The Importance of Soil Testing in New Construction
Everything you need to know about soil analysis for your new build.
Breaking ground on your new custom home build is beyond thrilling for most - yet before you can start to see things take form on your newly acquired land, there are some less exciting things that need to be tended to first. One very important part of the pre-construction process is testing your lot’s soil. Your lot’s soil plays a surprisingly significant role throughout the entire new home construction process.
Why Do You Need to Test the Soil?
Soil testing, also referred to as soil analysis, is often required for building permits because it will help to determine if the composition of the soil can properly support a foundation.
Loose, easily-compressed soil or absorptive clay will require additional foundational support, which can mean a wider or deeper foundational base to replace the “bad” soil. Without this extra support, the moisture content of the soil will expand and contract over time, leading to cracked or crumbling foundations - a very costly repair for homeowners.
Who Performs Soil Testing?
Soil engineers can be hired privately or through your architect or contractor. These geotechnical engineers will be licensed in the state your new home is being built, and have a strong background in civil engineering.
Soil engineers will test the composition of soil to see if it is considered “strong” soil or “weak” soil. Strong soil will have good density so it won’t compact or settle too much after construction has been completed. Weak soil will expand and contract 10% or more when moisture is introduced, leading to a shift in the foundation that will result in cracks or chips.
What is the Soil Analysis Process?
Soil engineers will drill holes into the soil to take several samples. These samples will be tested to determine the suitability of the soil, and this process will be repeated multiple times throughout the construction process to ensure ongoing foundational compatibility.
Once the soil has been tested, they will analyze for potential problems that could be caused by the soil’s composition. Next, the soil engineer will make recommendations about the best ways to address these issues. Potential solutions include extra drainage, additional foundational or earth supports, or soil grading. At the end of the process, the homeowner will be given a comprehensive report that is also shared with the construction team. For homes that will include a basement, a soil engineer is an especially crucial part of planning processes.
See how Atmos can connect you to the right soil engineers in your area, and can help you to start building a strong team of local experts to assist along every step of the new construction process. Get started today!
