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Soil Testing Melbourne

Soil Testing Melbourne & Site Classification Services

Before starting any new build or renovation, a reliable soil test is essential. At Smolders Geotechnical, our comprehensive reports cover everything from site classification to footing recommendations. All work is performed by experienced, qualified Engineering Geologists, ensuring expert results from start to finish.

Don’t waste time or money on substandard soil tests that provide minimal information. When you choose Smolders Geotechnical for soil testing in Melbourne, you’re getting the best advice, backed by over 30 years of industry experience and top-tier equipment. Whether your project is in the city, country, east, west, north, or south, we’ve been there. We’ve drilled countless holes and analysed diverse soil and rock types, delivering results you can trust.

For new homes, units, or extensions, getting the site classification right from the beginning ensures a solid foundation for your project.

Common Developments Requiring Soil Testing:

  • New Houses
  • Extensions to Existing Dwellings
  • Upper Story Extensions
  • Units or Dual Occupancy Projects
  • Townhouse/Unit Developments
  • Subdivisions
  • Pools
  • Garages or Sheds
  • Decks

Why Do You Need a Soil Test Report?

Soil testing is a critical first step for any new build, development, or renovation. Each site has unique soil, geology, and history, making a professional soil report essential. Smolders Geotechnical provides detailed reports that assess on-site soil conditions, site classification, and footing recommendations. Your engineer, architect, or builder will rely on this information during the design phase.

Identifying potential soil and site issues early helps prevent costly delays, allowing for design adjustments that save time and money. Trust Smolders Geotechnical for expert soil testing in Melbourne to ensure a stable foundation for your project.

Why Choose Smolders Geotechnical for Soil Testing in Melbourne?

  • All work is carried out by qualified engineering geologists or geotechnical engineers.
  • Fully insured with Professional Indemnity and Public Liability coverage.
  • Extensive experience with residential and commercial developments.
  • We offer a wide range of drilling rigs and equipment to suit any site conditions.
  • Members of the Foundations and Footing Society Victoria, Australian Geomechanics Society, and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists.
  • Fast, responsive, and comprehensive service.
  • Expertise with challenging and tight-access sites.
  • Your first step to achieving the best outcome for your build.

Our Soil Testing Services Include:

  • Soil Testing/Site Classification Reports to AS2870:2011
  • Geotechnical Assessments and Landslip Risk Assessments for EMO
  • Full Geotechnical Site Assessments
  • Basement Investigations
  • Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Testing
  • Land Capability Assessments (LCA)
  • Footing Probes
  • Bushfire Attack Levels, Wind Load Ratings

Soil Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a soil test in Melbourne important for construction purposes?

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.

How is soil testing carried out on-site?

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.

What information is included in a soil testing in Melbourne report?

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.

How long does it usually take to complete soil testing in Melbourne from site visit to report delivery?

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 commissioning, helping you keep your project on schedule.

What types of construction projects require soil testing in Melbourne for council or engineering approval?

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.

Soil Testing
Link to Soil Testing
Land Capability Assessment
Link to Land Capability Assessment
Geotechnical Assessments
Link to Geotechnical Assessments
Geotechnical Site Assessments
Link to Geotechnical Site Assessments
Basement Investigations
Link to Basement Investigations
Onsite Storm Water Disposal
Link to Onsite Storm Water Disposal
Inground Pool Testing
Link to Inground Pool Testing
Landslip Risk Assessments
Link to Landslip Risk Assessments

All works completed by
qualified professional
Engineering Geologists.

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