Geotechnical Report
A geotechnical report investigates the soil, rock and groundwater conditions on your site so a structural engineer can design appropriate foundations - critical on sloping sites, reactive clay soils, or sites with a history of fill or contamination. It commonly informs the structural design directly, so getting it early avoids redesigning footings after the structural engineer has already committed to a foundation type. We coordinate the geotechnical engineer and time the report to when your project actually needs it.
Free consultation
- 1–2 weeks
- Quoted per site - typically from $1,200 + GST
- Quoted fixed after a free scope check
Why sequencing this early matters
A geotechnical report is one of the reports that genuinely changes another consultant's work - the structural engineer cannot finalise footing design without it. Commissioning it after the structural drawings are drafted is a common source of late redesign, particularly on sloping Sydney sites.
Source: Australian Standard AS 2870; relevant council Development Control Plans.
How it works
Site investigation
1–3 days on site
Boreholes or test pits taken across the site to assess soil, rock and groundwater conditions.
Analysis and classification
3–5 days
Site classified (for example, under AS 2870 for residential footings) and foundation recommendations prepared.
Report and structural handover
1–2 weeks total
Report issued to the structural engineer to inform the foundation design.
What we take off your hands
What EHUP handles
- Coordinating a geotechnical engineer for site investigation and reporting
- Timing the report so it actually informs the structural design, not just documents it after
- Flagging reactive soil, slope stability or fill issues before they affect the design
- Cross-checking geotechnical findings against any contamination assessment on the same site
What you don't have to deal with
- Structural design committed before soil conditions are actually known
- A foundation redesign after footings were already priced and drawn
Frequently asked questions
Do I need this for a straightforward, flat site?
Often yes, though the investigation is simpler and cheaper than for a sloping or reactive site. Most councils and structural engineers expect a soil classification even for a standard single dwelling, because footing design depends on it.
What does a geotechnical report actually tell my engineer?
The soil classification (how reactive or stable the ground is), bearing capacity, groundwater depth, and any specific hazards like fill, rock or slope instability - all of which directly determine what type of footing the structural engineer can specify.
Is this the same as a contamination report?
No. A geotechnical report is about foundation and structural conditions; a contamination report (PSI) is about whether the land has been affected by prior industrial, agricultural or waste-related use. Sites with an industrial history sometimes need both.
Related services
Development Application (DA)
A Development Application is the merit-assessed approval pathway.
Specialist Reports
Most applications of any size need reports from specialists outside town planning.
Contaminated Land Assessment
If your site has any history of industrial, agricultural chemical or waste-related use, council will likely require a staged contamination assessment before development can proceed - starting with a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), which escalates to a Detailed Site Investigation and a Remediation Action Plan only if contamination is actually confirmed.
Why clients choose EHUP
- 10+
- 250+
- 14
- 1
Not sure which approval you need?
Tell us the address and what you want to do. We'll help identify the appropriate planning pathway, whether it is exempt development, complying development or a full DA. Your first conversation is free.