Browse Forums Building A New House 1 May 23, 2011 4:28 pm I'm trying to decide if it would be a good idea to get the soil and survey done before we start approaching builders to quote? How much does it cost to get these done? It seems a bit of a waste to meet with builders without having this information. All they can do is guess your site works then right? Otherwise I'll be paying for it through each builder won't I? We have a slight slope on our block and I'm concerned that we might need retaining walls at the front and without knowing that I don't think we'd be able to get accurate enough quotes to compare. *shrug* What has everyone else done? BTW, we're not using project/volume builders. Casey + Gary + 5 kool kiddos + 1 funky Frenchie + 5 happy hens = barrels of fun in Muswellbrook Re: Soil and survey - prior to choosing builder? 2May 23, 2011 4:35 pm This is a very wise decision. Do it. You could even go one step further and get an engineer to design a slab for you. Certainly puts an end to the "site works scam". BTW, generally the only profit on a project home come from the "site works" they gouge from the customer. It's a cruel business. ".....teach people the flanges are rubber and are damaged when a gorilla turns them off....." Re: Soil and survey - prior to choosing builder? 3May 23, 2011 6:41 pm The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: Soil and survey - prior to choosing builder? 4May 23, 2011 7:06 pm Owner Builders would need to employ a Foundation engineer anyway, would they accept another Geo test ? that would be up to them i would Imagine, and you would pay for this Soil/survey again whether it is upfront or hidden. From experience a soil is an indication only... you get 3 samples over a block, say no more mate theres still alot of ground to cover.. I reckon your wasting your money. Using a volume builder as an example would offer on site costs and also put in a variation on contract if anything unforseen came up ( fair due , these guys don't have Xray specs remember ) during foundation work.. most builders are very transparent in this area as they have to produce costs ( invoices) from suppliers as proof of cost of extra site works involved for variation. Only my opinion. All the best G Ger ask the surveyor for clarification would be the logical approach 1 20133 Give "Holt Surveying" they are based around Eight Mile Plains 3 8737 A survey must’ve completed by a certified surveyor. This form part of every DA requirement 3 223606 |