A Melbourne classic terrace house, stubbornly perched upon shifting foundations. Australia can sometimes be a tough place for structures. It is not just about creaky staircases or a crooked picture frame. Imagine large cracks, jammed door, and walls that resemble a Picasso. You know, the kind of chaos.

You may have noticed that the property you own or your loved one’s home is playing Jenga. This is the Jenga which your partner, children, or even yourself enjoy and always seem to win. However, this game can be very damaging to your house. What is the solution? underpinning basement walls.

It’s important to understand what’s really going on before you start picturing burly men who have Herculean strenght lifting your house. It is used to reinforce the foundational strength of the building, giving it a stronger backbone and taking away that scary sinking sensation.

It’s Easy to Understand

First, it is important to go beyond a surface level of understanding. The foundation can be extended or neglected. It’s like adding extra support shoes to your house so it stands tall.

Where do these aces usually start? It is typically around the perimeter. It is important to tackle small sections at a time in order to avoid a sinking ship situation. Each segment must be excavated, strengthened and set before the following section receives the same care.

This is like building a jigsaw, with a huge reward at the end – a stable house. It’s a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes piles will be driven into the ground to provide support. Other times, concrete will be poured on the new foundation pads. Depending on the challenges that Lady Melbourne’s earth throws to the engineers, they can adjust their design.

What to do when it hits the fan

Cracks. Not those “Oh, just a small character” cracks but the wide, spirally-shaped gaps that cause you to look twice. Your living room suddenly becomes a carnival funhouse. Windows and door that won’t behave. They are like toddlers in a tantrum.

You can be your own worst opponent by waiting. Engage with an expert faster than one-legged men in a shin-kicking contest.

Cost? Cost?

Everyone is asking themselves the same question: how much money do I need? This is not cheap. But neither are replacing almost half of your home, or having to deal a depreciating property value. The range? The range? As kangaroos jump into action, so do many other factors: soil conditions, house size, underpinning technique, extent of damage.

Steve was a member of your local football team. Steve underpinned his adorable little Queenslander, and swears the peace of mind he gained from it.

Steve’s wallet has holes? Yes. How about the return on investment? Safeguarding your property and preserving its value is a great combination. Winning!

Rogue Operations, A Cautionary Tale

Beware cowboy contractors who cut corners. No kidding. This is not your typical backyard renovation. Melbourne’s underground shifts will not be for the timid or the unprepared. You should hire veterans. They are those who wear the hardhats as a profession and not on weekends.

To fix a faulty underpinning, you’ll need thicker pockets. You’d rather be safe than regret it, right?

You can buy peace of mind here!

When Aunt Judy talked about the peace of mind she felt after stabilizing her vintage home, did you listen? How about listening to her describe how she can sleep comfortably without fear of waking up in a leaning-tower scenario? The security is genuinely priceless.

In addition, a solid foundation could increase the value at resale. The property market, as everyone knows, loves a sturdy foundation.

Underpinning is the solution to a house that acts like a drama-queen on shifting soil. Engage and build solid. Let your foundation tell Melbourne the ground is in charge.