After our building application finally reached the municipality in June, the next important step was the soil survey. Such a survey is essential to determine the type of foundation, establish protective measures against water and frost, and ensure that all construction measures are properly planned.
We hired the firm Genesis Umwelt Consulting to conduct four exploratory drillings on our property. Three of these drillings reached a depth of about 3 meters below ground level, while the fourth drilling went to a depth of about 2 meters.
Fortunately, there were no major surprises. The soil is well-suited for building our house, which means no unexpected additional costs are anticipated. The load-bearing soil layers consist of sandy clays/silts and silty sands, which are stiff to semi-solid in the relevant foundation area. These soil layers are sufficiently load-bearing, so a frost-free foundation depth of 1.0 meters is adequate.
Neither groundwater nor standing water was detected. However, we must expect temporarily accumulating seepage water during the construction phase. This water can be controlled with appropriate measures such as drainage systems and sump pumps.
For the basement, this means that we must provide waterproofing due to the possible impact of pressing water (white tank), which was already planned.
| Estimation | |
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Geotechnical Investigation
Geotechnical Investigation and Foundation Consultation involves the transport of all necessary equipment and materials to and from the site, conducting field investigations, and surveying the location and elevation of soil exposures while representing these points in a simple site plan. A geotechnical report according to DIN 4020 is prepared in a single copy and digitally as a PDF, with the scope determined as required. This includes evaluating and presenting the results of the geotechnical investigations, potentially in a geological-geotechnical profile section to scale in location and elevation. The assessment includes determining characteristic soil parameters, groundwater levels, permissible soil pressures, and design values of bearing resistance. Guidance on water management during construction is provided, as well as statements on the reusability of excavated materials. Information is also given on securing or sloping of excavation pits, the design of foundation elements, waterproofing of the building, the infiltration capacity of the construction site, and the design of parking and traffic areas. |
1.300,00 € |
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Infiltration Test
Conducting an infiltration test in a borehole, including borehole drilling (≤ 80 mm diameter, depth up to 2 m) or with a double-ring infiltrometer (hand excavation) with a layer log, installation of test casing, performing the measurement (up to 30 minutes), logging and evaluation (graphics and calculation). |
225,00 € |
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Soil Samples
Collection of soil and material samples for geotechnical and chemical laboratory investigations. |
72,00 € |
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Incidental Cost
5% incidental costs from material and personnel expenses. |
80,00 € |
| Vat (19%) | 318,63 € |
| Total | 1.995,63 € |
Overall, the soil survey provided us with valuable information to ensure that our house stands on a secure foundation and is well-protected against water and frost. Now we can proceed to the next step in our construction project with peace of mind!