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
-
Is White Oak Cabinetry Still Popular for Modern Kitchens?
Read More »: Is White Oak Cabinetry Still Popular for Modern Kitchens?Yes, white oak remains a central pillar of modern kitchen design trends 2026. Its popularity stems from its ability to provide organic texture and warmth while maintaining the clean, simplified aesthetic favored in contemporary Centennial homes. We utilize white oak…
-
What are the Best Wood Types for Modern Kitchen Cabinets in 2026?
Read More »: What are the Best Wood Types for Modern Kitchen Cabinets in 2026?As we look toward 2026, modern kitchen design trends are centering on organic textures and wellness-aligned aesthetics. For homeowners in Centennial and the Denver metro area, we recommend several specific wood species that anchor these trends while standing up to…
-
How do Fiberglass Entry Doors Compare to Wood in High-altitude Sun?
Read More »: How do Fiberglass Entry Doors Compare to Wood in High-altitude Sun?In Colorado’s high-altitude environment, fiberglass entry doors significantly outperform wood due to their superior resistance to intense UV exposure and extreme temperature swings. While wood is prone to warping, cracking, and splitting during our state’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles, fiberglass maintains…
-
Why are Fiberglass Doors the Best Choice for Colorado’s Climate?
Read More »: Why are Fiberglass Doors the Best Choice for Colorado’s Climate?Fiberglass doors are the premier choice for Colorado’s unique environment because they are specifically engineered to withstand extreme high-altitude conditions that typically damage wood or steel. They provide unmatched durability and thermal performance for our local climate. We recommend fiberglass…
-
Does the Cost of Replacing an Exterior Door Frame Include Repair for Hidden Rot or Structural Damage?
Read More »: Does the Cost of Replacing an Exterior Door Frame Include Repair for Hidden Rot or Structural Damage?Any preliminary estimate for an exterior door frame replacement is a starting point, and the final cost is often influenced by hidden rot or structural damage discovered during the repair process. When we open up an existing frame, we frequently…
