ᐅ Costs for Soil Replacement Based on Geotechnical Report Before Land Purchase

Created on: 3 Sep 2016 09:50
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Goldi09111
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Goldi09111
3 Sep 2016 09:50
Hello everyone,

We have received approval/agreement from the city that allows us to conduct a soil survey before purchasing the plot, as I mentioned that I want to know any potential additional costs upfront so they can be included in the budget.

We already have two soil surveys from neighbors, and for the directly adjacent neighbor, the drilling was stopped at about 3 to 3.5 meters (10 to 11.5 feet) due to hard rock. Later, it turned out that the area had been filled with concrete blocks, which had to be completely removed due to insufficient compaction, resulting in approximately €17,000 (around $18,000) in extra costs for soil replacement.

Now to the main question: What do you think are the chances that I can pass these costs on to the city? Is the seller of the plot responsible for ensuring that I can build on the land without these additional expenses, or does the responsibility lie with the buyer?

Thank you!
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Legurit
3 Sep 2016 09:54
Poor to very poor would be my guess. The city will tell you that this has already been taken into account in the purchase price. Still curious… what was there before, that someone disposed of construction debris?
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Goldi09111
3 Sep 2016 10:00
Well, the prices are the same throughout the entire area, but there is only one section where the fill material is located.

In the past, during the GDR era, there was an agricultural storage hall here, and the large concrete pillars were reportedly crushed and mixed into the fill.
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Legurit
3 Sep 2016 10:10
Perhaps a chemical analysis would also be advisable... you never know if the tractor on your property has always had its oil changed properly.
Espenlaub3 Sep 2016 10:43
Hello Goldi,

The costs are borne by the property owner. So, no, you cannot transfer the costs. Is there a record of the site as a contaminated site or historical contamination on or adjacent to the property? The thickness of the fill is substantial. What does the investigation according to LAGA say?

Regards, Rina
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Goldi09111
3 Sep 2016 13:28
The current owner is still the city.

I have already requested a contaminated sites extract; everything is clear.

The soil report will also analyze chemical elements, as arsenic levels are elevated in our Ore Mountains region.