If you’re asking these questions it’s because you’re ready to build a new home or improve your existing one. Congratulations! No doubt this is an exciting and important investment for you and your family. It is crucial to start the process right by completing a soil test through a reputable geotechnical engineer.
A soil test (also known as a site classification) provides your structural engineer and builder with vital information for the design of your home’s foundations. Site classifications for residential projects are completed in accordance with Australian Standards AS2870. Our Directors Jason Bau and Bruce Hargreaves are well versed with the Standard, and notably Bruce is a member of the AS2870 code committee.
The outcome of your soil test can drastically affect your overall build budget, so it is wise to complete a soil test before you purchase your land. You cannot proceed with building your home or renovations until this test has been completed. In some states, failure to complete a soil test can negate your qualification for building insurance.
There are a variety of factors that can affect the structural integrity of your home, such as:
- tree roots
- water table
- uncontrolled fill.
Should any of these issues present themselves in your soil test, your geotechnical engineer will be able to provide advice on how to best manage them.
In the scheme of your overall build costs, the cost of a soil test is minor. Having the right information about what lies beneath will ensure you and your builder are adequately prepared for the build ahead, and will help to protect the lifespan of your home.