WHICH TYPE OF UNDERPINNING IS BEST?

We get asked this question every day.

FIRST RULE: Should you trust Underpinning Sales Reps?

Underpinning Sales reps are well paid and are very convincing. But before jumping into any type of expensive underpinning, do yourself a favour and contact Forensic Engineers for an expert, independent structural engineer report. Because we are on your side and we aren’t trying to sell you underpinning.

SECOND RULE: Which Underpinning is Best for You?

• Reinforced concrete piers and headstocks are the industry standard due to their practicality and long-term reliability. They should be your top choice in most situations!
• Steel Screw Piers “Hype”: Some underpinning sales reps talk up the amazing benefits of steel screw piers, but in most cases it is just sales sweet-talk.  Steel screw piers have some benefits in certain applications, but in most residential cases they are not the best option and are often massively over-priced. The best Underpinners can offer normal bored piers as-well-as steel screw piers, if and when required, and at a realistic cost.
• Polyurethane Resin Underpinning is excellent for lifting wide concrete slabs that aren’t anchored down. In some cases, it can also be effective for underpinning house footings. But soil conditions and footing and slab design may limit the results.

A report from Forensic Engineers will tell you which type of underpinning is best for you.

THIRD RULE: Avoid Underpinning When Possible

In many cases, footings and slabs can be stabilised without resorting to any expensive & stressful underpinning at all. And excessive floor level variations can often be reduced by following expert advice. Talk to forensic engineers for the best solutions!

Subsidence & wall cracks? Before jumping into expensive underpinning, contact Forensic Engineers for an expert, independent structural engineer report.

FOURTH RULE: Avoid Underpinners who offer to arrange an engineer report for you.

They charge twice the industry rate and their engineers work for them, not for you!

Forensic Engineers are on-your-side, are 100% independent and our reports are for you – not for an underpinning sales rep.

FIFTH RULE: How much should you pay for a Structural Engineers Underpinning Report?

The base industry rate is around $800.00-$900.00,  depending on the property size and location. If you have been quoted more than this, you should shop around.

END GAME: Speak to us!

Contact FORENSIC ENGINEERS next time you need engineering advice for subsidence, wall cracks and underpinning. Because we are 100% independent and we are on your side.

Thinking about underpinning your house? Live in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or anywhere in South East Queensland? Contact us today.