If you’re planning to build a new home, renovate, extend an existing property, install a pool, construct a shed or undertake any residential development, there’s a good chance you’ll need a Soil Test or a Site Classification Report.

A professional soil test is one of the most important early stages of any construction project. It provides critical information about the ground conditions beneath your site, allowing engineers to design safe, cost-effective foundations that comply with Australian Standards.

At Smolders Geotechnical Pty Ltd, we specialise in geotechnical engineering and provide comprehensive soil testing services throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. Every investigation includes practical footing recommendations that assist your engineer, architect, draftsperson or builder in designing the most suitable footing system for your site.

All residential investigations are completed in accordance with Australian Standard AS2870-2011 for Residential Slabs and Footings.

How Much Does a Soil Test Cost in Melbourne?

The cost of a Soil Test in Melbourne varies depending on the size of your project, site conditions and the extent of investigation required. Every property is different, so pricing can vary significantly.

For most standard residential projects across Greater Melbourne, soil testing generally starts from $500–$800 + GST.

This typically covers projects including:

New homes
Home extensions
Renovations
Sheds
Decks
Swimming pools
Garages

A standard residential investigation typically includes 2–3 boreholes drilled to depths of approximately 1.5–1.8 metres, providing sufficient information for accurate site classification and footing design.

Factors That Can Increase Soil Testing Costs

Certain site conditions or project requirements may require additional geotechnical engineering investigations, resulting in higher costs.

Deep Fill or Uncontrolled Fill

Sites containing deep fill often require drilling beyond standard investigation depths. Additional drilling is usually charged on a per-metre basis and is always approved before work proceeds, so there should never be unexpected charges.

Footing Probes

If you’re constructing a second-storey addition or building close to an existing structure, a footing assessment may be required.

This involves exposing existing foundations to determine:

Footing depth
Foundation material
Structural condition
Bearing capacity

This information enables your structural engineer to design suitable connections and new foundations.

Footing probes generally start from $200 plus GST, with additional costs applying where concrete cutting or difficult access is involved.

Multi-Unit & Townhouse Developments

Larger developments require more extensive geotechnical investigations, including additional boreholes and increased professional liability coverage.

As the number of dwellings increases, so does the level of investigation required.

Erosion Management Overlay (EMO)

Properties located within an Erosion Management Overlay (EMO) require specialised geotechnical reporting that addresses:

Slope stability
Landslip risk
Ground movement
Council-specific planning requirements

These investigations typically range from $3,000–$6,000+, depending on site complexity.

Non-Residential Projects

Not every project falls within the scope of residential site classification.

Projects such as:

Commercial developments
Industrial buildings
Large retaining structures
Basement construction

Will require a comprehensive Geotechnical Site Investigation rather than a standard soil test.

The scope and cost of these investigations depend on project requirements, engineering specifications and required investigation depths.

Travel Costs

For projects located outside metropolitan Melbourne, a travel allowance may apply based on the distance travelled.

How Long Does a Soil Test Take?

Most Soil Tests in Melbourne are completed onsite within 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on site conditions and the scope of works.

After accepting your quotation, fieldwork is typically scheduled within 2–6 business days, with your completed geotechnical report generally issued within a few business days following the investigation.

Why Choosing an Experienced Geotechnical Engineer Matters

Not all soil testing companies provide the same level of service.

A soil test is much more than simply assigning a site classification such as Class M, H1, H2, P or S.

An experienced geotechnical engineer interprets the soil conditions, identifies potential construction risks and provides practical recommendations that help engineers design foundations correctly the first time.

At Smolders Geotechnical Pty Ltd, we complete soil tests and geotechnical investigations for many of Melbourne’s leading builders, structural engineers and building designers.

Our investigations are carried out by only in-house, qualified and experienced geotechnical professionals, many with more than 30 years of industry experience. From fieldwork through to report preparation, every stage is completed by experienced key personnel rather than unqualified technicians.

What’s Included in Our Soil Test Reports?

Every report includes more than just a site classification.

Depending on your project, our reports may include:

Site Classification (AS2870)
Detailed soil profile
Borehole logs
Foundation recommendations
Footing design guidance
Foundation depth recommendations
Identification of abnormal ground conditions
Recommendations for slabs and/or specialised footing systems

These recommendations help your engineer design foundations that are appropriate for your site while avoiding unnecessary construction costs.

Why a Quality Soil Test Can Save You Thousands

Your home’s foundations rely entirely on accurate geotechnical information.

An incomplete or inaccurate soil investigation can lead to:

Over-designed footings that unnecessarily increase construction costs
Under-designed foundations that may cause cracking, movement and expensive structural repairs
Delays during construction
Additional engineering redesign costs

Investing in a thorough Soil Test investigation from an experienced geotechnical engineering consultant provides confidence that your project starts with accurate information.

Ongoing Support Throughout Your Project

Construction projects often raise questions after the initial investigation has been completed.

Whether your builder requires clarification, your engineer needs additional information or an onsite inspection becomes necessary, our experienced team is available to assist promptly.

With multiple drilling rigs and experienced staff operating throughout Melbourne, we can respond quickly to inspection requests and provide ongoing support throughout your project.

Book Your Soil Test in Melbourne

If you’re planning to build, renovate or develop a property, arranging a professional Soil Test in Melbourne is one of the first and most important steps.

At Smolders Geotechnical Pty Ltd, we provide reliable soil testing, site classifications and expert geotechnical engineering services backed by decades of industry experience.

Contact our team today to discuss your project and receive an obligation-free quotation.