What happens on underpinning day
Underpinning day starts with knowing what is included in your written price before the work begins.
The next steps depend on your home and the work you agree to.
Getting ready for work below the footings
- Discuss any engineering advice needed
- Agree on the work and written price
- Check with council or PlanSA whether approval is needed
Here's how it goes
- Share a few crack photos, about 2 minutes.
- You'll hear from us within 30 minutes.
- Often, a quick photo check shows if it looks cosmetic or needs a closer look.
- An engineer if needed, then a clear price in writing.
- We book a time that suits your plans and get the work done.
On the day
We carry out the agreed work.
What that involves depends on the house and any engineering advice needed.
After the underpinning
Any crack repairs and making good should be set out in the agreed work.
Underpinning is not a promise every crack closes by itself.
More help with your next step
Questions homeowners ask
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.
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.
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.