No, the typical estimated cost per pier does not include soil analysis or excavation costs. While a standard quote from ACN Construction covers materials, professional installation, and a basic load test, certain preparatory and regulatory requirements are considered add-on costs.
Here is a breakdown of how these specific services are handled:
- Soil Analysis: This is typically billed separately. A formal geotechnical investigation (soil report) is required to determine the bearing capacity of the lot and the necessary pier depth. If a current report is not available, homeowners should expect a specific fee for soil sampling and analysis.
- Excavation and Site Prep: While helical piers require minimal excavation compared to other methods, costs related to site accessibility—such as clearing vegetation or working in tight crawl spaces—can increase labor costs by 10–20%. Additionally, homeowners are responsible for contacting 811 to mark underground utilities before any digging begins.
- Other Exclusions: In addition to soil reports, items such as municipal permits, stamped engineering reports, and specialized underpinning brackets are generally separate line items because their necessity depends on local Centennial regulations and specific site conditions.
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