When you’re building a new home it’s easy to get caught up in planning all the fun details. The reality is that house builders Brisbane actually need to know more than what type of flooring you want to install. There’s lots of preparation involved with a building project, but one of the most important puzzle pieces is soil testing. The Importance of Soil Testing When Building a Home determines lots of things about how your home is designed and engineered, so it’s critical to the entire process.
What is Soil Testing?
Soil testing is a big part of the home building process. Most modern homes are built on concrete slabs laid directly over the ground beneath, so that means the quality of the soil has a big impact on the stability of your house. Soil testing is compulsory in most Australian states and is carried out by professional geotechnical engineers. The engineer will take samples from your block of land for testing and review, and they’ll return to you with a soil classification. That soil classification can then be used by your builder to design a slab, footing or other foundations for your home.
How is Soil Testing Performed?
Soil testing is performed by licensed geotechnical engineers. They visit your site and use specialised hollow drills to take “core” samples from the ground. These cylindrical samples of soil are then taken back to their facility for analysis and testing. The major benefit of this type of soil testing is that it reveals what’s going on underneath the ground. Depending on your needs, soil testing can be done at depths anywhere from 10 centimetres to several metres, although residential builds usually only take shallow samples.
When performing soil sampling for a construction project, it’s important to take samples from all over the site. Soil composition can vary from one area to the next, so it’s common for engineers to take dozens of samples from every part of the block.
Australian Soil Classifications
The soil that’s taken away from your site will be tested and given a soil classification. Soil classifications are a measure of how reactive the ground is. That is, how much the ground changes or moves when it’s subject to external factors such as moisture absorption. Stable soil that shows less movement is considered less reactive, while highly reactive soils expand and contract noticeably with moisture absorption.
Soil testing is a major part of the Australian construction industry and is regulated by Australian Standards. According to AS2870, Australian soils are grouped into several classifications:
Other Soil Classification Factors
Soil classifications aren’t the only thing house builders Brisbane pay attention to. To ensure your new home is stable and protected from shifts in the land underneath, builders also consider other factors:
In an age of extravagance, minimalist interior design is a welcome splash of fresh air for home. De-cluttering the extraneous, prioritizing function, and embracing sleek visual beauty, minimalism is more a philosophy than a style. While minimalist interiors to others appear sparse or too minimalist, real estate trends indicate that minimalist, uncluttered houses are what […]
When designing a small space kitchen planners use smart solutions that help to save space and create a practical clutter-free kitchen environment for space and cooking things. A small space kitchen design can be very functional and beautiful if every inch is used and the right materials are selected. Having a small kitchen can be […]
Along with other furniture, storage units for living room play a vital role in Indian households. From handcrafted artifacts to vases and books, everything is stored in these units. Adding storage units for living room makes the space truly multipurpose while also acting as a fine decor element. Vivid products like TV units, bookshelves, consoles, […]
A well-designed driveway not only adds value to your property but also improves functionality and curb appeal. When it comes to creating a durable, attractive parking area, choosing the right type of parking tiles are essential. Parking tiles are specifically designed to withstand the weight of vehicles, resist weather elements, and maintain their appearance over […]
Looking to transform your dining space? A modern crockery unit design can be the key element for the upgrade! In addition to its usefulness, an ideal crockery unit design provides a less cluttered space, adds ease of access, and serves as a feature of your home. Recent innovations in design also allow you to adapt […]
Modular houses are prefabricated structures built in modules manufactured and assembled on-site. They are built under controlled plant conditions, using the same materials, and designed to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities but in about half the time. As a result, this reduces the construction cost to 30% to 50% less than […]
Brick houses have been a cornerstone of architecture for centuries, celebrated for their durability, aesthetic versatility, and timeless appeal. In modern design, architects continue to explore innovative ways to incorporate brick into residential spaces, blending traditional materials with contemporary needs. While the design of each brick house is unique, there are several ways to incorporate […]
Architecture is not just a profession, it is an evolving journey of discovery, adaptation, and growth. At Elev8 2025, Architect Hiren Patel takes us on a journey into the design philosophy of Monkey Forest Villa. He explores the architectural elements that contribute to the home’s artistry. He also offers insight into the story of his design […]
One of the significant decor elements for the living room is the sofa. Sofa designs for living room radiates the feeling of comfort, the dweller’s personality, and their personal touch to the design. From traditional Indian settees to modern-day lounges, with plenty of choices available, it can be puzzling what to choose. With this curation […]
Plants for home garden, apart from making houses look more beautiful and inviting, add health and calmness to them. Having any kind of indoor plant, a herb plant or a flowering plant adds some value to your decor and the quality of the space. Always choose plants that will flourish in your space and climate. […]