In the preliminary stages of home-building, it is necessary for you to hire an experienced professional to conduct a soil test. Overlooking this process can have dire implications for the overall cost of construction. Soil testing ensures that the soil beneath your house can ensure the structural integrity of the building. In many jurisdictions, you may incur fines if you ignore this step since soil testing is a minimum requirement, since the process ensures that the foundation of your house is structurally sound. Here are a few reasons why new home-builders must hire a qualified engineer to perform this procedure.
Determines the Soil's Safe Bearing Capacity — Testing the soil in the design phase of construction determines the ability of the foundation soil to withstand the weight of the structure. Some soils are not suitable for construction because they are incapable of enduring the weight of the house. The qualified engineer will determine the soundness of the soil before construction can begin. Soils that are located near rivers have poor bearing capacity, so they are unsuitable for construction. This is why local authorities place a buffer zone between rivers and residential zones.
Prevents Future Liability — Most states require that a soil expert performs the soil analysis to prevent future liabilities in case of injuries or death resulting from the collapse of the building. For this reason, a residential construction project will only be given permission to proceed after this process has been conducted meticulously. It is illegal to begin a construction project without a building inspector certifying that all the required standards of soil testing have been met. Avoid any future legal disputes by adhering to the industry standards for this process.
Minimizes Future Costs — As a first-time home builder, you should opt to conduct soil testing and have an inspector carry out the inspection, instead of ignoring this step and facing high future costs. The costs are often related to repairs to the structure, forced demolition, and insurance payouts. Such costs definitely outweigh the initial cost of performing soil testing.
Ascertains Chemicals and Minerals Present — Soil testing is vital because it helps to determine the chemicals and minerals present in the soil. Irrespective of the soil type, soil analysis helps the home-builder to recognize the properties of the soil beneath which a building will rest. If the soil contains chemicals or minerals that can affect foundation material such as steel, then corrective measures should be proposed. For example, you may be forced to use chemical-resistant cement or install support piers in the foundation.
