Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jun 01, 2020 11:51 am Hi everyone, I have a report from the land developer that the residential plot is compacted to Level 1 requirements of AS 3798. The builder commissioned their own test and concluded that the land is poorly conducted and are telling me they will add 6K $ in site costs. I have sent their report to the developer and waiting for reply. What is the way out here? Who is right? Does the developer have obligation to rectify? Or do I have to cover costs? Thank you and sorry for the long lost. Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 2Jun 01, 2020 1:47 pm Hi Zenn, You can try and argue this with the developer but I don't think you will get far, it is extremely common. In my opinion the builder is covering their own backside, wanting to engieer the footings / slab with a stronger system. The builder has to warrant the home over how many years. This is why you see complaints regarding movement, cracks etc from users on this forum, so in your case it may be a postive reason. It might be the better option to ask the builder exactly what the additional $6k is for? If this is just for soil removal, or additional fill or compaction I would question it. If this is for additional strengthening then I would look at it as a good thing. If you're able to obtain the structural engineering drawings that would be a great help to. Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 4Jun 01, 2020 1:49 pm Hi Zenn, In short the developer and builder have provided you with 2 different reports. The developer has provided you with a Level 1 Compaction Report. Typically this only provides an assurance that the density of the fill is tested in accordance with AS3798. This report does not take into consideration the characteristics of the soil, which is why a geotechnical engineer is engaged by the builder to perform soil testing; the report from the builder. If you have a copy of the soil test it should note the classification; A, S, M, H1, H2, E or P. They should also note and reference the Compaction Report. The Geotechnical Engineers work out the characteristic surface movement and the estimated differential settlement (the value by which the Level 1 controlled fill may further displace). What soil classification did the builder quote you on? And do you have a copy of the report? Because the estimated settlement of the Level 1 controlled fill may move you up a classification causing the difference in price? Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I'm happy to help. Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 5Jun 01, 2020 7:19 pm Koda67 Hi Zenn, You can try and argue this with the developer but I don't think you will get far, it is extremely common. In my opinion the builder is covering their own backside, wanting to engieer the footings / slab with a stronger system. The builder has to warrant the home over how many years. This is why you see complaints regarding movement, cracks etc from users on this forum, so in your case it may be a postive reason. It might be the better option to ask the builder exactly what the additional $6k is for? If this is just for soil removal, or additional fill or compaction I would question it. If this is for additional strengthening then I would look at it as a good thing. If you're able to obtain the structural engineering drawings that would be a great help to. Thanks Koda! The builder says the cost is calculated after the recommendation from the engineer to use Suspended Waffle Pod Slab supported on Piers (Edge Beams or Screw Piles could also be adopted) to cope with the uncontrolled fill on the land. See the drawing. Is that what you had in mind? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 6Jun 01, 2020 7:22 pm alexp79 Also, could you share the details of the particular report, which concluded that land was poorly compacted? Thanks Alex! See the attached. The whole report is 9 pages long. I have also attached the developer report for comparison. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 7Jun 01, 2020 7:24 pm What is the soil classification and bearing capacity (kPa)? You may also consider Cupolex for your slab, it is specifically designed for unstable soils and could end up well cheaper than waffle on piers (see cupolex.com.au). Fantasic system! Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 8Jun 01, 2020 7:25 pm l_vanslyke Hi Zenn, In short the developer and builder have provided you with 2 different reports. The developer has provided you with a Level 1 Compaction Report. Typically this only provides an assurance that the density of the fill is tested in accordance with AS3798. This report does not take into consideration the characteristics of the soil, which is why a geotechnical engineer is engaged by the builder to perform soil testing; the report from the builder. If you have a copy of the soil test it should note the classification; A, S, M, H1, H2, E or P. They should also note and reference the Compaction Report. The Geotechnical Engineers work out the characteristic surface movement and the estimated differential settlement (the value by which the Level 1 controlled fill may further displace). What soil classification did the builder quote you on? And do you have a copy of the report? Because the estimated settlement of the Level 1 controlled fill may move you up a classification causing the difference in price? Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! I'm happy to help. Hi I_vanslyke and thank you! The whole builder report is 9 pages and having gone through it, it does not say what the soil classification is. It just refers to loose soil, silt, clay. See attached. What is unclear to me is how two engineering companies referring to the same AS standard and testing the same plot reach two conflicting reports. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 11Oct 28, 2020 1:47 pm Check with your builder on what is the remediation for this. I was in a similar situation last year, I did not want to second guess and went ahead with the extra cost of installing concrete bored piers. set me back by 6K. But then many other builders in my street or estate have laid the slab without any piers, my builder had 4-5 build in my adjoining areas and he had piers for all of them May be it's a way for the builders to protect their own interests. Re: Level 1 Compaction - Residential 12Feb 14, 2021 8:11 am Hi, I am interested to know what responses you received when questioning quality of compaction despite level 1 compaction certification provided. Our lot came level 1 certified but are having to pay builder $20k extra site costs due to suspended slab on piers. I have demanded developer to take it on chin and pay for over and above standard cost. Had an independent enginee to peer review level 1 testing and it seems if they really did not level 1 compaction (not just paper work to pass) I wouldn't be having results that we saw. I have threatened the developer to challenge it in court or at least damage their credibility/reputation by making the issue public to all future lot buyers in the estate. Let's see what they come back with but I am going to swallow the pill that easily being aware of substandard practices in local development markets Zenn Hi everyone, I have a report from the land developer that the residential plot is compacted to Level 1 requirements of AS 3798. The builder commissioned their own test and concluded that the land is poorly conducted and are telling me they will add 6K $ in site costs. I have sent their report to the developer and waiting for reply. What is the way out here? Who is right? Does the developer have obligation to rectify? Or do I have to cover costs? Thank you and sorry for the long lost. 1 4667 isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 17525 they can, it's a fairly standard solution when the slab isn't recessed. the falls need to be in the main floor, if it hasn't been done then you need to ask them to redo… 4 6581 |