Underpinning FAQ Adelaide
This underpinning FAQ answers what Adelaide homeowners ask us most, in plain words.
Can't see yours? Send the form and ask.
Plain answers about cracks and footing repairs
Plain answers about cracks and footing repairs
Is my crack serious?
Some cracks are cosmetic. Not every crack needs underpinning.
Start with the form. When we reply, we'll explain how to share photos. We'll tell you if it looks cosmetic or needs an engineer to take a look.
Photos can't tell us what the footings are doing. An engineer checks the structure.
Do I need an engineer?
If the cracks point to footing movement, yes. An engineer checks the structure and designs the fix.
Industry reports note fault lines under parts of Adelaide, including around Burnside, Hope Valley, Clarendon and Crafers.
We look at your home rather than guessing the cause from its suburb.
We look after that as part of the job, so you deal with one team the whole way.
Do I need council approval?
Underpinning may need approval before work starts.
Check with your council or PlanSA. Approvals are checked as a step in our process, before any digging.
Can I stay in the house during the work?
It depends on your home, where the work is and what the engineer designs.
We'll talk it through with you before the job starts, so you can plan.
How long does underpinning take?
It depends on how many piers are needed, the soil, access and the engineer design.
We'll walk you through the plan for your home before work starts.
Will the cracks close up after underpinning?
Underpinning deals with the footings. It isn't a promise that every crack will close on its own.
Any crack repairs or making good should be included in the work you agree to.
Why do so many Adelaide homes crack?
Adelaide's older inner, eastern and north-eastern suburbs sit on highly reactive clay.
In the eastern suburbs, it is known locally as Bay of Biscay soil. It shrinks a lot in dry spells and swells after heavy rain.
Many Adelaide homes are solid stone or brick on dwarf wall footings or raft slabs. Older homes are more affected.
Can trees cause cracks?
Trees can dry the soil out near a home.
The engineer will check whether trees are playing a part at your place.
Will my insurance cover it?
Every policy is different, so check with your insurer.
Our fixed written price sets out the work, which you can share with them.
How much does underpinning cost?
Price depends on how many piers, the soil, access, engineering and approvals.
See our guide prices, all inc GST. You get a fixed written price after we take a look.
Which underpinning method will I get?
Common methods are mini bored piers, screw piles and mass concrete pads.
Many Adelaide homes are solid masonry on dwarf wall footings or raft slabs. That is part of what the engineer checks.
For example, a stone home in Norwood and a brick home in Prospect each need a design for that house.
The choice depends on your soil, your house, access and the engineer design.
Get a fast quote
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll be in touch within 30 minutes.
When we reply, we'll explain how to share photos of the cracks.