How much does a geotechnical report cost?
How much does a geotechnical report cost?
$1,000 – $5,000 average cost of a geotechnical report
Geotechnical report cost
A geotechnical survey costs $1,000 to $5,000 on average. A geotechnical report confirms the safety and stability of the ground before building a foundation for a home or commercial structure. Geotechnical engineers charge $30 to $100 per hour to perform pre-construction soil testing and boring.
| National Average Cost | $2,900 |
| Minimum Cost | $100 |
| Maximum Cost | $5,800 |
| Average Range | $1,000 to $5,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Pre-construction soil testing costs
Pre-construction soil testing helps determine the stability and safety of the ground. Geotechnical engineers typically measure compaction, percolation, and composition before construction.
| Test type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Soil compaction testing | $10 – $100 |
| Soil percolation testing | $250 – $700 |
| Advanced soil composition testing | $100 – $500 |
| Soil boring testing | $700 – $1,500 |
Soil compaction test cost
A soil compaction test costs $10 to $100 per sample and measures the soil density. Compaction testing is necessary because it detects air pockets and potential weaknesses in the ground.
Soil boring test cost
A soil boring test costs $700 to $1,500 for two holes and $300 to $900 for each additional bore. A soil boring test allows geotechnical engineers to collect samples from 15 to 20 feet in the ground. Boring requires special equipment to drill into the soil.
| Number of bore holes | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 2 holes | $700 – $1,500 |
| Each additional bore | $300 – $900 |
Soil sampling involves vertical boring to dig deep into the ground. In comparison, directional boring costs $10 to $30 per linear foot and involves drilling horizontally or on a curved path instead.
Soil percolation assessment
A soil percolation test costs $250 to $700 and measures the water absorption rate, which helps builders decide how much drainage is needed.
Septic system installation costs $3,500 to $8,500 and requires a perc test.
Geotechnical soil report cost factors
| Factor | Average cost per hour |
|---|---|
| Soil engineer | $30 – $100 |
| Lab analysis | $80 – $200 |
The following factors affect the cost of a geotechnical soil report:
Labor cost – Geotechnical engineers charge $30 to $100 per hour to collect samples and work on-site. Lab technicians charge $80 to $200 per hour to process soil tests and reports.
Size / location – The number of samples and local rates influence the total cost. Urban areas typically cost more to test than suburban or rural neighborhoods.
Equipment / additional bore holes – Boring equipment operators charge $700 to $1,500 to take two 15’ to 20’ samples. Additional bore holes cost $300 to $900 each.
Type of structure – Commercial building projects may need more bores and samples, which cost more than simple residential testing.
Permits / inspection – Geotechnical soil testing and inspection is typically required in order to get a building permit.
Recommendations – Geotechnical testing is required or recommended for major projects, including:
Building a house costs $155,000 to $416,250.
Pouring a foundation costs $5,128 to $19,350 or $5 to $33 per square foot.
Drainage system installation costs $10 to $25 per linear foot or $1,000 to $4,000 total.
Building a pool costs $1,850 to $4,977 for above ground and $28,000 to $55,000 for in-ground.
Well drilling costs $3,750 to $15,300 or $25 to $65 per foot.
Land grading and leveling costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot or $1,000 to $5,000 for large projects.
Fill dirt costs $5 to $25 per cubic yard or $4 to $15 per ton delivered.
What is a geotechnical report?
A geotechnical report is an assessment of soil and ground characteristics used in building. This type of survey is necessary before laying a foundation for a residential or commercial building.
What is the difference between a geotechnical report and a soil report?
A geotechnical report includes information about soil, groundwater, earthquake safety, and overall structure. A soil report focuses only on soil composition.
Soil testing costs $10 to $500, depending on the test. Basic soil profile and composition testing costs $10 to $40 per sample, while soil contamination testing costs $5 to $50 per sample.
How long does a geotechnical report take to complete?
A geotechnical report takes 2 to 8 weeks on average. Complex or large-scale projects may take longer.
Getting quotes for a geotechnical survey
Before hiring a geotechnical surveyor near you, be sure to:
Read company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, insured, bonded company with 5+ years’ experience.
Get three or more quotes to compare.
Verify that the company has experience with pre-construction soil testing.
Remember that the lowest bods often signal low-quality work.
Confirm that the estimate includes all material, labor, and equipment costs for the geotechnical report.
Get copies of project estimates, permits, contracts, and warranties.
Create a payment schedule instead of making a full payment upfront.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What certifications do you have?
Can I see references from pervious jobs?
Does the estimate include labor, equipment, and lab fees?
Which laboratory will test the soil samples?
How long will it take to get the test results?
How will the report be sent to me?
What is the payment schedule for this project?
What financing options do you offer?