What is the difference between GT Geotechnical and other soil testing companies?
Not all residential soil tests are carried out to the same standard. At GT Geotechnical, our focus is on delivering accurate, engineering-led assessments that provide builders, designers and homeowners with confidence in their foundation design.
Where appropriate, we recommend additional investigation or laboratory testing to better understand your site's soil behaviour. This can lead to a more accurate site classification and reduce uncertainty during the design and construction process.
Our goal is not simply to complete a report—it's to provide reliable engineering advice that helps our clients make informed decisions.
Why is a more detailed soil investigation worth considering?
A standard residential site classification is suitable for many homes. However, some sites contain highly reactive clays, soft ground or variable soil conditions that can significantly influence foundation design.
A more detailed investigation provides additional information about your site's soil behaviour, allowing engineers to better assess reactivity and ground conditions.
In some cases, this improved understanding can result in a more efficient footing design, potentially reducing construction costs by avoiding unnecessarily conservative foundation systems.
What is included in a residential soil test?
Our residential site classifications generally include:
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Site inspection
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Borehole drilling
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Soil logging by experienced personnel
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Engineering assessment
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AS2870 Residential Site Classification report
Where appropriate, laboratory testing and additional boreholes can also be included to improve confidence in the site classification.
Do I need laboratory testing?
Not every site requires laboratory testing. For straightforward sites, field observations may provide sufficient information.
However, where soil conditions are variable or highly reactive, laboratory testing can provide valuable data to better assess soil behaviour. We recommend testing when it adds value to the investigation rather than including unnecessary costs.
Can a better soil investigation save money?
Yes. While a more detailed investigation involves a higher upfront cost, it may provide a more accurate understanding of the site's ground conditions.
Better information allows foundation designers to optimise slab and footing designs where appropriate, which may reduce concrete volumes, reinforcing steel and construction costs.
Investing in quality geotechnical information early in the project can often prevent far more expensive issues during construction.
Why do you offer underground service locating?
Many residential properties contain buried infrastructure such as water, sewer, electrical and telecommunications services.
Service locating before drilling helps identify these assets and reduces the risk of accidental damage. Repairing underground services can be expensive and may delay your project, so many clients choose this option for additional peace of mind.
How long does a residential soil test take?
Most field investigations are completed within a few hours, depending on site access and ground conditions.
Reports are typically issued within a few business days, although laboratory testing may increase turnaround times.
What is an AS2870 Residential Site Classification?
An AS2870 Residential Site Classification determines how reactive the soil beneath your home is to changes in moisture.
The site classification is used by structural engineers to design the slab and footings that support your home. Obtaining an accurate classification is one of the most important steps in designing durable residential foundations.
How much does a residential soil test cost?
The cost depends on the level of investigation required.
Our Essential Residential Site Classification starts from $750, making it a cost-effective solution for standard residential projects.
For sites with more complex ground conditions, our Detailed Residential Site Classification starts from $2,000 and includes additional investigation and laboratory testing to provide greater confidence in the engineering assessment.
We also offer optional underground service locating from $600 for clients who want to reduce the risk of damaging buried services before drilling.
Why should I choose GT Geotechnical?
We believe quality geotechnical engineering provides long-term value.
Our investigations are designed to provide accurate, practical engineering advice—not just a compliance report. We take the time to understand each site's ground conditions and recommend an investigation that is appropriate for the project.
Whether you're building your first home, managing a residential development or designing foundations for challenging ground conditions, GT Geotechnical is committed to delivering reliable engineering information that supports better construction outcomes.
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