Anyone planning to develop a piece of land knows how essential it is to create the strongest, most durable foundation.
This is true for everything from simple builds such as swimming pools to more complex commercial and residential structures.
Ensuring that your building project starts with as few hassles as possible begins with the necessary soil testing Melbourne councils require.
The foundation serves as the superstructure on which the entire infrastructure of a building is built. Thus, if you do not have a concrete foundation, your building can suffer long-term damage.
Thus, a foundation inspection is necessary to ensure the long-term safety of the building's occupants, as well as the workers who will play a key role in its construction.
The next step in the process often includes requesting a footing inspection. What is a footing inspection, and why should you opt for one? This post answers these questions.
Understanding What A Footing Inspection Is
In the Australian context, a footing probe, also called a test pit, is a geotechnical process in which engineers and technicians excavate the area around existing foundations.
The experts determine the exact depth, size, material used, and current condition during this process.
The general idea here is to see how the materials used in the existing foundation have held up against external factors.
Performing this type of test reveals hidden details that may not be clear on a standard soil test.
It’s also an excellent way for engineers to assess how the soil’s bearing capacity has affected the foundation.
In addition, a footing inspection helps identify specific risks that can then be mitigated in the new build.
Knowing Why You Need A Footing Inspection
The Australian law (AS 2870) necessitates a footing inspection to ensure a compliant and safe structure.
This is especially the case if you’re planning to build in areas with reactive soils. Our experts have compiled a list of the top reasons why your build may require this test.
1. Footing Inspections Help To Ensure Robust Structural Integrity
As with other soil tests and assessments, the main reason for a footing inspection is to ensure the structural integrity of the intended structure.
The term 'footing' refers to the foundation of your building. Hence, the inspection is conducted to identify flaws and potential issues as early as possible.
Common issues your team should aim to avoid include cracks, settlement, and eventual structural failure.
By conducting a comprehensive footing inspection, your team can identify issues early and design remedial measures.
2. Identifies Surrounding Soil Conditions
When it comes to construction sites, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Moreover, each site differs from the others, with varying ground conditions and soil types. A footing inspection will determine the soil you’re dealing with and the properties it exhibits.
Checking samples from surrounding foundations will give your team an idea of whether the prescribed materials have held up under the specific soil conditions in the area.
This is crucial for builds that can hold additional weight over time. A good example of this is when upper-story additions are planned.
In this instance, the foundation will need to support additional weight, which means this must be factored into the original build.
3. Ensures That Your Building Complies With Local Building Codes
You may not think that your particular build requires a footing inspection. However, it’s crucial to note that this test is part of the mandatory assessments to obtain the necessary building permits.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to substantial fines, project delays, and even the need to redo all or part of the project.
Keep in mind that this will not only be expensive, but will also hamper your project timeline.
Completing your footing inspection will give you peace of mind that your build is compliant and safe, and meets all legal requirements.
4. Prevents Future Issues
Any experienced developer will tell you that a rushed approach often leads to severe consequences down the line. In some instances, a “slow and steady wins the race” approach works better.
This means taking the time to perform all the necessary tests before construction begins. Doing this will ensure that once your structure goes up, it stays up safely.
The goal should always be to avoid potential issues down the road, which will not only be costly to repair but may endanger anyone using the structure.
This is especially true if you’re building in an area with a reputation for weak soil and low bearing capacity. Speak to your local geotechnical team for an accurate list of the tests needed in your area.
Understand These Things About Foundation Inspection
A footing inspection is one of the more essential steps in ensuring the success of any construction project.
Not only does this test ensure overall structural integrity, but it also enables your engineering and building team to address issues as early as possible.
Remedial building materials and updated building techniques will ensure your team doesn’t waste money or materials when creating the perfect foundation.
Insisting on the right tests and assessments from the get-go will ensure you have a stable, durable structure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about foundation inspection.
Experts generally examine the ground and the floor on which a project is to be built.
This also involves checking the drainage and the foundations of an existing building at the base.
The cost of foundation inspection should vary by region. Moreover, different projects have different foundation inspection costs.
Furthermore, if it is just a visual inspection, the cost will be something around a few hundred dollars. However, if the issues are severe, the cost can shoot up to $2000 or more.
Generally, the buyers pay for the foundation examination of a building. The home inspection is generally a part of the buyer’s due diligence.
At the beginning of a new project, the builder conducts a thorough inspection of the house before starting construction.
