Lacen Belder specialises in remedial construction, trusted to protect assets, limit risk and restore performance. From investigation through to rectification, full ownership is taken to ensure every solution performs as intended, long after completion. We are Built to Last.
Specialist remedial construction company, family-owned and operated, drawing on extensive experience across structural, commercial and residential projects. By combining broad industry knowledge with engineering expertise, we resolve complex structural, waterproofing and compliance failures across Melbourne and Greater Victoria, delivering fully integrated solutions.
Years Combined Experience
Projects Delivered
Repeat & Referral Clients
Remedial Works Valuation
At Lacen Belder, care is not a sentiment, it is a working principle. We operate as a closely aligned, senior-led team, so every project benefits from direct involvement, clear accountability, and informed decision-making from day one. Clients work with the same people throughout the project lifecycle. There are no handovers between departments, no diluted responsibility, and no gaps between diagnosis and delivery. This continuity allows us to respond quickly, adapt intelligently, and resolve issues before they escalate.
Like Australia’s most enduring landscapes, we work with longevity in mind. Every project is approached with precision, compliance, and technical discipline to ensure lasting performance and protection. Through careful planning, materials, and quality control, we restore confidence in the built environment.
Specialist Services
Investigation & Diagnosis
Defect identification, water testing, leak detection, façade inspections, consultant collaboration, and clear recommendations. We investigate and document the root cause before works begin, ensuring solutions are accurate, targeted, and effective.
Remedial Works
Building on our investigative reports, we implement tailored solutions to restore building performance and integrity. Services range from minor defect rectification through to large-scale structural and waterproofing upgrades.
Waterproofing & Moisture Control
From balcony membranes and basement systems to rising damp treatment, bathroom waterproofing, and stormwater upgrades, we provide long-term, warrantied solutions. Temporary measures are also available where urgent protection is required.
Façade & External Refurbishment
We deliver full façade upgrades, including cladding replacement, window and door upgrades, and combustible cladding removal. Our process covers design, compliance, and approvals to ensure smooth project delivery.
Heritage Works
Specialist experience in conserving and restoring heritage-listed buildings. We balance modern standards with the unique constraints of older structures, delivering sensitive, lasting solutions that respect each building’s history.
Fire Compliance Upgrades
Comprehensive upgrades covering passive fire protection, active systems such as sprinklers and alarms, fire sealing, egress compliance, and NCC code requirements. We ensure every project meets safety and regulatory standards.
Building Defects & Safety Audits
Thorough audits to identify defects, assess compliance with the NCC, and highlight safety risks. We provide clear, actionable reports to help owners, managers, and strata bodies plan rectification works with confidence.
Residential & Civil Works
Beyond remedial construction, we also deliver broader building projects. These include apartment developments, home renovations, standalone houses, and civil jobs. Each project is approached with the same level of technical precision, compliance, and commitment to quality.
Unlike new builds, remedial projects demand ingenuity, technical expertise, and deep understanding of how buildings perform over time.
Diverse Foundation
Our background spans civil works, high-end residential, heritage upgrades, and multi-unit developments. This breadth gives us a strong understanding of how buildings perform, making us specialists in rectification rather than new construction alone.
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Problem-Solving Focus
We focus on developing practical solutions that balance cost, compliance, and durability. Through realistic allowances and transparent pricing, we minimise risk, control expectations, and prevent costly surprises throughout the project lifecycle.
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End-to-End Capability
From investigation through design, delivery, and ongoing support, we manage the entire rectification process. This integrated approach improves coordination, strengthens accountability, and ensures consistent, lasting outcomes for our clients.
Featured Projects
From heritage remediation to large-scale compliance and waterproofing works, these projects reflect the kind of problems we are trusted to solve. Browse our projects page to see the full scope of what we deliver.
St Francis Church
Built in 1842, St Francis' Church is Victoria's oldest Catholic church and listed #1 on the Victorian Heritage Register. The church grounds required a series of rectification and upgrade works including water damage remediation in the choir hall following effluent flooding, security upgrades to the heritage perimeter, and concourse rectification above archaeologically sensitive ground. Given the site's significance, every intervention demanded strict compliance with Heritage Victoria requirements and continuous coordination with heritage consultants.
Ascot Vale Road
A multi-unit residential building on Ascot Vale Road was suffering from defective balconies where prolonged water ingress from failed membranes had caused structural timber decay and internal ceiling damage. The building remained fully occupied, site access was restricted, and the scale of deterioration meant that multiple balconies would need to be open simultaneously during works. Further structural deterioration uncovered during demolition added complexity beyond the original scope.
Victoria Street Waterproofing Works
Four interconnected residential buildings above a ground-floor carpark were suffering significant structural damage from sustained water ingress through planter boxes and the concourse area. Lacen Belder's investigation revealed that the damage had reached several structural columns, with failures traced back to non-compliant original construction. The scale of the rectification required removal and reinstatement of 720 cubic metres of soil, extensive concrete pours, and complex logistics - all within a building where residents continued to live.
Barkly Reclad - Brunswick
A three-level residential building in Brunswick with nine apartments and a ground-floor carpark received a Council Building Order to replace combustible EPS and ACP cladding posing a serious fire risk. During investigation, Lacen Belder identified that the issues extended well beyond the cladding itself - balcony membranes interfacing with the facade had been allowing water ingress for years, widespread detailing defects were present throughout, and the roof structure was unable to support conventional scaffolding loads.
Union Street Reclad
A 2011-built apartment building was showing severe timber cladding deterioration from long-term water exposure, with moisture damage, decayed board ends, and irregular framing compromising facade performance and safety. Variable timber species and inconsistent original installation details meant that a blanket replacement approach carried its own risks, and limited facade access with tight boundary conditions further constrained the options available.
Little Miller Apartments
A six-level mixed-use complex in Fitzroy North was experiencing widespread water ingress soon after completion, with leaks traced to balconies, planter boxes, facades, and plumbing systems causing damage throughout apartments, common areas, and the basement carpark. The defects spanned multiple building systems, the building remained occupied, and the Owners Corporation faced budget constraints that meant every dollar of remediation needed to deliver value.
Every project follows a structured pathway designed to move from uncertainty to resolution with clarity, control, and technical confidence.
Diagnosis & Planning
We start with evidence, not assumptions. Targeted investigations, testing, and technical review establish the true cause of failure so solutions address root issues, not visible symptoms.
Engineering Solutions
Findings are translated into practical, buildable strategies developed in collaboration with engineers and specialists. Each solution balances compliance, constructability, cost, and long-term durability.
Project Management
Remedial work rarely happens in empty buildings. We carefully stage programs, logistics, and access to maintain safety, minimise disruption, and keep occupants, operations, and stakeholders moving.
Expert Execution
Works are delivered using proven construction methodologies, disciplined sequencing, and continuous oversight. Every stage is verified to ensure the problem is fully resolved and performance restored.
Common Questions
Quick answers to the most common enquiries about our remedial construction services
We specialise in complex remedial construction, including water ingress and waterproofing failures, combustible cladding rectification, structural deterioration, building envelope failures, and heritage building restoration. Our expertise covers both investigation/diagnosis and complete remediation solutions.
We refuse to offer “band-aid” solutions.Our process begins with a thorough investigation to identify root causes, notjust symptoms. We collaborate closely with engineers, heritage consultants, andfire safety specialists to ensure every solution is compliant, durable, andcost-effective.
Project timelines vary significantly based on complexity, building size, and the extent of remediation required. Small-scale waterproofing repairs might take 2–4 weeks, while complex cladding rectification or major structural work can take 6–18 months. We provide detailed project schedules during the design phase.
Yes, we specialise in working on occupied buildings, including apartments, offices, and heritage properties. We understand the challenges of minimal disruption and have developed staging approaches that allow residents and businesses to continue normal operations during construction.
Our pricing is based on a detailed investigation and the findings and scope of work required. We provide transparent, itemised quotes that clearly break down investigation costs, design fees, materials, labour, and project management. No hidden costs or surprise variations.
Our clients consistently rate us 5 stars for our professionalism, quality workmanship, and clear communication from start to finish.
Lacen Belder carried out some tricky repairs related to water leaks on two apartment balconies in our strata building. The team were professional, always available, and courteous, staging the work to minimise impact to residents. When non-compliant building components were uncovered, they dealt with them quickly and cost-effectively.
Our Owners Corporation engaged Lacen Belder for a cladding replacement project in Brunswick. The entire team was friendly and easy to work with, ensuring minimal disruption within the building. Most importantly, the project was completed on time. A big shout-out to Harry and his crew for being exceptionally attentive and responsive. Highly recommended.
Lacen Belder were engaged by our Owners Corporation to carry out large-scale works on our building to address ongoing water leak issues. They approached the job thoroughly and clearly knew what they were doing. Being able to see progress along the way gave us confidence the issues were being properly resolved. Very happy with the outcome.
I engaged Lacen Belder to diagnose several long-standing issues at my property. They got to the root cause quickly, and the report they provided was clear and well structured. What I really appreciated was that they presented multiple solution options across different price points, rather than pushing one expensive fix. Professional, practical, and easy to deal with.
We have had an excellent experience working with Lacen Belder and Therese. They have been consistently easy to communicate with, professional, and responsive. Their reports are extensive, clear, and thorough, providing all the information needed to make informed decisions. Highly recommended for anyone seeking reliable service and strong communication.
From my first call with Therese through to the first site visit from Tony, Lacen Belder's kindness, honesty, and dedication to outstanding service was obvious. They gave me the comfort of knowing I was being taken care of — no need to worry about shortcuts or check every detail. It's rare to feel that level of trust in a building project. I can't recommend them highly enough.
I've been working with Lacen Belder for over 15 years across 40+ projects as a structural engineer, and the experience has been consistently excellent. They're professional, collaborative, and genuinely committed to getting things right. A team you can trust to deliver.
At St Anne's School, we continue to have a fantastic experience with this team. Professional, reliable, and incredibly responsive — they complete the job exactly as quoted, leaving everything spotless. All team members have Working With Children Checks, which gives us great peace of mind in a school environment.