Mimosa fixed site costs only if Level one compaction report

 Like  ⋅  Add a comment  ⋅  Pin to Ideaboard  ⋅  Share

Thanks for the reply worldofmud. I do not have much knowledge on these things. While purchasing this block, I have checked with the sales consultant from Mimosa to help with deciding on the few block options I had and as per his advise, I went ahead with this as he said it has no fill. However, while the same sales consultant did my preliminary agreement assuring fixed site cost, it was not mentioned that the fixed site cost wouldn't apply for my block for the same reason of not having the fill and hence no level 1 compaction report.

Hi,

Agree with all mentioned but in addition probably worth double-checking with Mimosa that the clause isn't just a standard condition and would be warranted. Maybe ask them to clarify what thickness of fill (if any) is permitted or qualify the clause. Sounds a bit like refusing an occupation certificate for a bungalow because no balcony certificate was obtained.

Curious why the sales rep was confident about no fill without any info so I had a quick look on Google Earth and attached a couple of images below (hopefully if I've done it right). I think that's whereabouts your plot is.

 Like  ⋅  Add a comment  ⋅  Pin to Ideaboard  ⋅  Share

 Like  ⋅  Add a comment  ⋅  Pin to Ideaboard  ⋅  Share

Looks like there have been some earthworks going on and the second image from 2006 looks like maybe rock/boulders are present. Something is stopping the farmer from ploughing there and a few boulders seem to be around.

As above the first step is get a solid idea of the ground conditions. If the builder appoints one they will probably go for the cheapest option so you may pay $800 - $1000 for a soil test as per 'AS2870 Residential Slabs and Footings'. Problem is if that is rock or boulders are present (which appears probable) a drill rig will likely refuse at a shallow depth and the only thing learned might be that rocks don't swell and they are harder than soil...

Unfortunately, because a soil test report to AS2870 is not required to provide recommendations on rock strength or ease of excavation it may also allow the builder to claim for unforeseen hard rock excavation within a fixed price cost (which may already have been sidestepped anyway)

As StructuralBIMGuy mentions a robust Geotech report is the way to go to and the most effective investigation method is likely to be by digging a few holes with a backhoe /excavator. This will provide the excavation info and allow more accurate pricing. If required you may be able to get a form of fill validation done at the same by the geotech and manage that clause.

In an ideal world Mimosa would provide there own excavator from nearby for a few hours the geo comes out, gets the info and provides the report and everyone wins...

Apologies if I appear to be rambling on about bedrock excavation when your query related to fill but I don't think your question can be answered without the full picture.

Best of luck, drop me a line if you require clarification.