection underpinning with the building’s specific circumstances.

Secondly, the type and viscosity of the resin to be used should be carefully considered, ensuring it’s apt for the particular soil conditions and the nature of the foundation distress. Furthermore, considerations regarding the environmental impact and sustainability of the materials and processes used are also paramount, given the increasing emphasis on eco-friendly construction practices.

Lastly, logistical and practical considerations, such as access to the foundation areas needing repair and the potential disruption caused to the occupants of the building, should be meticulously planned and communicated. These considerations are instrumental in ensuring the success and efficacy of the resin injection underpinning process. If you’re unsure what the best form is underpinning is, or the difference between restumping and underpinning, check out this article.

How Does Resin Injection Underpinning Compare to Traditional Methods?

Resin injection underpinning offers the following benefits compared to traditional methods:

• Speed of completion: Resin injection underpinning is typically faster to complete than traditional methods, reducing the overall disruption and downtime.
• Less invasive: The technique is less invasive, meaning there is less disturbance to the property and its occupants during the repair process.
• Adaptability: Resin injection is adaptable to a variety of soil types and conditions, making it versatile in handling diverse foundation issues.
• Precision: The method allows for a high degree of precision, enabling targeted improvement of the affected foundation areas.
• Cost-effectiveness: Resin injection often proves more cost-effective due to fewer labour requirements and reduced material costs.

The main difference between underpinning and restumping is that underpinning is performed where the building is built on a slab or footing, whereas restumping is performed when the building is on stumps. 

Restumping, commonly known as reblocking, involves replacing old, deteriorated stumps on houses built above the ground. On the other hand, underpinning is the process of reinforcing the existing foundations of a building. This technique is often used when significant renovations or additions are made to a structure.

Choosing between restumping and underpinning requires an understanding of your home’s specific needs.

In this post, we’ll talk about the differences between restumping and underpinning so you know which you need for your home. 

What Are the Advantages of Restumping and Underpinning?

Restumping and underpinning each come with a set of distinct advantages aimed at improving the structural integrity and safety of a building.

3 Advantages of Restumping

The following are the benefits of restumping:

• Enhanced stability: Restumping reinforces the foundation of a building, ensuring it remains upright and secure.
• Increased property value: A house with a freshly restumped foundation can command a higher market price.
• Prevention of deterioration: By replacing old stumps, further wear and tear or damage to the house’s structure can be prevented.

3 Advantages of Underpinning

These are the benefits of underpinning:

• Strengthens foundation: Underpinning bolsters the existing foundation, making it more resilient and durable.
• Facilitates renovations: It allows for the addition of new storeys or making significant changes to the building’s structure.
• Adapts to soil changes: It ensures the building’s stability, even when there are shifts or changes in the soil structure beneath it.

When to Choose Restumping or Underpinning

Choosing between restumping and underpinning depends on your home’s foundation. Restumping is appropriate when the stumps supporting the house have deteriorated due to age or environmental conditions, common in older Australian homes elevated off the ground. 

Another foundation repair solution known as resin injection underpinning is worth considering as it has advantages over both more traditional underpinning as well as restumping. 

How Can I Choose the Right Foundation Repair Contractor?

Choosing the right foundation repair contractor involves evaluating their expertise, experience, reputation, and the quality of service they offer.

Check Qualifications and Certifications

Ensure that the contractor has the necessary qualifications and certifications to carry out repairs to failing building foundations. Having appropriate certifications indicates that the contractor has undergone the necessary training and adheres to industry standards and regulations, ensuring the reliability and quality of their work.

Assess Experience and Expertise

An experienced contractor who has a solid track record in foundation repairs, particularly in restumping or underpinning, is preferable. Their expertise will be invaluable in navigating the complexities and challenges that might arise during the repair process, ensuring that the job is done effectively and efficiently.

Read Reviews and Get Referrals

Look for online reviews or ask the contractor for references from previous clients. Reviews and referrals provide insight into the contractor’s reliability, professionalism, and the quality of work, helping you to make an informed decision based on previous customers’ experiences.

Building foundations fail due to a variety of factors, such as poor soil conditions, inadequate construction materials, and environmental changes. The foundation of a building is its backbone, and its stability is crucial in supporting the structure. When the soil beneath a foundation is inconsistently dense or prone to shifting, it can lead to instability and the need for foundation repairs. The use of inadequate or improperly prepared construction materials can also compromise the foundation’s strength.

In this post, we’ll discuss more in-depth why building foundations fail so you’ll know how to prevent it in future construction projects.

What Materials Are Used in Building Foundations?

Common materials used in building foundations include concrete, stone, brick, timber, and steel.

• Concrete: A popular choice due to its strength and durability, concrete is often used in the form of poured concrete walls or concrete blocks.
• Stone: Stone foundations, often found in older buildings, are durable but susceptible to moisture problems, requiring proper drainage systems.
• Brick: Brick foundations offer aesthetic appeal and are fire-resistant, but they need to be adequately sealed to prevent water infiltration.
• Timber: Primarily used in pilings for raised buildings, wood is versatile but requires treatment to prevent decay and resist pests.
• Steel: Used in the form of reinforcements (rebar) within concrete foundations, steel enhances the tensile strength of the foundation.

How Do Environmental Factors Contribute to Foundation Failure?

Environmental factors significantly contribute to foundation failure through variations in temperature, moisture levels, and natural disasters. Fluctuating temperatures cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks and weakening over time.

Excessive moisture due to rain or flooding can lead to soil expansion, putting pressure on the foundation. Meanwhile, drought can cause soil contraction, leading to foundation movement and cracking.

Understanding and mitigating these environmental impacts is crucial for the longevity and stability of a building’s foundation.

Which Construction Mistakes Lead to Foundation Weakness?

Construction mistakes, such as improper soil preparation, inadequate waterproofing, and poor material quality, often lead to foundation weakness.

• Improper soil preparation: Failing to compact and prepare the soil properly can result in uneven settling, leading to cracks and instability.
• Inadequate waterproofing: Without proper waterproofing, foundations are vulnerable to moisture damage, causing weakening over time.
• Poor material quality: Using substandard materials can reduce the foundation’s overall strength and durability, making it susceptible to various forms of damage.

What Preventive Measures Can Improve Foundation Longevity?

Effective preventative measures to enhance foundation longevity include proper soil preparation, adequate waterproofing, the use of high-quality materials, and regular maintenance. Consider these measures below to avoid having to get restumping and underpinning:

Proper Soil Preparation

Before laying the foundation, ensure that the soil is adequately compacted and prepared. This prevents uneven settling and the likelihood of cracks and other structural damages occurring over time.

Adequate Waterproofing

Implement comprehensive waterproofing to protect the foundation from moisture-related damages. Utilising membranes and coatings can help to prevent water infiltration, protecting the foundation from erosion and weakening.

Using High-Quality Materials

 Invest in high-quality building materials that meet the necessary standards and specifications. High-quality materials enhance the foundation’s resilience against various environmental and load pressures, ensuring long-term stability.

To prevent foundation issues, you must ensure that your building’s foundation is free from excess moisture. Stormwater, tree roots, and soil conditions are other variables that must be managed with care.

To protect your home, it is important to prevent foundation problems before they start. We will explore the causes of these issues and some preventative measures you can take in this article.

What Destroys A Foundation?

There are three main reasons a foundation can become damaged or unstable: moisture, tree roots, and soil conditions. Ensure you have a good water management system to keep moisture away from your foundation. Plant trees at a safe distance from your home, and check on the ones that are already there. Be aware of the type of soil around your home. Underpinning Melbourne is one of the leading foundation repair companies in case you need further help.

6 Tips To Avoid Foundation Problems

These are the six things you should avoid to keep your foundations intact. These are:

If you want to avoid foundation problems you should consider::

1. Check Storm Water System

If your stormwater system leaks water around the foundation or is broken, water may pool around your foundation and seep in swelling and heaving. Ensure your storm water drains properly by carrying water away from your foundation, which can avoid any costly repairs down the road.

2. Replace Damaged Gutters And Downpipes

Remember to check your gutters and downpipes very often, as they affect the amount of water pressure around your foundation. If they are in poor condition, it can lead to the foundation collapsing or shifting. In case they are not working properly, repair or replace them immediately.

3. Beware Of Tree Roots

Tree roots might go quite deep into the ground while unseen. For this reason, it might suck away the moisture without you even noticing. We recommend checking the problem and taking necessary action.

4. Don’t Plant Trees Near Building

It’s a good idea to keep your larger plants, like bushes or shrubs, in your flower beds. The gap between the foundation and the plants should be at least two feet. So, they will be where they belong- away from the foundation.

5. Monitor Cracks In Home

Always check your foundation and keep an eye on your walls and flooring. If you notice any cracks, get expert help as soon as possible. This is the best opportunity to correct the damage and prevent further foundation movement. The earlier you detect foundation problems, the easier they are to fix. You already have a significant issue if you see large fractures or wall bowing in your home.

Keep an eye on your property to see whether there are cracks in the foundation, walls, and floors. If you find any, it’s time for an expert’s help. It will save you time and money when cracks are found at an earlier stage. When you see large fractures and wall bowing in your home, it’s a serious issue and needs immediate work.

6. Consult A Professional

It is recommended to inspect your foundation with an expert who can assess the condition of your problem. They can tell you if your foundation is unharmed and provide a few clues for the best preventive measures specific to your area.

Underpinning can be dangerous if not done by professionals. It’s not a project that you can DIY. Check out the possible damage by visiting our blog can you DIY underpinning.

You may prevent the hassle of a damaged foundation by regularly monitoring your home, yard, and basement.

Unless you’re a trained foundation repair professional having the right tools and experience, you shouldn’t try to underpin your house yourself.

In this article, we will discuss the possible risks of DIY underpinning and how to avoid them.

Is DIY Underpinning A House Possible?

DIY Underpinning is only possible if you’re experienced, have proper skills, and have industry knowledge. If you’re lacking any of the mentioned, we highly recommend not underpinning your house yourself.

Only an expert with the right abilities and industry knowledge can underpin a house. Not having the required tools, skills, and experience is too risky for you and your property. We strongly advise you not to underpin a house yourself without lacking the aforementioned.

With the right skills and know-how, you can try DIY underpinning. But even then, it’s best to consult an engineer and follow their installation requirements and processes. 

What Are The Risks Of Underpinning A House Yourself?

The risks of DIY underpinning are –

– You could damage your property beyond repair if you don’t know what you’re doing.

– You could injure or even kill yourself in the process.

– It will void your insurance coverage if you do it yourself.

– You may not comply with the building code, which could lead to legal problems.

Knowing how to prevent foundation issues is just as important as knowing how to repair them. You’re better off spending time rectifying other issues causing the need for underpinning and leaving the repairs to professionals.

Should I Choose A Professional Underpinning Contractor?

Underpinning projects are complex and dangerous, so it’s wise to choose a professional underpinning contractor with relevant experience.

These are the top reasons to choose a professional underpinning contractor:

– They have the technical knowledge and experience to handle any complex job.

– They use the right tools and equipment.

– They follow industry best practices.

– They provide a guarantee of their work.

– They are insured and licensed.

Before you decide to underpin, you should be sure whether it’s time for an underpinning service. Check out our blog does my house need underpinning to know the details.

Underpinning is Complex

Underpinning is a complex process that includes digging several feet deep below the home’s footing. In some cases concrete piers or screwpiles are installed to bear the load of the structure. This procedure must be done under expert supervision to minimise damage to the house’s construction.

Underpinning Is Dangerous

If not done properly following the industry standards, it can be dangerous. That includes:

– Collapse of the house

– Soil erosion

– Damage to the surrounding property

– Injury or death of people

– Overcorrecting relevel can lead to further cracks in the walls, doors, and windows.

Experience is Required

An underpinning project must be completed by a professional underpinning contractor with extensive expertise. Every job is unique, and without relevant expertise, you will end up costing more than planned.

Warranty On Underpinning

Most of the underpinning contractors of Melbourne offer at least 10 years of warranty for their workmanship. So, you are pretty much covered by the warranty if any issues arise.

Underpinning a house is a complex and dangerous process that a professional contractor should only do. Choosing the right contractor can avoid many of the risks associated with DIY underpinning.

A common way to tell if your house needs underpinning is if you find cracks in the walls and cornices, Step cracks in external and internal walls, the floors are not level and you have experienced problems closing and opening windows and doors. There are other reasons that should be discussed with a professional.

In this article, we will discuss the signs to check whether your property may need underpinning and what to look for. Always consult a professional like our team at Melbourne Underpinning Group

What Is Subsidence?

Subsidence refers to the downward shifting of the ground that weakens the foundation. Different areas have different soil characteristics. Areas that have clay-limestone soils are usually unstable for foundations.

What Are The Signs A House needs Underpinning?

Cracking on internal and external walls is the most significant sign of subsidence. You also have an eye on the following types of cracking:

• Cracks that are spread across the wall like steps
• Cracks are showing on both the inside and outside of the brick walls.
• You found cracks at the corner of the doors and windows
• The diameter of the crack is above 3mm
• Cracks are in the joints and extension

One or two random cracks in the wall don’t always indicate a subsidence issue. Temperature fluctuations for a long time can also cause cracks that have no relation with subsidence.

Check whether you notice most of the signs in Melbourne. If yes, then you should contact a team like Melbourne Underpinning Group. If you don’t fix the problem at the earlier stage, it can lead to a bigger and more complex problem.

Is It Ok To Buy A House That Has Been Underpinned?

It’s completely ok to buy a previously underpinned house completed by a certified, licensed contractor in your area. Otherwise, it’s not recommended because of causing further damage and risk to your house and family. You should remember it’s not a project that you can DIY. There are potential risks if you do it yourself. Check our blog can you DIY underpinning for more details.

Do I Need A Permit For Underpinning In Melbourne?

Yes, every state requires a permit to underpin, including Melbourne. However, a permit is not required in a few cases, for example, underpinning an internal wall. But, you should better discuss it with your contractor. Your contractor will organise a soil test and engineering to apply for the permit.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Underpinning?

The disadvantages of Underpinning are –

• It is an expensive process.
• The process is quite disruptive and can cause a lot of noise and mess
• There is a risk of damaging surrounding properties
• The process can take a long time to complete

What Are The Advantages Of Underpinning?

The advantages of underpinning are –

• It can stabilise a house that is starting to sink or has subsidence.
• It can stop a house from sinking any further.
• It can raise a sunken floor back to level.
• It can be used to reinforce a foundation that is weak or has cracks.

Is Resin Injection As Good As Underpinning?

No, resin injection is not as good as traditional concrete underpinning. It’s more expensive, takes longer to complete, inaccurate, and can fail at any time.

Can Underpinning fail?

Yes, underpinning can fail only when it’s not done properly. How long an underpinning last depends on the expertise of the contractor. So, choose your contractor properly.

Also, if the soil condition and other factors change, underpinning can fail too. For example, if you did underpinning because of a licking pipe that causes subsidence, you still can have problems from tree roots growing under the foundation and causing further damage.

To know more detail about when do you need to underpin, check out our blog here.

Underpinning is a complex process but can effectively stabilise a sinking or subsiding house. There are several signs that can indicate whether or not your house needs underpinning. If you notice any of the signs, it is best to contact an authorized foundation repair contractor for further evaluation. So, choosing a qualified and experienced contractor is important to ensure the job is done correctly.

Underpinning is a foundation repairs method for an existing building’s foundation. Slab or strip footings are extended to reach a deeper, more stable ground to stop and stabilise any foundation movement.

If you’re unsure about what underpinning is, how it’s used, or the types of foundation and footing available to support your building project, then this article is for you.

When is underpinning needed?

Underpinning is required when a structure’s foundation is damaged or additional structural support is required. If you need to add a new story and the footing can’t take that load, then underpinning can reinforce the building’s foundation.

You need to underpin your home if:

• The soil underneath the foundation is reactive, and you feel movement
• The backfill of the foundation is not as compacted as required
• Poor drainage system around your home
• Cracks on the wall and floors
• Doors and windows are not closing anymore
• If you need to extend your foundation to add an extra floor

Make sure whether or not all or most of these are happening in your house. Then you need any local contractors who work on foundation repairs.

Types of building foundations and footings

The different types of building foundations and footings are –

Slab on Ground

This is the most commonly used foundation method. In this process, concrete slabs are placed directly on the ground to make a solid foundation. The soil beneath the slab must be compacted properly. Otherwise, the soil may settle with time and cause the foundation to fracture or collapse.

Suspended Floors

Unlike a ground-based one, a suspended floor is not laid on the ground. Stumps or piers are attached with it to the ground.

Continuous footings

Continuous footings are support structures that distribute the building’s load evenly. They are either strips or slabs. This method is used for the walls to support that is built on sloppy ground.

Pad footings

Pad footings system is used to distribute the extra load of the foundation evenly. They function by spreading the weight over a larger area, which prevents settling and helps to keep the structure stable.

Stumps

Stumps are concrete pools used to support a home’s subfloor connected to the ground. They can be made of timber, steel and concrete.

Piles

Piles are made from reinforced steel or concrete driven into the ground to strengthen the foundation to bear the building’s weight. It helps to build structures on muddy soils that are usually not suitable for building any structure. Piles are used with either a pad footing or a strip footing.

Piers

Piers are tall, thick posts that hold up a building’s beams. They can be made from either steel or concrete. After the piers are set on the excavated holes, concrete is poured, so they can’t move.

If you want to learn more about underpinning, we have a detailed blog discussing, “does my home require underpinning?“

So, if you are experiencing settlement issues with your home, it is important to get it assessed and determine the underlying cause. If underpinning is required, contact a local contractor specialising in this repair.

Not sure which unpinning method is right for your home? The best thing to do is contact a foundation repair contractor. They will inspect your house’s surroundings, foundation, and footing to determine the problem. After that, they’ll tell you what needs to be done and estimate the cost and time. We’ve written a blog about the cost of underpinning so you can get an idea of what they are.

The cost to underpin a house in Melbourne is between $5,000 to $40,000. The total cost is affected by the severity of the damage and how much work needs to be completed. Larger projects which involve a significant amount of underpinning can cost up to $80,000.

In this post, we’ll look at the cost of underpinning a home in Melbourne. We’ll discuss the various underpinning techniques and how they may influence pricing.

What is Underpinning?

Underpinning is a repair process that aims to repair or strengthen the load-bearing capacity of a house’s foundation. 

This is usually done when the original foundation is no longer stable or strong enough to support the weight of the house or structure. Underpinning is also used when additional height is added to a building.

The underpinning process strengthens the foundation of a building by increasing its load-bearing capacity. Usually, piers or pins and other means are used to add extra support to the damaged foundation. Underpinning is essential when the existing foundation loses its strength to bear the load of the house or structure.

What are the different underpinning methods?

The two most traditional and commonly used methods for underpinning a house are Concrete Slab Underpinning and Screwpile Underpinning. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages and are used in different cases.

Concrete Slab Underpinning

Concrete slab underpinning is the most commonly used foundation underpinning in Melbourne. It involves digging deep into the ground and pouring concrete footing to support the foundation. The technique is quick and safe for your home. However, it isn’t suitable for all types of foundations.

Screwpile underpinning

Screwpile underpinning is the process of repairing a building’s foundation using long steel screws driven deep into the ground to support the building. Screwpiles need to go deep into the soil until it reaches a stronger sub ground. Once it reaches the required depth, concrete is poured to secure the perimeter.

What Should You be Looking for in an Underpinning Quote?

Check your underpinning quote that matches any of these methods: 

Fixed Price Quote

Always request a fixed-price quote when inquiring about an underpinning job. This means that the company cannot change the quoted price later on. Make sure that all the required tasks are included in the quote.

Transparent quote

Underpinning quotes should be straightforward. The price should be all-inclusive, with no hidden costs or extras. The company should also be able to provide a detailed explanation of the underpinning process and what is included in the quote.

Fixed time / fixed schedule:

Ensure the contractor you hire provides you with a fixed time or work schedule that includes all the required tasks and a detailed outline of each stage with the total amount and time.

So, there you have it. The cost of underpinning your home can vary greatly depending on the method used and the extent of the damage. In it, we break down each underpinning method so you can make an informed decision based on your budget. We also provide tips on how to prepare for this major renovation project. Always use a licensed contractor to be safe and sound.

If you still have questions about what is underpinning, check out our other blog here.