ᐅ What should we consider when reviewing a soil survey?

Created on: 4 Feb 2020 18:56
F
Familie HV
Hello dear community,

we are about to have a soil survey carried out for our plot of land.
We have requested several quotes and received very different prices and approaches.
They ranged from 950 to 2600 euros.
Unfortunately, we have no experience with this topic and wonder what is important when it comes to a soil survey?
Dynamic probing, small boreholes, excavation pits?

We look forward to your feedback.

Thank you very much!

Best regards
A
apokolok
5 Feb 2020 10:14
Yes.
If you take the soil survey report to the general contractor (GC) or architect, you will also receive more accurate quotes, as they can then assess how complex the foundation work will be.
S
Strahleman
5 Feb 2020 10:28
We are from Bavaria (Middle Franconia) and had a soil report done as well. It cost us 750 euros in mid-2019 for two exploratory boreholes. The soil report included foundation recommendations and measures for sealing below-ground components, which made planning easier for the general contractor.
H
hampshire
5 Feb 2020 10:37
@Familie HV :
The main question is why you are having this report prepared.

The approach depends on the goal. If it is a proof required for building permit / planning permission, then you can opt for the most affordable option.
If the aim is to achieve better cost certainty for excavation or structural engineering (soil classification), then depending on the site, you will need several boreholes to determine if and when you encounter any costly soil layers.
If you want to investigate soil load-bearing capacity, you will need multiple samples, and the procedure will be different again.

So: Why are you commissioning the report?
F
Familie HV
5 Feb 2020 19:40
hampshire schrieb:

@Familie HV :
The main question is why you are having this report prepared.

The approach depends on the objective. If it is a proof required for permits (building permit / planning permission), then you can choose the most affordable option.
If it is to gain better cost certainty for excavation/structural engineering (soil classification), then depending on the site you need several boreholes to determine if and when you encounter more costly soil materials.
If it is to examine soil loads, you need several samples and a different procedure applies.

So: Why are you commissioning the report?

Hello,

The municipality has already conducted a soil investigation in the new development area. However, we were explicitly advised to have a separate soil report done specifically for our lot. We want to build with a basement, so it is important for us to know if there is any possible hydrostatic pressure, what the groundwater level is, etc.

Here you can see the price comparisons.

Price overview of geotechnical investigations with cost items, total amount and VAT (Euro).
H
hegi___
5 Feb 2020 19:47
I would never build without a soil report. You never really know how load-bearing the ground is. After all, the entire house rests on the ground. For waterproofing reasons, it is also important to know whether there is any hydrostatic pressure or similar issues.
H
hampshire
5 Feb 2020 20:02
From the price comparison, I cannot determine which offer meets the requirements and which does not. I would recommend contacting the providers again for more detailed information.