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Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering & Soil Testing Geelong · Ballarat · Warrnambool · Mount Gambier · Regional Victoria Expert answers from PM Design Group

Structural Engineer Geelong

PM Design Group is a leading structural engineering firm in Geelong with over 30 years' experience. Our Geelong office at 50 Gheringhap Street provides structural engineering services across Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and regional Victoria. We specialise in residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects with fast turnaround and council-ready documentation.

How much does a structural engineer cost in Geelong?

Structural engineering fees in Geelong typically range:

  • Beam/lintel design: $800–$1,500

    Slab & footing design: $1,500–$2,500

  • Retaining wall design: $1,200–$2,800

  • Residential extension/renovation: $2,500–$4,500

  • Full house structural design: $3,500–$7,000

  • Commercial/industrial: $5,000–$20,000

PM Design provides fixed-price quotes for Geelong structural engineering projects.

Do I need a structural engineer for a renovation in Geelong?

Yes, you need a structural engineer in Geelong if your renovation involves:

  • Removing or altering load-bearing walls

  • Adding a second storey

  • Building over reactive soil (Class M, H or E — common in Geelong West, Newtown, Belmont)

  • Extending footings or slabs Installing steel beams or lintels

  • Any structural changes requiring Greater Geelong Council approval

    PM Design provides structural engineering for renovations across Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Lara and Bellarine Peninsula.

Where can I find a structural engineer near me in Geelong?

PM Design's Geelong office is located at 50 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220. We service:

  • Geelong CBD, Geelong West, South Geelong

  • Newtown, Belmont, Highton, East Geelong

  • Torquay, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Point Lonsdale

  • Lara, Portarlington, Drysdale, Leopold

  • Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire & Bellarine Peninsula

  • Call (03) 5249 4800 for local Geelong structural engineering.

Can a structural engineer remove a load-bearing wall in Geelong?

Yes. PM Design structural engineers design load-bearing wall removal solutions for homes and buildings across Geelong. We provide:

  • Structural assessment and calculations

  • Steel beam or portal frame design

  • Engineered drawings and certificates

  • Greater Geelong Council building permit documentation

  • On-site inspections and builder support

Common in Geelong renovations in Newtown, Highton, Belmont and Geelong West where older homes require open-plan updates.

Do I need a structural engineer for a deck or carport in Geelong?

Yes, in Geelong you typically need a structural engineer if:

  • Deck is more than 1m above ground

  • Deck is attached to a dwelling

  • Carport exceeds 10m² (check Greater Geelong Council)

  • Site has reactive soil (Class M, H, E — common in Geelong)

  • Located in bushfire or high-wind coastal areas (Torquay, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove)

PM Design provides engineering for decks, carports, pergolas and outdoor structures across Geelong and Surf Coast.

Structural Engineer Ballarat

Who is the best structural engineer in Ballarat?

PM Design Group operates from Suite 7, Greenhill Enterprise Centre, 28 University Drive, Mount Helen VIC 3350, servicing Ballarat, Sebastopol, Wendouree, Alfredton, Buninyong and Central Highlands. We provide structural engineering for residential, commercial, heritage and industrial projects across Ballarat and regional Victoria.

How much does a structural engineer cost in Ballarat?

  • Structural engineering fees in Ballarat typically range:

  • Beam/lintel design: $800–$1,500

  • Residential structural design: $2,000–$5,000

  • Load-bearing wall removal: $1,500–$3,000

  • Retaining wall design: $1,200–$2,500

  • Commercial structural engineering: $5,000–$15,000+

  • Heritage building assessment: $2,500–$7,000

PM Design provides competitive pricing for Ballarat structural engineering projects.

Do I need a structural engineer for a renovation in Ballarat?

Yes, you need a structural engineer in Ballarat if your renovation involves structural changes, particularly in:

  • Heritage areas (Ballarat CBD, Lydiard Street precinct)

  • Reactive soil areas (Class M, H in Sebastopol, Alfredton)

  • Second-storey additions (common in Wendouree, Lake Wendouree)

  • Load-bearing wall removal (Victorian-era homes)

    City of Ballarat requires engineering certification for structural alterations. PM Design provides heritage-sensitive structural solutions.

Where can I find a structural engineer near me in Ballarat?

PM Design's Ballarat office services:

  • Ballarat CBD, Ballarat Central

  • Wendouree, Lake Wendouree

  • Sebastopol, Alfredton

  • Mount Helen, Mount Pleasant

  • Buninyong, Smythesdale

  • Golden Plains & Moorabool Shires

Call (03) 5249 4800 for Ballarat structural engineering services.

Structural Engineer Warrnambool

Who is the best structural engineer in Warrnambool?

PM Design Group operates from 4/227 Koroit Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280, servicing Warrnambool, Portland, Port Fairy, Hamilton and South West Victoria. We provide structural engineering for coastal, rural and urban projects across the Great Ocean Road, Shipwreck Coast and Western District.

How much does a structural engineer cost in Warrnambool?Structural engineering fees in Ballarat typically range:

  • Beam/lintel design: $800–$1,500

  • Residential structural design: $2,000–$5,000

  • Load-bearing wall removal: $1,500–$3,000

  • Retaining wall design: $1,200–$2,500

  • Commercial structural engineering: $5,000–$15,000+

  • Heritage building assessment: $2,500–$7,000

PM Design provides structural engineering across Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Portland and South West Victoria.

Do I need a structural engineer for a renovation in Warrnambool?

Yes. Warrnambool is a high-wind coastal zone (AS 1170.2 Wind Region C/D). You need a structural engineer for:

  • Coastal residential buildings (Port Fairy, Warrnambool foreshore)

  • Wind-rated design (cyclonic/severe wind)

  • Salt-affected areas (corrosion protection)

  • Elevated/beach house structures

PM Design provides coastal structural engineering for Warrnambool Shire, Moyne Shire and Glenelg Shire (Portland, Port Fairy).

Where can I find a structural engineer near me in Warrnambool?

PM Design's Warrnambool office services:

  • Warrnambool CBD & Warrnambool East

  • Port Fairy, Koroit

  • Portland, Hamilton

  • Hopkins River, Merri River catchments

  • Great Ocean Road coastal areas

  • Moyne, Glenelg & Southern Grampians Shires

Call (03) 5564 6888 for Warrnambool structural engineering.

Structural Engineer Mount Gambier

Does PM Design service Mount Gambier?

Yes. PM Design provides structural engineering, civil engineering and soil testing services to Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast region (SA). We support residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural projects across Mount Gambier, Millicent, Naracoorte and South East South Australia.

Structural engineering fees for Mount Gambier projects typically range:

  • Residential structural design: $2,500–$6,000

  • Agricultural/industrial structures: $3,000–$10,000

  • Commercial structural engineering: $5,000–$20,000+

  • Remote site surcharge may apply (distance from Warrnambool office)

PM Design provides remote consulting and site visits to Mount Gambier from our Warrnambool office.

What soil conditions are common in Mount Gambier?

Mount Gambier sits on limestone geology with:

  • Shallow bedrock (limestone, basalt)

  • Sinkholes and karst features (common in Mount Gambier CBD)

  • Class A–S soils (typically non-reactive)

  • Groundwater considerations (Blue Lake aquifer)

Geotechnical investigation is critical in Mount Gambier due to karst geology. PM Design provides soil testing and site classification for Mount Gambier projects.

Where can I find a structural engineer near me in Warrnambool?

PM Design's Warrnambool office services:

  • Warrnambool CBD & Warrnambool East

  • Port Fairy, Koroit

  • Portland, Hamilton

  • Hopkins River, Merri River catchments

  • Great Ocean Road coastal areas

  • Moyne, Glenelg & Southern Grampians Shires

Call (03) 5564 6888 for Warrnambool structural engineering.

Civil Engineering Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool

What is civil engineering?

Civil engineering involves infrastructure design including:

Structural engineering fees for Mount Gambier projects typically range:

  • Stormwater drainage and SWMP (Stormwater Management Plans)

  • Roads, car parks and pavements

  • Subdivisions (residential, industrial, rural)

  • Earthworks and bulk excavation

  • Utilities coordination (water, sewer, power)

  • WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design)

PM Design provides civil engineering services across Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and regional Victoria.

Do I need a civil engineer for a building project in Geelong?

You need a civil engineer in Geelong if your project requires:

  • Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) — mandatory for most Greater Geelong Council projects

  • On-site detention (OSD) — required for developments over 300m² impervious area

  • Driveway crossover design

  • Site regrading or cut/fill earthworks

  • Subdivision or land development

PM Design prepares council-ready civil engineering documentation for Greater Geelong, City of Ballarat and Warrnambool City Council.

What is a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) in Geelong?

A Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is a mandatory document for most Geelong building projects showing:

  • Stormwater drainage layout

  • Pipe sizing and grades

  • Connection to council stormwater system

  • Overland flow paths

  • Detention/retention systems (if required)

  • WSUD measures (rainwater tanks, permeable paving)

Greater Geelong Council requires SWMPs for new dwellings, extensions over 50m², commercial/industrial developments and subdivisions. PM Design prepares Greater Geelong Council-compliant SWMPs.

How much does a Stormwater Management Plan cost in Geelong?

SWMP costs in Geelong typically range:

  • Residential SWMP (standard): $1,200–$2,000

  • Residential SWMP (complex site): $2,000–$3,500

  • Commercial/industrial SWMP: $2,500–$8,000

  • Subdivision drainage design: $5,000–$20,000+

PM Design provides fixed-price SWMPs for Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool projects.

Do I need on-site detention (OSD) in Geelong?

You may need on-site detention (OSD) in Geelong if:

  • Your development increases impervious area over 300m²

  • Site is in a flood-prone area (Barwon River catchment)

  • Greater Geelong Council requires flow attenuation

  • Existing stormwater system has capacity constraints

Common in Geelong West, Newtown (older drainage infrastructure), South Geelong, Belmont (flat topography) and Torquay, Ocean Grove (coastal floodplains). PM Design designs OSD tanks, infiltration systems and WSUD solutions for Geelong projects.

What is WSUD and do I need it in Geelong?

WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) involves sustainable stormwater management including:

  • Rainwater harvesting and reuse

  • Permeable paving • Bioretention/rain gardens

  • Infiltration systems • Swales and wetlands

Greater Geelong Council encourages WSUD for medium/high-density developments, commercial/industrial projects, subdivisions and coastal developments (Surf Coast Shire). PM Design integrates WSUD into civil engineering designs for Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove and Bellarine Peninsula.

Can PM Design help with subdivisions in Ballarat?

Yes. PM Design provides full civil engineering services for subdivisions in Ballarat including:

  • Concept design and feasibility

  • Subdivision layout and road design

  • Stormwater drainage and detention

  • Sewer, water and utility design

  • Earthworks and site preparation

  • City of Ballarat council approvals

We support residential, industrial and rural subdivisions across Ballarat, Sebastopol, Alfredton, Wendouree and Central Highlands.

What does civil engineering cost for a subdivision in Geelong?

Civil engineering fees for subdivisions in Geelong vary by size:

  • 2-lot subdivision: $5,000–$10,000

  • 5-10 lot subdivision: $15,000–$35,000

  • 10-50 lot subdivision: $40,000–$100,000+

  • Large-scale land development: $100,000+

Costs include concept design, detailed engineering, council liaison and construction phase support. PM Design provides fixed-price subdivision engineering for Greater Geelong and regional Victoria.

Soil Testing & Geotechnical Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool

Do I need a soil test before building in Geelong?

Yes. AS2870 site classification (soil test) is mandatory in Geelong before building. Geelong has highly variable soil conditions including:

  • Reactive clays (Class M, H) — Geelong West, Newtown, Belmont, Highton

  • Sand (Class A, S) — South Geelong, coastal areas (Torquay, Ocean Grove)

  • Rock (Class A) — Barrabool Hills, Bellarine Peninsula (limited areas)

  • Fill (Class P) — industrial areas, reclaimed land

Greater Geelong Council requires soil testing for all residential and commercial building permits. PM Design provides soil testing and geotechnical investigations across Geelong and Greater Geelong.

How much does a soil test cost in Geelong?

Soil testing costs in Geelong typically range:

  • Standard AS2870 site classification (1–2 boreholes): $900–$1,500

  • Detailed geotechnical investigation (3–5 boreholes): $2,000–$4,000

  • Contamination screening: $1,500–$3,500

  • Commercial/industrial geotechnical: $3,000–$10,000+

PM Design provides soil testing across Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Lara, Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.

What soil class is common in Geelong?

Geelong soil classifications vary by suburb:

  • Class A (Sand/Rock):

  • South Geelong (near coast)

  • Torquay, Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove (coastal sand) Class S (Slightly Reactive):

  • Parts of Geelong CBD

  • Leopold, Drysdale (basalt-influenced) Class M (Moderately Reactive Clay):

  • Most common in Geelong

  • Geelong West, Newtown, Belmont, Highton Class H (Highly Reactive Clay):

  • Geelong West (pockets)

  • Lara, Corio (Western Geelong) Class P (Problem Sites):

  • Industrial fill areas (North Shore, Corio)

  • Barwon River floodplains

PM Design provides AS2870 site classification reports for all Geelong suburbs.

Do I need a soil test in Ballarat?

Yes. AS2870 site classification is mandatory in Ballarat. Ballarat soil conditions include:

  • Class M–H reactive clays (common in Sebastopol, Alfredton, Wendouree)

  • Basalt and volcanic soils (Class A–S in parts of Buninyong, Mount Helen)

  • Fill and problem sites (Class P in older goldmining areas)

City of Ballarat requires soil testing for all residential building permits. PM Design provides soil testing and geotechnical investigations across Ballarat and Central Highlands.

How much does a soil test cost in Ballarat?

Soil testing costs in Ballarat typically range:

  • Standard AS2870 site classification: $900–$1,600

  • Detailed geotechnical investigation: $2,000–$4,500

  • Rural/large sites: $2,500–$8,000

PM Design provides soil testing in Ballarat, Sebastopol, Wendouree, Alfredton, Buninyong and Central Highlands.

Do I need a soil test in Warrnambool?

Yes. AS2870 site classification is mandatory in Warrnambool. Warrnambool soil conditions include:

  • Basaltic clays (Class M–H in Warrnambool urban areas)

  • Coastal sand (Class A–S near foreshore, Port Fairy)

  • Limestone (South West Victoria, Portland area)

Warrnambool City Council requires soil testing for residential building permits. PM Design provides soil testing across Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Portland and South West Victoria.

What is an AS2870 site classification?

AS2870 is the Australian Standard for residential slab and footing design. A site classification report assesses soil reactivity and assigns a class:

  • Class A: Non-reactive (sand, rock) — minimal footing depth

  • Class S: Slightly reactive — standard strip footings

  • Class M: Moderately reactive — common in Victoria; requires waffle/stiffened raft slab

  • Class H: Highly reactive (expansive clay) — deep footings, articulated slabs

  • Class E: Extremely reactive — specialist design required

  • Class P: Problem sites (fill, landslip, mining subsidence, collapsing soils)

The classification determines footing depth and width, slab type (waffle, stiffened raft, suspended), reinforcement requirements and edge beam depth. PM Design provides AS2870 site classification reports across Victoria.

How long does a soil test take in Geelong?

Soil testing turnaround in Geelong:

  • Site visit and borehole drilling: 1–2 hours on-site

  • Laboratory testing: 3–5 business days

  • Report preparation: 2–3 business days

  • Total turnaround: 7–10 business days (typical)

Expedited soil testing available for urgent Geelong projects. PM Design provides fast-tracked soil testing across Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool.

Can I use an old soil test in Geelong?

Generally no. Greater Geelong Council and building surveyors typically require soil tests to be:

  • Less than 2 years old

  • Conducted on the exact building site (not neighbour's report)

  • By a qualified geotechnical engineer Compliant with current AS2870 edition

Soil conditions can change due to seasonal moisture variation (especially Class M, H soils in Geelong), site works or excavation, and updated Australian Standards. PM Design recommends fresh soil testing for all Geelong building projects.

Building Permits & Council Approvals

Can PM Design help with building permits in Geelong?

Yes. PM Design provides engineering documentation required for Greater Geelong Council building permits including:

  • Structural engineering drawings and calculations

  • AS2870 site classification (soil test)

  • Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)

  • Retaining wall design and certification

  • Civil engineering (drainage, crossovers)

  • Engineering certificates (PS1, PS2, Form 15)

We coordinate with architects, builders and private building surveyors to ensure smooth approvals across Geelong, Torquay, Ocean Grove, Lara and Bellarine Peninsula.

How long does a building permit take in Geelong?

Building permit timelines in Geelong:

Private building surveyor: Simple residential: 5–10 business days

Complex residential: 10–20 business days • Commercial: 15–30 business days

Greater Geelong Council: Residential: 10–20 business days Commercial: 20–40 business days

Delays often occur due to incomplete engineering documentation, missing soil test or SWMP, or planning permit coordination. PM Design provides permit-ready engineering documentation to accelerate Geelong building approvals.

Do I need a planning permit in Geelong?

You may need a planning permit in Geelong if:

  • Building in a heritage overlay (central Geelong, Newtown)

  • Building in a Design and Development Overlay (DDO)

  • Exceeding height limits (varies by zone)

  • Subdivision or boundary variations

  • Vegetation removal (significant trees)

  • Coastal areas (Surf Coast Shire: Torquay, Ocean Grove)

Check Greater Geelong planning scheme or contact council. PM Design coordinates engineering with planning permits for Geelong projects.

What engineers do I need for a building permit in Ballarat?

For a building permit in Ballarat, you typically need:

Structural engineer:

Structural drawings and calculations • Footing and slab design • Load-bearing wall removal (if applicable)

Civil engineer:

Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) • Drainage design • Driveway crossover (if applicable)

Geotechnical engineer: AS2870 site classification (soil test) Other (if applicable):

Building surveyor (RBS or PBS) • Energy assessor (NatHERS, Section J)

Bushfire consultant (BAL assessment)

PM Design provides all structural, civil and geotechnical engineering services for City of Ballarat building permits.

Can PM Design help with Warrnambool City Council approvals?

Yes. PM Design provides engineering services for Warrnambool City Council approvals including:

  • Structural engineering drawings and calculations

  • AS2870 site classification (soil test)

  • Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)

  • Civil engineering (subdivisions, drainage)

  • Coastal/wind-rated structural design

  • Engineering certificates and compliance

We coordinate with Warrnambool Council, Moyne Shire and Glenelg Shire for building and planning permits.

Pricing & Timeline

How much does PM Design charge for engineering in Geelong?)

PM Design engineering fees in Geelong:Contact PM Design Geelong for fixed-price quotes: (03) 5249 4800

Structural engineering: • Beam/lintel design: $800–$1,500 • Slab & footing design: $1,500–$2,500 • Residential renovation/extension: $2,500–$4,500 • Full house structural design: $3,500–$7,000 Civil engineering: • Residential SWMP: $1,200–$2,000 • Commercial SWMP: $2,500–$6,000 • Subdivision design: $5,000–$20,000+ Soil testing: • AS2870 site classification: $900–$1,500 • Detailed geotechnical: $2,000–$4,000

How long does engineering take for a Geelong project?

PM Design engineering turnaround times:

  • Beam/lintel design: 2–3 business days

  • Residential structural design: 5–10 business days

  • Soil testing: 7–10 business days

  • SWMP (Stormwater Plan): 5–10 business days

  • Commercial/industrial: 10–20 business days

  • Subdivisions: 3–8 weeks

Expedited service available for urgent Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool projects.

What information do I need to provide for a quote?

To provide an accurate PM Design quote, please supply:

  • For structural projects: • Site address (Geelong/Ballarat/Warrnambool suburb) • Proposed works (extension, renovation, new build) • Architectural plans (if available) • Soil test (if available) • Council or building surveyor requirements For civil projects: • Site address and area (m²) • Scope of works (SWMP, subdivision, drainage) • Survey plan (if available) • Council pre-application notes For soil testing: • Site address • Proposed building location • Site access details

Email quotes@pmdesign.com.au or call (03) 5249 4800.

Get Expert Engineering Help in Geelong, Ballarat or Warrnambool

Can't find the answer you're looking for? PM Design's structural, civil and geotechnical engineers are here to help with your project in Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Mount Gambier or anywhere in regional Victoria.

Geelong Office: 50 Gheringhap Street, Geelong VIC 3220 Phone: (03) 5249 4800

Ballarat Office: Suite 7, 28 University Drive, Mount Helen VIC 3350 Phone: (03) 5249 4800

Warrnambool Office: 4/227 Koroit Street, Warrnambool VIC 3280 Phone: (03) 5564 6888

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