Accurate, reliable soil testing, geotechnical investigations and site classification for
residential and commercial developments across Melbourne and Regional Victoria
Smolders Geotechnical provides comprehensive soil testing and site classification services across Melbourne and Victoria, helping builders, engineers and homeowners understand ground conditions before construction begins. Our AS2870-compliant reports give you the confidence to design safe, cost-effective foundations.
Our soil testing services are used for:
Offering obligation-free quotes, we make pricing simple and transparent, so you can plan your project with confidence.
We value your time and understand its importance. We’re committed to providing a smooth, efficient experience while respecting your project’s schedule.
We are fully covered by Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance, ensuring a safe and risk-free experience.
A soil test determines the classification of your site under AS2870, informing footing and slab design. Builders and certifiers require a current soil report before construction can be approved. Getting it right the first time avoids costly redesigns and delays.
With offices in both Melbourne and North-East Victoria, we cover a wide service area. Our standard turnaround time for soil testing and reporting is 10 to 15 working days from commission to receipt of report, helping keep your project on schedule.
One of the most important things we assess is soil reactivity, i.e. how much the soil moves when the moisture changes. This directly impacts the type of slab or footing your project needs. If soil movement isn’t properly accounted for, foundations can crack, shift, or settle unevenly. Your report will clearly outline these conditions so your builder or engineer can design the right foundation.
Before you build, it’s essential to understand the ground your structure will sit on. A soil test helps determine the soil classification and its bearing capacity, making sure it can safely support your home or project. This reduces the risk of structural problems later on.
For most residential jobs, we use hand tools. This helps avoid access issues, reduces noise, and keeps disturbance to your garden to a minimum.
That said, we also have a wide range of specialist geotechnical equipment, tight-access tracked rigs, multiple 4×4 drill rigs, and larger truck-mounted rigs. No matter the site conditions, we have the right gear to get the job done.
Soil testing is needed for most residential projects, including:
New homes
Extensions to existing houses
Second-storey additions
Units or dual-occupancy developments
Townhouses
Subdivisions
Pools
Garages or sheds
Decks
And much more
We offer free, obligation-free quotes. Just send us the site address, any available plans, or a short description of your proposed works, and we’ll prepare a formal fee proposal for you.
Get in touch for expert advice, fast soil reports and reliable geotechnical solutions across Victoria
(03) 9545 5566
enquiries@smoldersgeotechnical.com.au
Melbourne Office:
1/2 Amay Crescent, Ferntree Gully, VIC 3156
North-East Office:
10/15-21 Ford Street, Wangaratta, VIC 3677
Copyright © 2026 Smolders Geotechnical P/L
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Bunurong people of the kulin nation, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.