Underpinning in Melbourne

What underpinning in Melbourne actually involves

The Building and Plumbing Commission describes the domestic builder class limited to footings and slab work as underpinning work to level and support existing structures, ensuring they have solid foundations. CSIRO's footing guide lists water in the ground, tree roots and erosion among the ways a footing loses support, so the first question is what took it away.

Before a dig beside a boundary

The Building Act 1993 counts permanent or temporary underpinning as protection work. Where the relevant building surveyor determines protection work is required for building work that needs a permit, the owner must notify the adjoining owner and the surveyor before starting. The neighbour has 14 days to agree, disagree or ask for more information; staying silent counts as agreement. Nothing read says this always applies; work cannot start until there is agreement, deemed agreement or a determination.

Councils differ on the next permit. Merri-bek names underpinning and reblocking among works needing a separate council permit, with no price exemption; Casey lists restumping or underpinning among works needing none. If your home is in a Heritage Overlay, a planning permit may still be needed; ask your council.

Underpinning in Melbourne — common questions

Does underpinning need a building permit?

The Building Regulations 2018 exemptions for repairs and alterations exclude underpinning or replacement of footings, so neither covers it. The relevant building surveyor confirms whether your job needs one.

What must a builder do before an underpinning contract is signed?

Where work will alter the footings or may adversely affect them, section 30 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 requires the builder to obtain foundations data before the contract is signed. The owner can get a copy on payment. The contract must also state the builder's registration number.

How much does underpinning cost?

Published bands depend on the method, the soil and how far the house has moved, and they differ between businesses. The pricing page credits each band to the business that states it.