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
-
Can I Customize my Garage Door Style, Material, and Insulation During the Installation Process?
Read More »: Can I Customize my Garage Door Style, Material, and Insulation During the Installation Process?Yes, you can fully customize your garage door style, material, and insulation during the installation process. ACN Construction uses a design-build approach, which allows you to work with a single point of contact to select the specific features of your…
-
Are Egress Windows Required for a Basement Bedroom in Colorado?
Read More »: Are Egress Windows Required for a Basement Bedroom in Colorado?Yes, egress windows are mandatory for basement bedrooms in Colorado. According to the International Residential Code (IRC) and local Colorado building codes, every basement bedroom and habitable space must have an egress opening to serve as an emergency escape and…
-
How do I Apply for Home Improvement Loans for Energy-efficient Siding?
Read More »: How do I Apply for Home Improvement Loans for Energy-efficient Siding?To apply for home improvement loans for energy-efficient siding in Colorado, you can follow a structured five-step process designed to help you secure the best rates and utilize available incentives: Define your project scope and estimate costs. Begin by determining…
-
How can I Tell if the Helical Pier Cost I was Quoted Includes a ‘no Depth Clause’?
Read More »: How can I Tell if the Helical Pier Cost I was Quoted Includes a ‘no Depth Clause’?To determine if your quote includes a no depth clause (or conversely, contains a clause that allows for price adjustments), you should carefully review the contract language regarding soil conditions and pier depth. Based on industry standards and ACN Construction’s…
-
Why do Contractors Often Charge per Pier Location Rather than Just for Materials?
Read More »: Why do Contractors Often Charge per Pier Location Rather than Just for Materials?Contractors utilize a per-pier location pricing model because it accurately reflects the specific labor, equipment, and engineering required at every individual support point. This method is considered an industry-best practice for several reasons: Independent Labor Requirements: Each pier location requires…
