What is a Screw Piers Installer?

A Screw Piers Installer is a licensed contractor who supplies and installs deep foundation screw piles, which are large metal piers that are mechanically driven into the ground to support your home’s slab or footings. They are commonly used on sites with reactive clay, poor soil conditions, or sloping ground.


Screw piers are typically installed after excavation and before the slab or footings are poured.

What does a Screw Piers Installer do?

Your installer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, they will:

  • Review your geotechnical report and structural engineering plans
  • Mobilise a hydraulic installation machine to your site
  • Accurately position and install screw piers to required depth and torque
  • Provide load test results or torque readings for certification
  • Coordinate with your engineer for site set-out and inspections
  • Some also offer engineering certification or Form 15s depending on local regulations.

Tip: Finalise Pier Schedule, Slab Design, and Set-Out Responsibilities Early

Make sure the final pier schedule and slab design are signed off before installation — if your site has reactive soil, actual pier depths can vary and will affect your quote.


And always confirm who’s responsible for the set-out — some installers expect a surveyor to mark locations beforehand.

What to look for in a Screw Piers Installer

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Inclusions: supply, delivery, installation, torque readings, certification
  • Load capacity and pier type (galvanised steel is standard)
  • Site access plan (especially for narrow or sloped blocks)
  • Experience with your soil type and local council compliance
  • Lead time and install availability


It’s a bonus if they can adjust for pier length changes without needing separate approvals.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Screw Piers Installers, you’ll need:

  • Geotechnical (soil) report
  • Structural engineering drawings with pier layout
  • Surveyor’s set-out
  • Site access notes (width, gradient, overhead clearance)
  • Target installation date (based on slab pour schedule)

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do all sites need screw piers?

    No — only those with poor or highly reactive soils. Your engineer decides this based on the soil report.

  • Can I switch from bored piers to screw piers?

    Yes — but your engineer must approve the change and re-certify the design.

  • Do I need a crane or big machinery on site?

    No — screw piers are installed with compact hydraulic machines. They’re far less disruptive than traditional bored piers.



How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.