While property owners often confuse the two, a Perc Test and a Geotechnical Report serve entirely different purposes and cannot be used interchangeably for structural work.
### Perc Test (Percolation Test)
- Primary Purpose: Used solely for septic system design.
- Key Data: It measures the soil’s absorption rate in minutes per inch to determine the size of a leach field.
- Structural Relevance: It provides no data on whether soil can support a building. Building departments will not accept a perc test for foundation permits.
- Typical Cost: $100 – $300 per test hole.
### Geotechnical Report
- Primary Purpose: Evaluates soil bearing capacity for structural foundation design and repair.
- Key Data: Provides comprehensive technical details including soil type classification, density, groundwater depth, shear strength, and shrink/swell potential.
- Structural Relevance: Essential for calculating foundation dimensions and determining the depth and spacing of helical piers.
- Typical Cost: $800 – $3,500 depending on the project scope and site access.
In the Denver metro area, geotechnical reports must be prepared by a licensed geotechnical engineer and follow ASTM standards to ensure the long-term stability of the structure.
Related FAQs
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Should I Expect a Higher Labor Cost for the Installation of Helical Piers Compared to Push Piers?
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Can a Contractor Provide an Accurate Cost Estimate for Push Versus Helical Piers without a Soil Analysis?
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Why are Helical Piers Sometimes More Expensive to Install than Push Piers?
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What Factors besides Pier Type Influence the Total Cost of Foundation Stabilization?
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How does the Cost of Push Piers Compare to Helical Piers for Foundation Repair?
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