Fred R. Heimann Co. Pty. Ltd. specialises in underpinning Melbourne and Geelong homes, providing reliable foundation repairs since 1983.
Get a FREE QUOTE From Fred R. Heimann Co. Pty. Ltd. - 40 plus years of reliable underpinning services in Melbourne and Geelong.
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0407 055 020
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About Us
A Legacy of Strength & Stability Since 1983
Fred R. Heimann Co. Pty. Ltd. has its roots firmly grounded in Melbourne’s building history.
Founded by Fred Heimann, who brings over 70 years of experience in the building industry, our company has been delivering professional underpinning solutions for over four decades.
Today, the company is led by Fred’s son Steve, who himself has over 30 years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial foundation repairs in his own right.
We’ve built our reputation the old-fashioned way – through hard work, meticulous attention to detail and word-of-mouth referrals. Whether it’s a cracked wall, unstable footings or windows and doors that don’t function correctly we’re the trusted name Melbourne and Geelong families turn to for long-lasting results.
We’re fully insured and registered, holding Victorian Building Licences (CDB-U 50768 / CCB-U 57709), so you can be confident knowing all work is carried out to the highest standards and compliance.
Cracked Walls Restored – Before and After Underpinning in Melbourne & Geelong
What homeowners say about our underpinning work
Call Steve on 0407 055 020 or CONTACT US to arrange your free, no-obligation quote today.
UNDERPINNING FAQ
What is underpinning and why is it needed?
Underpinning is the process of strengthening the foundation of an existing building. It’s usually required when the original foundation has become unstable due to soil movement, age, or other structural issues.
What are the signs I might need underpinning?
Common signs include large wall cracks (especially zigzagging through bricks), doors or windows that won’t close properly, or floors that are sloping or sinking.
How long does underpinning take?
This is completely dependant on the job size. It could take anywhere from a week to a couple of months. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your quote.
How much does underpinning cost?
Again, this depends on the size of the job. It could be anywhere from $5000 to over $40,000. Each job is priced after an on-site inspection.
I have engineer's designs for underpinning, do you quote over the phone?
No. We need to see the job ourselves to be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and quote. Engineers don’t have to guarantee the work, the builder does.
Do I need council approval for underpinning work?
Absolutely. Because the work is structural the job must have a building permit irrespective of the cost.
Will I need to move out while the work is being done?
No. In extremely rare cases you might need to be out of the house when the work is being carried out but generally speaking it’s perfectly safe to be living on-site when the work is being carried out.
What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer?
All jobs that attract warranty insurance (over $20,000) are covered by a 6 year warranty. Jobs under $20,000 have an implied warranty as well.
Are your workers licensed and insured?
Yes. We’re licensed (CDB-U 50768 / CCB-U 57709) and fully insured. Learn more about our qualifications
Is underpinning messy or disruptive?
It can be a little messy during construction but once complete the site is cleaned and in you wouldn’t know we’ve been!
How soon can you start once I approve the quote?
That depends on how much work we have booked in. It normally takes a minimum of two weeks from the cutomer’s go-ahead to when we get the building permit.
Do you repair the cracked brickwork?
Yes. We include brick repairs in the quote. Check out our before and after results
What else is included?
The job will include building permits, engineer designs and inspections, warranty insurance (if applicable), brick repairs, paving/garden re-instatement and rubbish removal.
What's the difference between underpinning and reblocking/restumping?
Underpinning is the process of strengthening the foundation of an existing building. It’s usually required when the original foundation has become unstable due to soil movement, age, or other structural issues. This can result in cracked masonry. Reblocking is the repair/replacement of stumps under the floor in a brick veneer or a weatherboard dwelling.
Do you do pre-purchase inspections?
No. We specialise exclusively in foundation and structural repairs. Pre-purchase inspections are a broader service that covers all building systems, and they’re best handled by licensed and insured professionals in that field. We’re happy to inspect underpinning related concerns post-purchase if needed.
My house is on a slab. Can you underpin slabs?
Yes! We can underpin slabs, strip footings, bluestone footings, etc. We have even underpinned properties that don’t have a footing at all (i.e. brickwork founded directly in the soil).
Our qualifications
Fred R. Heimann Co. Pty. Ltd. is a fully licensed and insured foundation repair company, proudly serving Victorian homeowners for decades. We bring not only experience, but also the right credentials:
Registered Building Practitioner – Domestic Builder (Unlimited)
Licence Number: CDB-U 50768 / CCB-U 57709
Member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) (Member Number 841359)
Fully insured for all underpinning and structural works
We adhere strictly to all building codes and safety standards, ensuring every job is completed to the highest level of quality and compliance.