Not all underpinning companies offer the same level of expertise, and the wrong choice can lead to costly mistakes. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to choose a reliable underpinning company in Melbourne. We’ll cover warning signs your home needs work, the five key criteria to compare providers, and questions you must ask before hiring.
We’ve consulted the team from Melbourne Underpinning Group, a structural repair expert providing underpinning in Melbourne for their local insights.
What is Underpinning and When Do You Need It?
Underpinning strengthens a building’s foundation, often needed when soil movement or erosion causes cracking or structural issues.
3 major signs underpinning might be required:
- Cracks wider than 5mm in brickwork or plaster.
- Uneven floors or subsiding corners of the home.
- Doors or windows jamming, especially during seasonal changes.
The team from Melbourne Underpinning Group shares, “We see a lot of homes in Melbourne with foundation movement due to clay soils. If you’re spotting diagonal cracks or notice gaps around windows, get it checked fast.”
5 Criteria for Choosing the Best Underpinning Company in Melbourne
1. Experience with Melbourne’s Soil Conditions
Melbourne has some of the most reactive soils in Australia, especially in suburbs like Glen Iris, Doncaster, and Werribee. Your underpinning contractor must understand how to stabilise these challenging ground types.
“Experience with local conditions can’t be faked,” the team says. “We’ve been called in to redo jobs where non-local providers guessed the soil behaviour and got it wrong.”
2. Proper Licensing and Insurance
Make sure the company is registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Public liability and professional indemnity insurance are essential, especially for structural work.
3. Real Project History and Testimonials
Look beyond the polished website. Ask for local case studies, client references, and before/after photos. Bonus: if they’ve worked in your suburb or street before.
4. Detailed and Transparent Quotes
Expect to pay between $5,000 to $40,000, depending on severity, property size, and method used. The cheapest quote can often mean cutting corners.
5. Engineering Reports and Solid Warranties
A genuine underpinning company will always involve a structural engineer and provide a written report. Warranty terms of 7 to 10 years are typical for reputable contractors.
Common Pitfalls When Hiring an Underpinning Company
Avoiding the wrong company is just as important as choosing the right one. These 4 pitfalls are red flags:
- No engineer involvement in quotes or plans.
- Cash-only payment demands or refusal to use contracts.
- Lack of insurance or vague about licences.
- Suspicious reviews, often clustered in a short timeframe or with generic language.
Why Melbourne Homes Require Local Underpinning Knowledge
Homes in Bentleigh, Craigieburn and Reservoir are often affected by reactive clay or poor drainage. Understanding how seasonal moisture levels impact these foundations is vital.
“Underpinning in Melbourne isn’t a one-size-fits-all job,” say the team from Melbourne Underpinning Group. “Every suburb has its quirks—and so do the homes.”
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Company
Here are 6 direct questions that will tell you everything you need to know about a provider:
- Are you VBA registered and fully insured?
- Do you work with a structural engineer?
- What underpinning method will you use—and why?
- Is everything itemised in your quote?
- What warranty do you provide?
- Can I see recent projects in Melbourne?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right underpinning company in Melbourne isn’t just about the cheapest price—it’s about experience, safety, and accountability. Look for a provider with real projects, full certification, and local knowledge of Melbourne’s soil conditions.
For homeowners wanting the job done right the first time, the team at Melbourne Underpinning Group provides underpinning in Melbourne with expertise and local experience.
