Investigate the ground before designing foundations

A ground investigation provides information for foundation design. As the owner, your priorities are commissioning it early enough and getting the findings to the right designers. A neighboring lot’s foundation type or a yard that looks level cannot replace an investigation of your site.

Provide the project information

Tell the specialist the planned building location and use, and supply available maps and earlier investigations. If the location is undecided, ask for a proposed investigation scope in consultation with the designer.

The quote should describe the fieldwork, report, and any possible further investigations. Check arrangements for access to the lot, equipment routes, and investigation points.

The report needs interpretation

A ground investigation is not a finished foundation design. Ask the designer to explain how the findings affect the foundation approach, earthwork, and cost estimate. Keep unresolved questions visible.

Useful questions include:

• Did the investigation cover the planned building location?
• Which findings affect quantities used in pricing the work?
• Are additional investigations needed?
• Would the assessment change if the building’s location or size changed?

Do not select a technical foundation design through price comparison alone. That decision belongs to the project’s designers.

Include the findings in quote requests

Give all foundation and earthwork bidders the same version of the report. Ask them to identify their pricing assumptions, especially where quantities are still unknown.

An investigation does not guarantee a site without surprises, but it provides a stronger basis for decisions than guesswork. As plans develop, comparing foundation contract scopes helps identify what each bid actually covers.