We answer the timeline clearly so you can plan with confidence. Typical small jobs with up to ten pins finish in about two weeks. Whole-of-house programs commonly run near a month under Sydney conditions.
Underpinning strengthens existing footings and protects the foundation and your house from further movement. Our engineer-led assessment is the first step. A deep soil test to six to eight metres often follows to find competent ground.
Resin systems can cure in around 30 minutes and may be installed within a day. We only recommend fast methods when an engineer confirms suitability. Approvals and staged inspections are required before concrete pours and during works.
We plan access, minimise disruption and protect gardens, paths and services. With 20+ years’ experience, council‑compliant certification and fixed-price quotes, we focus on safety and structural integrity for your property.
Key Takeaways
- Small, targeted jobs: around two weeks.
- Whole‑house programs: about one month in Sydney.
- Engineer assessment and deep soil test guide the method.
- Resin options can be done in a day if suitable and approved.
- We provide council‑compliant reports, inspections and fixed quotes.
- Call Chris on 1300 970 930 for a free structural assessment.
At a glance: typical underpinning timeframes in Sydney
This quick guide sets realistic expectations for most Sydney jobs. We outline common schedules so you can plan repairs and minimise disruption.
Small stabilisation — up to ~10 pins (about two weeks)
Targeted work often finishes in roughly two weeks under Sydney conditions. Council inspections and staged digs shape the sequence.
Whole‑house concrete programs — around a month
Mass concrete or beam‑and‑base work needs staged excavation, steel fixing, pours and cure time. That sequencing commonly runs near a month.
Resin injection — often in a day
Resin injection can be completed within a single day with a ~30‑minute cure for ground improvement and levelling. It suits tight access and fast re‑use of the floor.
Complex projects — several weeks to a couple of months
Deep founding depths, service relocations or heritage fabric extend the program. We schedule inspections and coordinate the contractor to reduce surprises.
What we include
- Engineer coordination and council‑compliant inspections.
- Fixed‑price quotes showing slab removal, reinstatement and provisional protection work.
- Clear milestones so you know noisy days and restricted access.
| Project type | Typical weeks | Main factors | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targeted stabilisation | ~2 weeks | Up to 10 pins, inspections | Localised cracks and minor damage |
| Whole‑house concrete | ~4 weeks | Staged digs, steel, cure | Major movement, floor re‑levelling |
| Resin injection | Fast cure, minimal excavation | Quick stabilisation, tight access | |
| Complex or heritage | Several weeks–months | Deep ground, services, approvals | Extensive repair programmes |
We set clear expectations and prioritise safety and compliance. For an indicative program at your address, call 1300 970 930 or visit our Sydney underpinning services.
how long does underpinning take: the factors that drive duration
Several on-site factors decide the overall programme. We assess each risk and give a realistic schedule so you know what to expect.
Engineer’s scope, pin count and footing access
The engineer sets locations, spacing and depths after a deep soil test to 6–8 m. More pins and internal access add staging and time.
We coordinate the structural engineer and inspections to avoid surprises on site.
Soil, moisture and depth to firm strata
Soil type and moisture matter. Reactive clays or loose fill can increase dig depth and excavation cycles.
Depth to competent ground determines how long each pit takes and whether temporary shoring is required.
Chosen method and pace of work
Method choice changes the schedule. Mass concrete and beam‑and‑base need cure and jacking stages. Resin injection is fast. Screw piles install quickly when access allows.
Certifications, council steps and inspections
Council approvals and staged engineer inspections are standard before pours. These hold points are non‑negotiable for safety and certification.
Liveability and managing disruption
We plan zones so you can use parts of the building during works. We manage noise, vibration, dust and protect gardens and services.
- Engineer scope and number of pins set baseline time.
- Soil conditions and moisture drive excavation cycles.
- Method choice affects cure, jacking and re‑levelling time.
- Site access, services and footing geometry influence sequencing.
| Driver | Impact on duration | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer scope & pins | Higher pins = longer program | Provide staged programme and engineer coordination |
| Soil & moisture | Reactive clay increases dig cycles | Use deep soil tests to set safe depths |
| Method chosen | Cure and jacking add time to concrete options | Recommend fastest suitable method with approvals |
The underpinning process, step by step (and where time is spent)
We map each stage so you know where time is spent and what to expect on site. Below we list the practical steps and the common hold points that affect the programme.
Structural engineer’s assessment and report coordination
The structural engineer inspects, records damage and takes floor levels to diagnose settlement or heave. The engineer’s report sets pin spacing, depths and inspection points.
Deep soil investigation and service checks
A deep soil test (commonly 6–8 m) confirms depth to competent ground and moisture. We locate utilities to avoid unexpected delays during excavation.
Design and approvals: council‑compliant documentation
Design drawings and specifications are lodged for approval. Staged inspection points are set by the structural engineer before pours and major work.
Construction sequencing: excavation, reinforcement, pours and jacking
Work is staged to keep the building stable. Safe excavation and reinforcement come first, followed by concrete pours and cure time.
We allow concrete to reach strength before controlled jacking and stabilisation. Inspections occur before each pour and at hold points to keep the site moving.
Monitoring, final levels, certification and handover
We monitor interim and final floor levels to confirm movement has stopped and target corrections are met. Certification, as‑built records and maintenance advice follow handover.
- Step 1: Engineer assessment, survey and report.
- Step 2: Deep soil test and service checks before excavation.
- Step 3: Design, approvals and inspection scheduling.
- Step 4: Excavation, reinforcement, concrete cure and jacking.
| Phase | Main activity | Typical hold point |
|---|---|---|
| Survey & report | Engineer inspection, floor levels | Design sign‑off |
| Investigation | Deep soil test, service location | Soil report results |
| Construction | Excavation, concrete pours, jacking | Pre‑pour inspection & cure |
| Handover | Monitoring, certification | Final inspection & paperwork |
We keep you informed at every step and coordinate the engineer, approvals and certification. We focus on safe construction, minimal disruption and on‑time delivery. Call 1300 970 930 to book your assessment.
Method-by-method timelines: concrete underpinning, resin injection and screw piling
Each underpinning method brings different timelines, disruption and long‑term outcomes.
Mass concrete / beam‑and‑base
Staged pits are dug at 2–3 m centres. Reinforcement and multiple concrete pours follow. Cure periods are required before controlled jacking and re‑levelling.
This concrete underpinning suits deep transfer to firm strata. Expect several days per pin and weeks for larger runs. Inspections occur before each pour to confirm depth to competent ground and steel placement.
Resin injection
Resin systems use small 6–16 mm keyholes. The resin expands to densify ground and fill voids. Cure is often about 30 minutes and the building can usually remain in use.
This injection process is quick, low‑noise and ideal for localised settlement or tight access. Resin offers a same‑day commissioning option for many projects.
Screw piling
Screw piles install rapidly with minimal excavation. Caps and beams connect piles to the existing foundation to transfer loads to stable strata.
Screw piling balances speed and permanence where access and ground allow fast installation.
| Method | Typical timeframe | Disruption | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mass concrete / beam base | Weeks for multi‑pin runs | Significant excavation and spoil | Deep transfer to firm ground, permanent repair |
| Resin injection | Often same day commissioning | Minimal noise and spoil | Localised settlement, tight access |
| Screw piling | Days to a week for typical home | Low excavation, fast install | Stable strata access, quick load transfer |
- We match method to soil, movement and access for durable results.
- Our team sequences work, manages spoil, and protects building fabric and landscaping.
Realistic scheduling for Sydney homes: what we advise homeowners
We stage activities to protect gardens, reduce disruption and keep key areas of the house usable. Clear staging lets you plan around noisy days, deliveries and parking limits.
When you can stay in the home vs. when temporary relocation helps
You can often stay in the house for external stages. Resin injection is cleaner and often allows same‑day use of a floor.
We discuss temporary relocation if internal slab penetrations or heavy jacking are planned. The contractor will explain the safest approach and timeline.
Garden, paths and services: planning for minimal disruption
We protect landscaping, paths and services and reinstate disturbed areas after work finishes. Utility checks and isolation reduce the chance of interruptions on site.
- We supervise safe work zones and communicate daily activities so you can plan around noise and parking.
- Flooring reinstatement, door and window adjustments happen after final level checks by the structural engineer.
- If you see new cracks in walls or uneven floor areas, contact us for an inspection to confirm if you need underpinning.
| Approach | Disruption | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Resin injection | Minimal; fast turnaround | Localised repair, quick re‑use of rooms |
| Concrete methods | Higher; excavation and cure time | Deep founding, whole‑house stabilisation |
| Site staging | Controlled zones, daily updates | Maintain liveability and safety |
Free assessment, fixed quote and a clear project timeline are included. Email photos or book a site inspection and speak to Chris on 1300 970 930.
Why speed never overrides safety: structural integrity and compliant certification
No job is rushed if it risks the building’s long‑term stability. We prioritise safety and clear evidence over quick fixes.
Our structural engineer leads diagnosis, design and inspection. Independent engineers map floor levels and document any damage. They specify depth, spacing and the chosen method so the foundation is secure.
Engineer-led decisions, honest assessments and no unnecessary upsells
We give straightforward assessments and explain the solution. If drainage or ventilation fixes stop further movement, we say so. We do not sell unnecessary work.
- Structural integrity first: staged work, proper cure times and controlled jacking protect the building.
- Certification and staged inspections are mandatory before pours to prevent new damage.
- You receive a full report, as‑built records and compliance paperwork for your property.
| Why it matters | What we do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnose damage | Engineer assessment and mapping | Targeted solution |
| Manage risk | Council inspections and staged holds | Certified stability |
| Protect value | Fixed‑price quote and documentation | Peace of mind at handover |
Free assessment and a fixed price quote are included. If you see new cracks or sticking doors, call 1300 970 930 for calm, professional advice and next steps.
Conclusion
Here is a concise plan to secure your house and restore confidence.
The underpinning process is predictable when engineered well. Small jobs often finish in about two weeks. Whole‑house programs commonly run near a month. Resin injection can compress work to a day when the soil and movement allow.
We stabilise the foundation, address cracks in walls and floors, and protect long‑term structural integrity. Our contractor team coordinates the engineer, deep soil testing and council inspections so the project meets compliance.
Call 1300 970 930 to speak to Chris for a free structural assessment and a fixed‑price quote. Email photos now for a quick review and we will advise next steps and book a site inspection.