Ground & site investigation (geotechnical): what it costs and how to get quotes

• What is the project? Self-build or single new house / Extension or basement to an existing property / Multi-plot or development site / Subsidence or structural concern / Something else
• What do you need? Phase 1 desk study only / Phase 2 intrusive investigation / Both phases / Not sure, I've been asked for a "ground investigation"
• Any known ground concerns? Clay soil and/or trees near the build / Made ground, fill or previous structures / Possible contamination (former industrial or fuel use) / None known, investigation requested anyway
• Who has asked for the investigation? Structural engineer or architect / Building control / Warranty provider (e.g. NHBC) / Planning condition (contaminated land) / No one yet, doing it early
• When do you need the report? As soon as possible / Within 1–3 months / In 3+ months / Just researching fees

These are the questions on the form above, so a firm can quote from your first message.

• Is the price fixed, or an estimate? Ask for it in writing, with what would change it.
• What does your price include? Published prices for this work are usually quoted per desk study or ground investigation; check yours is quoted the same way before you compare.
• When could you start, and how long will it take? Firms are told when you said you need it; ask them to confirm.
• Who will do the work? Ask whether it is the firm's own staff or a subcontractor.

1. Your enquiry is checked for spam and its contact details are checked so a firm can reach you.
2. Worklanded chooses up to three ground investigation firms that cover the area. A firm sees the job and the area before it decides to take it.
3. As your details go to each firm, we email you its name, with a link that stops any more firms receiving them.
4. The firms contact you directly. You agree the price and the work with them; Worklanded takes no part of that.

Every step is how the system works, not a promise: read how it works for you, or how this compares with Bark.

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