Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Dec 01, 2010 6:30 pm I have purchased a 490m block which is 9 days from settlement and I have asked a builder who I am interested to quote on my build.. I have a soil test which I bought the land subject to, and the engineer came back with s class.. The builder says there is mo way this could be correct and want to do another soil test, also they are quoting an extra 7,500 for fall.. Block does have a gradual slope to back which I didn't think wad that much of a big deal.. And since have found a earthmover who could do it for 2000-3000 but worried this I going to cause drama with the buildrrs I am more concerned I accepted the soil test as a S why would the builder want to put a H class slab on it.. If my engineer did get this wrong, is there anyway of backing out of the contract as it was subject to incorrect information.. Or is the builder just trying to Jack up my costs.. Re: Soil tests states s class builders says no! 2Dec 02, 2010 11:34 am Since it was your engineer who did the test, I can't see you backing out of it based on a builder opinion(who doesn't have an engineering degree. It may have something to do with the type of house you're trying to build too. Are you looking at a double story house? Putting a lot more weight over the same building envelope could jack up prices (maybe??) As far as slope goes, how much does it slope to begin with? Re: Soil tests states s class builders says no! 3Dec 02, 2010 4:18 pm Do you have to build with this builder if not I would be looking else where. I agree with chrisandkate that the builder is no expert in engineering and is not licence or insured for such testing. I would get a contour survey done so you know exactly what slope you are dealing with. Get quotes from other builders never believe what one builder tries to tell you. 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 tests states s class builders says no! 4Dec 02, 2010 4:32 pm I too will have to add my support to the above 2 posts. S and H are quite different soils with a whole M class in between. The builder may be making his judgement on a house he has done in the area but he should be willing to accept an engineers soil test. Nathan Re: Soil tests states s class builders says no! 5Dec 03, 2010 12:40 am Thanks for all the replys.. Builder is stating it Is or reasons they have never seen a s class in my area before :s and it willing for now pay for a soil test which they will seek and I don't think it that interpendant! I hve friends who have bought slabs in my town and had class S so there stories aren't making sence.. Just think they are seenjng a a female in her 20's and single and trying to Jack up the price as I am only seeking a 12 sq house.. As for the fall a contour plan was attached with my contact of sale.. But really have no idea how it reads.. I did seek the advice of a local builder today ( non project home) who beleives it would be better for me to build the slab up instead of a cut and fill as it would leave me with a fair slope to driveway towards the house... They are doing an estimate.. Sorry if I seem vague I am learning this stuff as I go! I was told by a previous ( yes another one) builder it would be about 600mm fall.. They also told me a heap of bs and I ended up backing out of a quote from them as the consultant added his own ' inclusions' which didn't reflect on the contracts. Haven had much luck with his building thing.. Lol Re: Soil tests states s class builders says no! 6Dec 03, 2010 1:02 am How can they say what class it should be if they are going by previous builds in an area... every build is different and they shouldn't assume a class without even surveying it. What area are you in? Maybe someone has similar block and can tell you what they got 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 tests states s class builders says no! 8Dec 03, 2010 9:12 am I would ring up the soil testers and have a chat to them about what the builder is tell you and get them to explain the soil test so you can understand it more. The local builder seems to be talking more sence, It may cost a little more to the house with the local builder but you may save money in less retaining and driveway cost. I have built both with a project builder and a smaller local builder and even though both experiences went well and after service on both parts has been great. If I built again I would go with the smaller local builder as being able to talk direct with the builder through planning and building has been great. 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 tests states s class builders says no! 9Dec 03, 2010 5:18 pm Builders local knowledge may be worth something, ive done houses next to each other, and one was an M site, the other was a P, both were the same material... exactly the same. Check up on the soil test. I am not sure whether Perth has its own way of doing things in regards to this. Most of Perth has class A (sandy soil), except for some areas near rivers or hills. 2 13098 I don’t think so as the floor area over 300 square meters then it is class 3…. 12 17936 The Soil classification has little to do with piers. The purpose of the classing of the soil is to identify the clay content and the "average expected range of movement… 2 9854 |