Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Dec 15, 2009 10:21 am Was hoping someone can give advice as to how to proceed with this unusual sitation- sorry its a long explanation . When we put the deposit on our land in Feb it was still undeveloped and incomplete. Our builder did a soil test in March 09 and we obtained a compaction report from the developer stating that compaction would be at level 1 (maxm compaction). At our temder apptment in May the builder had added a $7K allowance for potential piering if the compaction was not up to snuff, this was all pending a second soil test to be performed after titles were released. We were told at this time that the 7K was for worst case scenario and would not be required if the second soil test was similar to the first. So, titles released in November and we are told a second soil test has been scheduled. Was up at the block on Sunday and no tell tale holes of a soil test being performed. The voila, yesterday appears the results of a soil test apparently performed on Friday stating that not only do we need this piering but that there had been additional fill placed on our block and that the cost was going to be driven even further than the 7K that was considered the worst case scenario unless we could supply an updated compaction report. After speaking with the developer they claim that other than 100mm of top soil no extra fill was placed on the block from the time the first compaction report was prepared and hence there was no second compaction report. So, up to the block we went last night to check for any signs of a soil test perhaps having been performed since we were there on Sunday. Nothing. So we currently stand with the builder saying our site costs are going to increase due to extra fill placed on our land which was determined by a soil test that they claim was performed but clearly was not. I do know of another block on the estate that had a soil test performed early last week and there is clearly evidence of this having happened with the tell talke holes in the ground which were still evident yesterday. I have written to my CSC and told them that as far as we were concerned a second soil test has not been performed as well as directed them to the project manager of the development who claims that there is no additional fill and hence no updated compaction report. I have also suggested that since the soil tests are apparently performed by an independent company that the builder send out a representative to confirm that the land has obviously not been disturbed in any way. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to proceed from here? Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 2Dec 15, 2009 2:54 pm It can be difficult to find evidence of soil testing. I have a current project were I am locating, on a large development site, approximately 100 boreholes which were bored by a large mining drill rig! The drill penetrated iuntil they hit resistance (up to 20m deep) and I have to be shown by the drill rig operator the exact position of about 25 as I can not find any evidence of them. On my own residential block, i could only find 2 out of 3! I would recomend that you employ your own soil test engineer to perform the work. It would be piece of mind for a small cost. If your independent soil test shows uncompacted fill then re-visit your developer and review the original disclosed land contract. If your soil results prove you do not require footings then take this evidense to your builder. Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 3Dec 15, 2009 11:21 pm On the soil test report they should show where the holes are drilled, Make sure you get a copy of the report and tell the builder you wish to speak to the soil test company, don't forget you have paid for this report so you are entitled to have a copy. Cheers Lou http://take2-customdesigndownslope.blogspot.com 07-10-09 omg they have cut the block 14-05-10 we finally have the keys Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 4Dec 15, 2009 11:39 pm Yup, ask for a copy of said report. You are entitled to see them. Built with New Generation (Summit Homes) We own land!... with a slab on it! Plus a shell of a house with stuff inside ! Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 5Dec 16, 2009 7:34 am They did provide me with a copy of the report indicating where the bore holes are supposed to be however looking at the actual land they are conspicuously absent. The dirt has not been disturbed at all and since the block is completely flat and empty save for about 10 blades of grass I am confident that we would have seen them if they were there. As a result of the phantom soil test, not only do we need piering but it needs to be deeper than what was originally the worst case scenario and so more $$. As a side note one of our future neighbours with the same builder is in the exact same situation with the second soil test being done on the same day as ours was supposed to have taken place and they also have no bore holes and also need this extra piering. I think its quite likely that they have just done a drive by inspection and written whatever they felt like. The report does day that the means of testing was by auger which indicates that there SHOULD be bore holes. Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 6Dec 16, 2009 1:39 pm Maybe they tested the wrong block. I've heard of that happening before. I've even heard of a company building an entire house on the wrong block! Edit: Or was that the wrong house design on the right block? And it was missed by inspections because there happened to be another house of the expected design on another nearby block. Metricon Riva 33 - http://herlihy-riva.blogspot.com Site start 15/03/2010 - Handover 23/12/2010 9 months and 8 days (284 calendar days) from site start to handover Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 7Dec 17, 2009 7:22 am I did actually consider that and then walked through the entire estate looking for drilling holes. Found 2 blocks with holes on them, one for another house being built with same builder but I know the owners and their soil test report was different to the one we were given. Potentially could be the other block but its a corner block in a different stage of the development so I think its unlikely. Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 8Dec 17, 2009 7:49 am We went out to our block a few days after they 'tested'. I couldn't see any sign of testing, but hey - they kept us as a Class M, so I wasn't going to complain. Stefan Building the M3tr!con Liberty 42 at Stonecutters Ridge. The New Build Blog - "Life, In Progress." Stonecutters Ridge Community Website | My photos Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 9Dec 17, 2009 8:39 am If they had kept us an M class slab I would also not be complaining but this is going to cost us at least 7K. I am happy to the pay the $$ if it is a necessary upgrade but just someone driving by and taking a guess is not good enough. As I mentioned earlier we have some future neighbours in the same boat. Their direct neighbours have laid their slab already and have no piering. In fact none of the other slabs that have gone down in the area thus far have needed piering. Re: soil test report but no soil test done- that I can tell 10Jun 13, 2012 12:09 pm Hi, I have the same problem with M3tR1c0n. I build on williams landing which well know good land. they force me towards the end of First home buyer grant. and charge me more for the piering (12K) because no compaction report. After I double check with the estate it seems due to privacy only builders can see the compaction report. and they warrant me that my land has 110% compaction. but they ignore it, and keep to charge me 12K with lie that they can't see if there is compaction on my report. because M3tR1c0n knows that I can't see that report. So I can't trust M3tR1c0n, And I went to go the small builder which has better price without hidden price. I am not a sales person, but if you have similar problem. Feel free to contact me. I am happy to share my experience 1) I had requested R6 ceiling insualtion batts, however I noticed that on some areas there are huge gaps which will allow hot air to sweep in, and also noticed black/grey… 0 3585 I work with owner, he/she is my man on the ground and I instruct them when to visit the site and take photos and I have other tools in the bag. 4 15244 Depends what you're current inclusions are, but we're not including wardrobes and will just use second hand ones until we can save later on to get them built. Also have a… 3 11595 |