Digging deeper: the buzz about underpinning in Melbourne’s construction scene

The floor is not what you expected. It’s a Victorian beauty that is charming, but the sag is not as noticeable as you thought. It’s as if the house was trying to curtsey in an old-fashioned way. Adorable, but problematic. What’s a Melbournian supposed to do? Rectify Underpinning, mate. It’s all about the underpinning.

You can’t ignore signs that your historic home is acting like a rebellious teen. The house is telling you that it needs some TLC. The ground movement caused by Melbourne’s unpredictable weather, the old foundation technology, and the infernal compaction soils can cause havoc to our structures. If you’re like me, then you want that antique elegance to remain without the trip hazards.

For those who are not familiar with the term, underpinning involves pouring concrete beneath the foundation to give it new life. Imagine giving your home those sturdy orthotics your granny swears on. It’s suddenly standing firm and tall, and you no longer cringe with every creak.

Melbourne’s construction scene is awash with new materials and techniques that not only make the job more efficient, but also fascinating. The methods range from the traditional mass concrete underpinning, beam and base to piling. You can choose the right foundation for your house, just like you would at a buffet.

Remember when your Uncle did a temporary fix to his wobbly fencing? Imagine doing the same thing with your home. Spoiler: it’s not a great idea. You should call professionals. They bring more than just the big guns. They arrive with an entire arsenal. They do everything from soil testing to structural analysis. From soil testing (science, people!) to structural analysis. These experts don’t simply bring a sledgehammer with the hope that it will work.

It’s great that underpinning doesn’t have to be a one size fits all affair. The specialists could recommend mini-piles for weak soil or mass concrete to make the area more stable. Imagine trying to repair a vintage timepiece. You would prefer someone who knows the ins and outs, right?

You ask, “How much?” Cost can be a big issue. Biting the bullet and getting quality work now will save you a lot of money in the future. You could hire a cowboy contractor to do the work for a lower price, but they’ll promise you something sweeter than Nana’s pavlova. Do you really want to gamble with the structural integrity of your home?

Mark, a friend of mine, shared with me his story over coffee last month. During Melbourne’s winter, his house near Albert Park sank faster than my spirits. He found an expert who guided him through his options, such as picking the perfect avocado – firm but ready. Few weeks later, the house stood tall and proud. And what did you find? There are no more 2am ‘house-settling’ sounds; only peaceful silence.

Melbournians have a special relationship with their homes. Our homes are quirky, just like our cafe culture, and as old as the love of footy. Underpinning is almost poetic because of the mix of old and new, modern technology and classic architecture.

Consider not ignoring that sloped floor. Imagine your house as a friend who needs a little help, both literally and metaphorically. Work with professionals to understand your home’s needs and ensure that it will last for decades.

Let’s keep our Melbourne homes as strong as the MCG spirit. Little underpinning can bring peace to your home tomorrow. Who wouldn’t toast that?